Top 8 ingredients in cosmetics that can harm human health

The most valuable element in every cosmetic product is its composition. Regardless of the price and purpose, shampoos, creams and other products from many manufacturers can contain both useful and harmful ingredients. The ability to decipher the composition of cosmetic products is a useful skill, especially for owners of sensitive skin, as well as for individual intolerance to specific components.

What consequences can harmful ingredients in cosmetics cause?

Dangerous for human health are components in cosmetics that can cause damage both superficially (in the form of redness, itching of the skin, etc.) and systemically throughout the body. The use of products with a dangerous composition can lead to such consequences as:

• violation of microflora – active and excessive cleansing of the skin leads to the destruction of the protective barrier, a decrease in immunity, a decrease in the ability to resist harmful bacteria;
• allergic reactions that appear in the form of rashes, itching, redness, swelling;
• the risk of developing dermatitis, dermatosis;
• changes at the level of genetics – the penetration and accumulation of carcinogens with the probability of the development of benign and malignant neoplasms, mutagenic effect;
• phototoxicity – the skin’s resistance to adverse UV rays can decrease, as a result of which the dermis is subject to premature aging;
• violation of the hormonal background, which affects the reproductive function and the health of the body as a whole.

It is important to understand that the list of possible consequences is an individual version of the development of events in accordance with genetics, susceptibility to allergies, the state of immunity, and the duration of use of cosmetics with specific ingredients.

What harmful components can be hidden in cosmetics

Harmful ingredients in cosmetics are conditionally dangerous. Components with proven negative effects on human health are prohibited for use in products, but their list and concentration may vary in different countries. However, some ingredients should be avoided when choosing cosmetics so as not to harm the body once again.

Parabens

The most common cosmetic preservatives that can extend the shelf life of products due to their antifungal and antibacterial properties. Parabens penetrate deep into the skin, so they can cause hormonal disturbances and premature aging of the dermis.

Formaldehyde

The preservative is often used in hair products. A large concentration of the substance is toxic and can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the eyes. Formaldehyde in its pure form is prohibited for use in cosmetics.

Oxybenzone

The component is often used as part of sunscreen preparations. The main disadvantage is that it can accumulate in the body and provoke allergic reactions. Means with oxybenzone are not recommended for use by people with sensitive skin, with diseases of the endocrine system, pregnant and lactating women.

Vaseline

Cosmetic petroleum jelly undergoes a thorough cleaning process, after which it is used as a base for creams and ointments. The molecules of the component are large enough, but they do not penetrate the skin, but create an impenetrable film on its surface. As a result, the skin does not breathe and, at the same time, a breeding ground for many microbes is created.

Hydroquinone

The synthetic compound is often used in creams to lighten pigmented spots. The danger of a strong dermis irritant lies in its mutagenic and carcinogenic potential. Cosmetics with such a product can be used periodically, but not constantly, in parallel with a sunscreen.

Phthalates

They are used in the production of cosmetics to make the product more elastic and retain its smell and color for a long time. In small concentrations, the components are non-aggressive, but when they accumulate in the body, they can affect the reproductive function in men and cause the development of oncological skin diseases.

Triclosan

An antibacterial component that can often be found in soap, toothpaste, deodorants. Triclosan is harmful because it is able to destroy both beneficial and harmful bacteria. With constant use, a cumulative effect is observed, which negatively affects the microflora. Triclosan is recommended to be added only to those preparations that can be washed off.

Mineral oil

The ingredient acts as an inexpensive analogue of natural oils, which creates only a superficial effect without full skin care. The component forms a protective film on the skin, but does not nourish or moisturize it. With regular use of cosmetics with mineral oil, the film created inhibits the metabolism of the dermis, provokes comedones and inflammation.

Cosmetic products may contain ingredients that do not harm health, but their presence does not have any beneficial effect. Hyaluronic acid of a low molecular structure can be attributed to such elements – it is this that is most often found in most products. The substance will manage to penetrate through the upper layer of the skin, but never through the basement membrane of the cell. The list of components in cosmetics that will not give a full effect also includes collagen, elastin and placental extract.

How to protect yourself from harmful ingredients in cosmetics

Before buying, it is necessary to study the composition of the product. To be more sure of product safety, you can use the Internet and read information about each component of your favorite cosmetics. This will require spending time, but the information obtained will help to navigate such issues more quickly in the future.

If possible, before buying the product, you can ask for a sample of the product or use a tester in the store to get a guarantee of the absence of an allergic reaction. Cosmetics are applied to the wrist, and within 24 hours it is necessary to observe the reaction of the skin. If the buyer finds it difficult to analyze the composition or simply does not have time, but wants to use exactly safe products, then it is worth choosing brands that have passed certification in accordance with international quality and safety standards.