I become interested to know whether products that I apply on my skin is safe for me. I searched online and found tone of them and they all stated the same lists of ingredients that harmful/ dangerous to us.
Below are some of the ingredients that widely use in cosmetics although they are consider toxic/dangerous to use (Taken from Health Food Emporium, Aurora Group Inc, healthy-communications. Click on the link for more info).
1) Propylene Glycol
Ideally this is a vegetable glycerin mixed with grain alcohol, both of which are natural. Usually it is a synthetic petrochemical mix used as a humectant. It has been known to cause allergic reactions, hives and eczema. When you see PEG (polyethylene glycol) or PPG (polypropylene glycol) on labels, beware—these are related synthetics. Although exposure to high levels of Propylene Glycol is known to cause serious and potentially irreversible health conditions, the chemical industry tell us that "small" quantities or low level exposure of Propylene Glycol is "safe" to use on the skin and in food. According to the safety data sheets of industrial chemical manufacturers, chemicals such as Ethylene Glycol and Propylene Glycol will cause serious health conditions, including liver and heart damage and damage to the central nervous system if sufficient is absorbed by the body.
2) Methyl, Propyl, Butyl and Ethyl Paraben
Used as inhibitors of microbial growth and to extend shelf life of products. Have caused many allergic reactions and skin rashes. Studies have shown that they are weakly estrogenic and can be absorbed by the body through the skin. Widely used even though they are known to be toxic.
3) Parabens (Isobutylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben)
Increases a person's risk of breast cancer. These class of chemicals are also endocrine disruptors and have been linked to fertility problems.
Declared a carcinogen, 2001
5) Fragrances
The label of "Fragrances" can mask a multitude of toxic, synthetic chemicals, many of which suppress the immune system, are endocrine disruptors, and cause cancer. When looking for scented products, make sure it's scented by essential oils -- which are expensive; therefore, companies usually list what essential oils are contained in the product without reverting to the generic term "Fragrances".
6) Collagen
Derived from animal skins and chicken feet, the collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin. They rest on the surface and prevent the skin from breathing comfortably.
7) Glycerin
Draws moisture from inside the skin and holds it on the surface for a better 'feel'. Dries skin from the inside out. Listed on MSDS as hazardous.
Ooo mmm geee.... I found almost all my cosmetic products contained all the ingredients above except for collagen, hurmmm... Talking about collagen, I was planning to get Holika Holika: Three Seconds Moisturizing Collagen Starter this morning, looks like I won't be needing any *insert-product-name-here*-collagen after this.
My Skin79 BB cream has Propylene Glycol, Titanium Dioxide, Glycerin, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, and it used the term "Fragrances". Wow... It's quite shocking to know what exactly I put on my face every morning. I don't know what to do after this, either continue using it or leave it. I know that they may put just a 'small' dosage of those harmful ingredients thus labeling it 'safe' to use, but if all my cosmetics contained them, it may turn into something else, right? hurmm..
I want to use natural product after this. However the term 'natural' is also not clear. I read in one of the article that every company has the right to call/ claim their products 'natural' because there is no clear term what is the ingredients in 'natural' products. This is hard.
These two websites Environmental Working Group: Cosmetics Database and Safe Cosmetics are quite useful if you want to check whether your cosmetic product contains harmful ingredients.
*still thinking*
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