Dangerous Ingredients for Cosmetics

Based on research, certain ingredients contained in cosmetic products risk health. Therefore, cosmetics that have made you look more beautiful, need to be more careful before they are used every day. It may be that the product contains dangerous cosmetic ingredients. A study of the side effects of beauty products states that the average woman uses 10 cosmetic products every day. This makes them vulnerable to exposure to around 126 types of chemicals. Some of these chemicals are at risk of causing disorders of the reproductive system, cancer, and diabetes.

Dangerous Ingredients in Cosmetics

You are advised to know at once understand the ingredients contained in cosmetics, so you can be more careful when choosing beauty products. Here are some dangerous cosmetic ingredients that can have a bad impact on your health, namely:

• Mercury

Mercury is often added to eye shadows, blushes, and cosmetic powders as preservatives. In addition, this ingredient can also be found in skin whitening creams. If absorbed into the body, mercury can cause brain and nerve damage, kidney disease, lung disease, damage to the immune system and digestive tract.

• Formalin

Formalin is commonly used to preserve bodies. This substance is carcinogenic, meaning it triggers cancer. Some types of cosmetics may contain formalin, for example nail polish, hair gel, eyelash glue, bath soap, baby shampoo or hair straightener products. Prolonged and frequent exposure to formalin can cause sore throats, coughing, itchy eyes, nosebleeds, to cancer. If exposed to formalin at higher levels, can cause skin rashes, wheezing, shortness of breath, to respiratory problems.

• Phthalates

Phthalates are chemicals consisting of diethylphthalate (DEP), dimethylphthalate (DMP), and dibutylphthalate (DBP). Additional substances in cosmetics are found in nail polish, shampoo, perfume, soap, lotion, and hair spray. If you are pregnant, it is recommended to be careful in using cosmetics that may contain phthalates. Therefore, research shows that phthalates can increase the risk of miscarriage and gestational diabetes.

• Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that can trigger cancer and cause interference with the nervous system. This metal is often found in lipstick. You are advised to keep cosmetics out of the reach of children. For children, this material can be a dangerous poison.

Some other harmful ingredients in cosmetics that can also have a risk of causing adverse effects on health are chloroform, triclosan, vinyl chloride, bithiniol, and methylene chloride.

How to Avoid Cosmetics Danger

To reduce the risk of dangerous cosmetics, you are advised to pay more attention to the use of cosmetics. Here are ways you can do it, including:

• Store cosmetics in a closed container and place in a place that is not exposed to sunlight.
• Cosmetic preservatives are useful to help dispel bacteria. So, avoid cosmetics from exposure to hot temperatures that can damage the preservative.
• Don't borrow cosmetics from others to prevent infection and spread of bacteria.
• If you want to try new types of cosmetics, always use a new sponge too.
• Be careful using cosmetics in the eyes. If the eyes are experiencing irritation, delay the use of cosmetics until the eyes are completely healthy.
• Immediately discard your cosmetics, if they have changed color or smell.
• Do not use cosmetics that are old, let alone expired.
• Try to use cosmetics that include all the ingredients on the packaging label.
• Use products that are registered and have obtained marketing authorization from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM).

Cosmetics do make you look more beautiful, but it is recommended to use them to a minimum and choose carefully. This step aims to reduce the risk of harm that can be caused by dangerous cosmetics as described above. If after using certain cosmetic products you find complaints such as itchy skin, rashes, and redness, you should stop using these products and consult your doctor for further treatment.