News Alert: Top 10 Poisons And Toxins In Your Lipsticks And Makeup

There have been news articles for several years about toxic lead and other poisons in lipsticks, make up and other cosmetic products. But the stories continue to surface. Question: 1) Is this really true? Are the huge cosmetic companies really putting toxins in makeup and personal products? Poisons that can cause your skin to wrinkle and age 10x faster than normal or worse yet give you cancer? And if so, why hasn't this $$$ billion dollar industry try to clean up it's act? Or even a better question, why hasn't the government slapped a few greedy hands and put some regulations on this industry? The poisoning is still going on and even more so now than ever.The big cosmetic manufacturers Do Not CARE and they continue to say women have nothing to worry about. And the US government? They are either out to lunch or have been bought out! Preview this recent ABC News Consumer Alert Details

So what is a concerned consumer like me to do? Toss out all my makeup! Wait a minute! This stuff cost a small fortune. Before the trash can theory how about some real proof? Exactly what is in makeup and personal care products and are the ingredients deadly toxins? I mean will they really kill me? Why would my favorite cosmetic company to that to me? I started with the video below:

The following is a list of the top ten toxic chemicals and poisons in personal cosmetics. It should provide the information needed to make quality and informed decisions. Just keep in mind this is just the top ten. There are many more toxins, there is not enough available space here to list them all.

Lead:

Lead is a soft, malleable heavy metal. Lead is poisonous and can damage nervous connections (especially in young children) and cause blood and brain disorders. Like mercury, lead is a potent neurotoxin that accumulates in soft tissues and bone over time. Lead is linked to learning, language and behavioral problems. It has also been linked to miscarriage, reduced fertility in men and women, and delays in puberty onset in girls. Lead is also a contaminant in over 650 cosmetic products, including sunscreens, foundation, nail colors, lipsticks and whitening toothpaste.

Despite these facts the leading cosmetic companies and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) continue to say a little bit of lead isn't going to hurt you. According to the Mayo Clinic any amount of lead is dangerous. And continuous poisoning over a period of time can kill you. Even exposure to amounts of lead too low to cause symptoms in the short term may increase the risk of high blood pressure and mental decline in the future. Symptoms in adults may include: Pain, numbness or tingling of the extremities, Muscular weakness, Headaches, Abdominal pain, Memory loss, Mood disorders, Reduced sperm count, Abnormal sperm, Miscarriage or premature birth in pregnant women, Fatigue.

Talc:

Magnesium Silicate Hydroxide Uses are ornamental and heat, acid and electrically-resistant stone (soapstone) used as counter tops, electrical switchboards, carvings, etc, used as an ingredient in paints, rubber, roofing materials, ceramics and insecticides. Most commonly known as the primary ingredient in talcum powder (baby powder) and makeup. Although the FDA has approved talc for use in ingested and topical drug products. The Cancer Prevention Coalition claims Talc found in cosmetics is very dangerous.

Parabens:

A group of chemical compounds used as an antifungal agent and preservative in a wide variety of cosmetics, as well as preservatives in food and pharmaceuticals. Cosmetics that contain parabens include makeup, moisturizers, hair care products, and shaving products, underarm deodorants and baby care products, among others. Parabens are absorbed through intact skin and from the gastrointestinal tract and blood and have been identified in biopsy samples from breast tumors. Yes, parabens are linked to breast cancer. The FDA continues to assert that parabens are safe. However the agency states that they will continue it's on going investigation.

Mineral Oil: (Coal Tar)

Mineral Oil is used in just about every daily care beauty product including shampoo, lotion, bubble bath and products for baby. Repeated use of this chemical has a variety of adverse side effects. On the skin, mineral oil reduces the production of vitamin D by creating an extra layer or covering on the top layer of skin. If used in excess, Mineral Oil can clog pores preventing the release of toxins from the body, an essential function of the skin. Long-term use can cause permanent skin damage, dermatitis and or other skin irritations and rash.

Phthalates:

Phthalates are a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in literally thousands of personal care products including perfume, hair spray, soap, shampoo, nail polish, and skin moisturizers. They are used in consumer products such as flexible plastics, baby chew/soft vinyl toys, shower curtains, wallpaper, vinyl mini blinds, food packaging, and plastic wrap. Phthalates are also used in wood finishes, detergents, adhesives, plastic plumbing pipes, lubricants, medical tubing and fluid bags, solvents, insecticides, medical devices, building materials, and vinyl flooring.

Although the government is out to lunch on the harmful effects of Phthalates, The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences posed "minimal" concern for causing reproductive effects. They say exposure this chemical has been linked to early puberty in girls and is considered a risk factor for later-life breast cancer. However, the National Toxicology Program has stepped up and concluded that high levels of one phthalate, di-n-butyl phthalate, may adversely affect human reproduction or development.

Ethylene Oxide:

Ethylene oxide is a toxic cancer causing fumigant used to sterilize surgical instruments. However, according to the Cosmetics Data Base Ethylene Oxide is also found in thousands of cosmetics.To further complicate matters Ethylene oxide is related to a variety of other harmful chemical compounds known as PEG compounds. Polyethylene glycol, better known by its acronym, PEG, isn't a single ingredient but a class of ethylene glycol polymers that moisturize, keep products stable, and enhance the penetration of other ingredients.

Although the government is out to lunch on the use of Ethylene Oxide in cosmetics, the International Agency for Research on Cancer Working Group has found that occupational exposure to ethylene oxide during its production, processing, or clinical use has been related to an increased incidence of leukemia. Other cancers related to ethylene oxide exposure include esophageal cancer, stomach cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, brain and central nervous system cancer, neoplasms of lymphatic and hematopoietic tissue, and Hodgkin's disease. Additionally, increased breast cancer rates have further been found among health care workers exposed to ethylene oxide gas used as a sterilant.

1,4-dioxane:

Dioxane is also known as diethylene dioxide, diethylene ether, diethylene oxide, (not to be confused with dioxine) is a solvent classified by the EPA as a probable human carcinogen, and additionally it may suppress the immune system. This chemical solvent is a petroleum-derived contaminant found in cosmetics, shampoos, body wash, face wash, infant's personal care products including baby shampoo and baby lotions and cremes, children’s bath products and other sudsing cosmetics.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and the National Toxicology Program (NTP) has ranked it as a carcinogen. Beware 1,4-dioxane is not listed on ingredient labels. It's not an FDA requirement for cosmetics.

Formaldehyde:

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Formaldehyde is an important chemical used just about everywhere and in everything including antiseptics, medicines, dish-washing liquids, fabric softeners, shoe-care agents, carpet cleaners, glues, adhesives, dry cleaning fluids, permanent press fabrics and lacquers. Also, some cosmetics, such as nail polish, nail polish removers and hardeners, have very high concentrated levels of formaldehyde. (Avoid unventilated nail and beauty salons at all costs.)

A colorless, pungent-smelling gas Formaldehyde can cause watery eyes, burning sensations in the eyes and throat, nausea, and difficulty in breathing. High concentrations may trigger attacks in people with asthma. It has also been shown to cause cancer in animals and humans.

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons: (PAHs) are a group of chemicals that occur naturally in coal, crude oil and gasoline. One of the more common PAHs is naphthalene. Some cosmetics and shampoos are made with coal tar and therefore may contain PAHs. They have been shown to increase risk for breast cancer.

Placental Extract

Placental extract is derived from human or animal placentas and is used in hair conditioners, shampoos and other grooming aids, particularly marketed to women of color. The National Toxicology Program (NTP) has identified progesterone, the major hormonal contaminant in placental extracts, as a reasonably anticipated carcinogen. Also, the National Data Base for Cosmetics claim animal placenta present other health cautions as it contains waste matter eliminated by the fetus. Derived from the uterus of slaughtered animals mostly swine. Animal placenta is widely used in skin creams, shampoos, masks, etc.

Aluminum

Aluminum is a toxic metal and is one of the most widely used metals in the world. Aluminum is the main ingredient in many personal care cosmetics including Antiperspirant Deodorants, Baking Powder, Douches, Municipal treated water (tap water), Nasal sprays, Shampoo, Table Salt and Toothpaste. Aluminum is also used in hundreds of other products that we use everyday (i.e. aluminum cookware and cooking utensils). When exposed to it, aluminum can cause a variety of debilitating symptoms and health problems including: DNA damage, anemia, bone softening, breast cancer (see below), calcium deficiency, colic, decreased liver and kidney function, damage to the central nervous system, dementia, gastrointestinal, disturbances, headaches, memory loss, muscles pain, weakness, nervousness, rickets, speech problems, listlessness and severe trembling.

Studies have shown breast tissue with aluminum in the same area where the highest proportion of breast cancers are originally diagnosed. learn more

This is just a brief look into the cosmetics and personal care poisoning that is taking place in our country. It seems the big industries are out to make money (and that's alright) but sacrificing our health and wellness is not. Chemical poisoning affects us all, even just a little bit. No one is safe and everyone is wondering why the cancer rate is going so high. However, there are some simple and easy ways to fight back. As we all know it will take time for the change over but together we stand, together we can make a difference. It's all about $$$.

Take a look at some of the books noted here -- There is some good reading and informational guides to take along with you as you shop. Also consider making your own make up and skin care items. That is a lot of fun and the benefits are far reaching. If you do not have the time to make your own try checking out the all-natural links below for more details and information.

D. Ross Curington

Baby Boomers Go Green

Shaklee Indy Distributor

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