Toxins in Cosmetics

Nowadays, civilization is more advanced. Every time, people are always trying to find the new and better things. As a proof, every year there are always new innovations and trends in various ways, such as clothing trends, shoe model, hair model, and even make-up trends!

            Anyway about make-up, it can not be separated from the word cosmetics, yes cosmetics. Everyone, especially women, certainly be familiar with this word, because cosmetics is one of the things that is important for women to help them protect and beautify themselves. But in fact, not all cosmetics are safe and can protect us.

            If we use cosmetics everyday, surely our bodies are heavily exposed with chemical substances, which often are toxic to the body. The effects of that chemical substances can be able to appear instantly and can also appear slowly by the change of behavior of the body’s cells, the change of the body’s immune response, even the emergence of the new diseases. Research have identified that are not less than 16 kinds of harmful compounds which believed to have originated from cosmetics, either powder or perfume and etc. That 16 harmful compounds, have been divided into 4 groups.

            First of all is Phthalet. This material is also used in the manufacture of plastics to give elasticity. The impact of health, if inhaled or ingested in certain levels, can trigger the reproductive system disorders, asthma and allergies. In cosmetics, phthalates used as an additional solvent in a variety of fragrance products material usually to maintain the fragrance.

            Second is Triclosan. Directly, triclosan which used in some soaps and toothpaste products can lead to health problems when it reacts with aquatic or watery environment. One of them is thyroid hormone balance disorders. Excessive use of triclosan is also trigger indirect effects on health, ie by triggering germ resistance or immunity to antibiotics. The outcome was the emergence of super germs (superbug) that cause disease which not susceptible eradicated with antibiotics.

            Third is Paraben. Compound that has another name parahydroxybenzoic, is also used as a preservative in instant noodles and have side effects, if it is used over the safety threshold. Because its nature similar to the hormone estrogen, in the body it will lead to imbalances that could increase the risk of breast cancer. In cosmetics, parabens are often used as a mixture of soap, shampoo, toothpaste and deodorant. Although rare, direct contact with the skin can also cause allergies in sensitive skin.

            And the last is Synthetic fragrances. The content of this can cause irritation and allergic reactions in approximately 1% of the general population and at least 35% of all allergic reactions because of cosmetics. Fragrances is also photo-sensitive, and will cause pigmentation due to sun exposure. Instead, the best fragrance is a natural fragrance derived from plant extracts or essential oils.

            So? How many types of decorative cosmetics that fulfill your cosmetic bag? Have you ever read one by one the content of its contents? Remember, cosmetics, not only contain materials that can help us to beautify and protect our body, but also toxic materials that have certain effect if we don’t use our cosmetics wisely. Father of Toxicology, Paracelsus, stated that, ”All things are toxins and nothing is without toxins. Only the dose makes something to be not toxic.”