Did you know that so many of our skincare products and makeup contain hormone disruptors, chemicals that cause cancer, and skin irritants that can further cause breakouts? Or they're tested on animals? Yuck! Be sure to read all the way down and enter the giveaway!
In 2004, the EWG evaluated 7,500 personal care products. This is what they found
- 1 out of every 120 products contained known or probable carcinogens
- 71 hair dyes contained carcinogenic hair dyes derived from coal tar
- 55% of products with penetration enhancers increased the permeability of you body to other chemicals as well.
- Over 70% of all products contained ingredients contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other health problem.
- 99.6% of products contained one or more ingredients NEVER assessed for potential health impacts.
Now think about this ladies we put this stuff on our face and our body all day long!
Most people assume the government regulates cosmetics the same way it does food and drugs to ensure they are safe. In reality, cosmetics are one of the least regulated consumer products on the market today.
- The last time the US passed a cosmetics law was 1938!
- The EU has banned 1300 ingredients, the US has only banned 11!
Homework
So I'm going to give you all a little homework. I want you to go download the app Think Dirty (it's free) and scan the items in your makeup bag. Then come back here and look at the list below, if you buy your products in a supermarket or big box store I am betting you have a few of these in your items. It's time to toss those!
Let's learn about six common toxic substances that are found in most commercial cosmetics.
Chances are, these things are in your makeup bag right now!
PARABENS (METYL, PROPYL, ETHYL, BUTYL):
- Parabens are chemicals that have been used since the 1950s to prevent bacteria and act as a preservative in deodorants, lotions, lipsticks, shampoos, scrubs, and more.
- Parabens can mimic estrogen and act as potential hormone (endocrine) system disruptors in the body’s cells. Parabens have been found present in breast tumors and are possibly linked to breast cancer.
TALC:
- Talc is a mineral substance made up of mainly magnesium, silicon and oxygen used in a variety of cosmetic and personal care products such as baby powder, body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, deodorants and face masks.
- Some talc may contain the known carcinogen asbestos, therefore it should be avoided in powders and other personal care products.
BISMUTH:
- Bismuth Oxychloride is a naturally occurring heavy element found in nickel, tin and silver that’s primarily used to manufacture metal by-products. It’s used in cosmetics because it has a distinct shimmery, pearlescent appearance and a fine white powder texture that adheres well to the skin.
- Many cosmetic companies use bismuth because it hides flaws, adds a radiant glow to the face and is a dirt-cheap filler! It also has binding qualities, so the make-up will “stick” to your skin and last all day.
- What may surprise you even more is that bismuth resembles arsenic chemically, yet it is commonly found in many cosmetics.
- Many women will experience itchiness when wearing products containing bismuth, most noticeably when they sweat. This can often lead to nasty rashes and severe acne. Also, we can’t forget Bismuth is also akin to arsenic. If you’ve been wearing mineral makeup, you may be experiencing irritation or breakouts due to the Bismuth in this makeup!
LEAD - SERIOUSLY?!:
- Lead is a naturally occurring element found in small amounts in the earth's crust. Although it is natural, it’s NOT SAFE for human consumption.
- Lead is a known carcinogen (meaning it causes cancer). It can be in your cosmetics and personal care products and DOESN'T EVEN HAVE TO BE LISTED ON THE LABEL. That is because it's not an ingredient, but rather a contaminant.
- The FDA has determined a "healthy lead contamination level" is acceptable in cosmetics and personal care products. Isn't that nice? Except when you apply those products every day, several times per day.
- On the FDA's website it states that 99% OF ALL COSMETICS CONTAIN LEAD! (This is where you go throw out your entire makeup bag.)
MERCURY:
- Mercury is poison. It is a known toxin. Although Mercury is a natural element found in the earth’s crust (often in regions with volcanic activity) its natural status doesn’t mean it’s safe.
- Repeated or serious exposure to mercury can severely damage the nervous system including psychotic reactions, hallucinations, suicidal tendencies and delirium.
- Mercury exposure can also lead to violent muscular spasms, nervousness, irritability, tremors, weakness, fatigue, memory loss, changes in vision, hearing, or taste, vomiting, diarrhea, kidney damage and even death. When it enters the body, it is stored in the kidneys, blood, spleen, brain, liver, bones and fatty tissues.
- Mercury is terrible for anyone but it is especially dangerous for pregnant or nursing women. Breast milk can become contaminated and in utero exposure to mercury has been attributed to an increase in neural tube defects.
MINERAL OIL:
- Mineral Oil (also called “liquid petroleum”) is any of various colorless, odorless, light mixtures of higher alkanes from a mineral source, particularly a distillate of petroleum. Most often, mineral oil is a liquid by-product of refining crude oil to make gasoline and other petroleum products.
- Mineral oil is a common ingredient in baby lotions, cold creams, ointments and cosmetics.
- Researchers stated, “There is strong evidence that Mineral Oil hydrocarbons are the greatest contaminant of the human body.”
- There was a scientific study that removed fat specimens from women who underwent cesarean sections, and also collected milk samples from the women after delivery. They found that both fat and milk samples were contaminated with Mineral Oil saturated hydrocarbons—and stated that these compounds likely accumulated over time from repeated exposure.
Once I learned how much crap was in our make up and beauty products I trashed most of it. For the longest time I went without using make-up, mostly because I couldn't find any that didn't contain gluten. I did find a few products with Red Apple and 100% Pure but then Young Living came out with their line of Make-up! I love it because I know ALL of it is gluten free and it's free from all the crap ingredients listed above.
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I enjoyed the post as for makeup all I have is chapstick I tossed my dollar tree collection after my lipstick turned my lips black
Mine is probably not rated very well. I thought that mineral makeup would be the better choice. I was surprised to see this.
I was surprised too! Before using the app I was using a lot of Neurtogena and Younique items and was shocked to see those rated 8 and 9’s!
Mine is rated not that well, but I try to get natural makeup products.
Eight.
ooo I think it might be time for some new stuff 🙂
I don’t wear make-up because I can’t afford the “clean” stuff. I would love to, though!
Sadly about 20% of my stuff was a lot worse than I thought it was! What a cool app! Love it!
It really opens your eyes doesn’t it!
Mine rated an 8, I hate getting rid of things, but I think its time to get rid of my old makeup and start with some that’s healthier! Thanks for the Giveaway!
I know it’s hard to change, but remember you are putting that stuff on your largest organ and it soaks in all day long. Good Luck in the giveaway!
I use Sheer Cover and it did not rate well! I would love to try these cosmetics!
I would be happy to help you get started with Savvy Minerals. Just use the button above to contact me with any questions or to get started!
No good ratings for my make up. 🙁
Mine will probably rate 4. Not as fabulous as these.
Crap, mine rated a 7
Scary isn’t it how you think you are using a good quality item and turns out it’s toxic! I was quite shocked too when I scanned my items.
I know some of my makeup is old. I don’t wear it very much though now that I’m older. I’m trying to be better to my skin. But some of it rated 7, so getting rid of it. I do really need to pay more attention to these types of things.
YES! Ditch that nasty stuff 🙂
My makeup didn’t rate well either!
Time for some new stuff 🙂
Do you know if channel foundation has harmful ingredients? Its not like we can just ask our beauty consultants they probably dont even know what’s in their make up. I didnt see these ingredients in channel. Which is what I use.
Well, it actually rates a 9 so that is pretty bad. Here are the screen shots from the Dirty App
Yikes! I gotta look into mine. I think mine could be bad.
My wife’s makeup is concerning.
Wow!! Never know this information about makeup and what it contains!! Thank you for this post!
Wow, I never even thought about what could possibly be in my makeup. Now I will check everything, it’s important to know what you put on your face and body.
I’m not surprised at the inclusions of these substances in many cosmetic items. Personally, I’ve found parfum and the unfortunately common “fragrance” to be the biggest problems in most items I’ve used. Aside from masking the smell of things you shouldn’t be putting on your face, cosmetics companies have no need to include all these irritating (and often, obtrusive-smelling) scents in their products. At the least, state more clearly and openly what is actually in them!
So well said! That word fragrance is almost always why a good product becomes a bad one.
Wow I didnt know this stuff. Very informative thank you!
Wow didn’t know all this. Think I might download that app and see how old some of my items are. You learn something new everyday. Thanks for this information
Yes, be sure to download the app and check it out. You will be surprised!
Wow! Time.to toss mine rated 7.
Really great information. Thanks for sharing.
wow this is scary. I knew they had stuff in makeup but nothing like this. Makes me rethink everything I put on my face and skin!
Oh I like these make up brands they look decent and nice. I am going to check them out. That lip color is amazing! (:
Thank you for the helpful information! I need to go through my cosmetic drawer and read the labels And be more cautious when I shop for new ones! Thank you so much for sharing.
This is all great imformation.
My daughter is allergic to all products that have lanolin in them.
I’m very interested!
I really am interested. I didn’t know most of this information
You can view more information here: https://sway.office.com/TYJs6IP5iVQfrTY3?ref=Link I am also happy to answer any questions you have 🙂
I didn’t realize until recently that lots of cosmetics contain gluten. I learned when I found out that I have a wheat allergy. Since then I have been going with a naked face. I miss using make-up. I am going to check out Young Living.
You can view more information here: https://sway.office.com/TYJs6IP5iVQfrTY3?ref=Link I am also happy to answer any questions you have 🙂
Wow! I really never thought about the dangers in using “regular” makeup. I switch to mineral makeup years ago… and I will never go back. I would love to try the YL brand.
You can view more information here: https://sway.office.com/TYJs6IP5iVQfrTY3?ref=Link I am also happy to answer any questions you have or send you a sample if there is something particular you would like to try 🙂
Just email me.
Thanks for the info , I rarely even wear make up. Too much effort
Makes you to not wear any makeup at all.
Not rating well :/
Oh my I had no idea.
This is info we all need to know about it.
thank you
Im so thankful as my daughtee makes sure i have the newest makeup with as many natural ingredients as possible. Im sure she does this from love but also bc when she saw i was using make up several years old she about had a heart attack. As of now i only wear mascara and sometimes blush and regular vaseline on my lips
This is such a great article. There are dangers everywhere.. I’m always making sure my makeup is cruelty free but never really paid much attention to the ingredients. I definitely will be from now on. Thank you.
I’m interested in trying Red Apple and Young living products.
Hi Cassandra, please contact me and I can send you some samples of the Savvy. For samples of Red apple please see their site.
Great post. I can’t seem to find any of the Saavy makeup on the Think Dirty app. Do you know what why that is or what their rating would be? Thanks so much.
Sometimes it takes a while to get products into the app. The Savvy makeup is just over a year old so it’s a pretty new line. I’m not sure how they choose which ones to review. I can tell you that I do believe in the Young Living company and I have seen first hand how much they care for their products and to make them as clean as possible. When they do get rated I believe they will be rated a 0. Just message me if you would like more info or samples.