How many of us use various types of cosmetics from the time we wake up in the morning until we go to bed at night? Think about it, soap, shampoo, cream, toothpaste, deodorant, makeup... the list is long. We use these to look beautiful and stay clean. But have you ever thought about whether all the chemicals inside these bottles and tubes are really good for our bodies and our health? Probably not.
Research shows that exposure to some of the chemicals in the cosmetics we use can have adverse effects on our health. For example, metals in some cosmetics can be absorbed through the skin, deposited in the body, and can damage internal organs. And some of the ingredients in hair dyes can cause allergies, hair loss, and eye damage. And this is just the beginning.
Do you test whether the products are actually safe?
We usually think that every cosmetic product in the store has been thoroughly tested for safety before being sold. But that is not the truth. Even though there are laws and regulations in Sri Lanka and countries like the United States, not every cosmetic product or ingredient is pre-approved by government agencies before it is released to the market. Usually, it is only when a consumer complains that they investigate.
The expectation here is that cosmetic companies themselves must ensure that their products and ingredients are safe for consumers. It is also their responsibility to accurately state the information on the label, not use banned substances, and only use restricted substances in the prescribed amounts.
This puts us, the consumers, in a bit of a bind. A recent study found that makeup products like foundation, mascara, and lipstick contain high concentrations of a chemical called ``Fluorine.'' The presence of fluorine in these products means that they may contain a group of potentially toxic chemicals called ``Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)''. The biggest problem is that these things are not clearly stated on the label.
What does "cosmetics" really mean?
When we think of "cosmetics," we often think of makeup products. But the word actually has a much broader meaning. Simply put, it includes anything we use to clean, beautify, or change our appearance. That means anything you use:
- Moisturizers
- Shampoos and Conditioners
- Soaps
- Toothpaste
- Deodorants
- Hair color products
- Finger nail polishes
- Perfumes
All of this falls under the category of "cosmetics." So we need to be careful about the labels on all of these things.
Be careful if these names are on the label!
The biggest problem now is how to identify these potentially harmful chemicals . It's hard for us to remember every chemical name. But there are a few that are commonly talked about and worth paying attention to. The next time you buy a cosmetic, check the label for these names.
| Chemical substance / category | What to know about this |
|---|---|
| Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives | Used in hair smoothing products and as a preservative to stop the growth of bacteria. May cause eye irritation, nausea, headaches, sore throat, and skin irritation. Long-term exposure to high levels has been linked to cancer risk. |
| Parabens | A key ingredient used to preserve cosmetics, it has been linked to skin allergies, endocrine disruption, and reproductive system damage. |
| Fragrance / Parfum (perfume) | By law, companies are not required to list the ingredients used in fragrances, as they are considered "trade secrets." This means that hundreds of chemicals can be hidden under the word "fragrance." Some people may be allergic to these. |
| Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLS) / Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLES) | Used to create foam in shampoos, soaps, body washes, etc. Can cause irritation to the skin and eyes. May contain toxic impurities. |
| Coal Tar Dyes | Often found in hair coloring products, compounds like p-Phenylenediamine (PPD) can cause severe allergies. |
| Petrolatum (petroleum jelly) | There is a risk that unrefined petroleum jelly may contain toxic chemicals such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which may be carcinogenic. |
| Triclosan | It is used as a bactericide. Animal studies have found it to be associated with decreased thyroid hormone levels, but the effects on humans have not yet been confirmed. |
What do we do then?
This list may seem scary. But the goal is not to scare you, but to educate you. Not all chemicals are bad. Also, it doesn't mean that something on this list will make you sick just because it was in your cream. The important thing is to be an informed consumer .
1. Read labels: As a habit, read the ingredients list before buying a product. This is especially important if you have sensitive skin.
2. Choose simple: Rather than long ingredient lists, try to choose products with short and understandable ingredients.
3. Don't be fooled by the words "Natural" or "Organic": Even if a product is labeled "natural" or "organic," its safety is not 100% guaranteed. Even some natural things can cause skin allergies.
4. If a problem occurs: If your skin becomes irritated, itchy, inflamed, or otherwise abnormal after using a product, stop using the product immediately. If the condition persists or becomes severe, be sure to see your doctor. Do not self-medicate or go to the pharmacy to get medicine. Only a doctor can give you the right advice.
Ultimately, our goal should be to be as mindful of what we put into our bodies as we are of what we put into them. With a little awareness, we can make safer choices for ourselves and our families.
Take-Home Message
- "Cosmetics" doesn't just mean makeup; it includes everything you use every day, like soap, shampoo, toothpaste, and deodorant.
- Not all coatings on the market are pre-approved for safety by government agencies before being sold. The responsibility lies with the manufacturing companies.
- Before purchasing a product, make it a habit to read the label and be aware of the ingredients it contains. Be especially aware of names like Formaldehyde, Parabens, and SLS .
- If any ointment causes a skin allergy or problem, stop using it immediately and consult your doctor if necessary.
- Remember that just because something is labeled "natural" or "organic" doesn't mean it's 100% safe.
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