27 January 2023 Friday
Harmful Chemicals in Cosmetic Products
Cosmetics and beauty industry is one of the leading sectors that has managed to attract women and even men today. Make-up products, skin care and hair care products used by consumers are not as innocent as one might think. Some chemicals used in these products harm human health as well as nature.
Our skin is affected by many things, including internal and external factors. Our skin is a complex organ that absorbs the substance applied to it and allows it to mix into the bloodstream. Our skin is nourished from the inside and supported from the outside. For this reason, it is useful to have information about the cosmetic products we use. Many experts agree that absorption through the skin is more dangerous than ingestion. Since the substances absorbed through the skin cannot be filtered, they pass directly into the bloodstream.
It has been discovered as a result of research that the toxins and chemicals used in cosmetic products can pose a great risk for unborn babies. It has been produced by ignoring the fact that some companies in the cosmetics industry, unfortunately, filled with toxins and chemicals may adversely affect human health. It is useful to check the labels of the products we use. At the very least, it is necessary to know the chemicals that will pose a risk in order to protect both human health and nature. As a result of the researches, if we list the most harmful chemicals;
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole) and BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene): The Cancer Research Agency has reported these chemicals as potential carcinogens.
Dibutyl Phthalate: It is the chemical used to soften the plastic content. It is especially used in nail polish, perfume, lotion and hair sprays.
Sodium Laureth Sulphate (SLES), Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS): It appears as an ingredient used in 90% of personal care products. It is an ingredient used in foaming products such as shampoo, facial cleanser, toothpaste.
Polyethylene glycols and PEG: Chemicals used in moisturizers and deodorants.
Oxybenzone (BP-3/ benzophenone) and Octinoxate (octyl methoxycinnamate): This substance, which is a very harmful chemical, irritates the skin. By mixing with the bloodstream, it acts like the estrogen hormone in the body and can disrupt hormonal systems. Chemicals used in sunscreens.
Consumers should be more careful in the use of cosmetic products and choose the product. In fact, it is safer for them to turn to natural beauty products, if possible, in order to protect both their own health and nature.
Lecturer Aylin KOÇ
