The supposed link between cancer and cosmetics was once again thrown into the limelight following a study by the NTU which was published in the Straits Times. The study said that zinc oxide, a common chemical used in beauty products such as cosmetics or even sunblock, could be cancerous. The notion that cosmetics contain cancerous products is not new. Years ago, researchers have brought up the link, but have always been disputed. Sadly, nobody seems to be able to make up their mind or say for sure whether the link between cosmetics and cancer exists. A lot of research findings are in premature stage, and there has yet been any study that demonstrates a direct link between cancer and cosmetics.
Still, it is better to be safer than sorry. There are some products in cosmetics that have potential to be cancerous. When taken in significant amounts, they may eventually cause cancer.
Here are some chemicals in cosmetics that are known to be harmful to health.
· Fragrances: May cause allergies and cancers
· DMDM hydantoin and imidazolidinyl urea: Comes with toxic contaminants.
· Hydroquinone: May lead to allergies and cancer.
· Oxybenzone: May lead to allergies, developmental toxicity and hormone disruption.
· Triclosan or triclocarban: Contains thyroid.
· Triethanolamine (TEA): May lead to allergies and comes with toxic contaminants.
· Parabens or -paraben: May lead to cancer or hormone disruption.
· PEG or -eth: These ingredients can come with hidden toxic contaminants.
Products that may have adverse effects on health in the long-run:
· Anti-aging creams with lactic, glycolic, AHA and BHA acids.
· Hair dyes, especially dark permanent dyes.
· Liquid hand soaps with triclosan/ triclocabron.
· Nail polish and removers with formaldehyde, DBP or toluene.
· Skin lighteners with hydroquinone.
· Heavily scented products.
Mercury is well-known to be toxic. In significantly high amounts, it can cause brain damage and death. Mostly found in household cleaning products, it has recently been introduced as an additive for the cosmeticsindustry. Mercury is found in eye products such as mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow. While exposure to mercury is not initially harmful in small quantities, mercury does accumulate in the body and could cause health risks in the future. Unfortunately, not enough people are taking this threat seriously, Minnesota, USA, is the only place that has banned mercury in cosmetics this year.
This lack of interest and caution is also attributed to the fact that many young people think that they have a good immune system, and therefore, not likely to contract cancer or diseases in their youth. But this is clearly not true, as people in their teens are known to contract cancer as well.
That said, this article does not mean to scare you off grooming and using make-up. Just remember to read the ingredients of the products you are buying and lay off those that are known to be potential health hazards. There are also organic and natural beauty and skin products that utilize more health friendly ingredients. Of course, they also tend to cost more, but health is more important than money after all! Bodyshop, Botani, Logona, Living Nature, Nature's Essence are some examples of more health-friendly beauty and body care products, just to name a few. Unfortunately, many organic brands hail from overseas and are more costly. It may be cheaper to purchase direct from the retail websites of these brands, and get some friends to join you and save on shipping fees.
So, is there such a thing as cancerous cosmetics? Well, there's a popular saying, "There's no smoke without fire." One can never be too careful!