Synthetic Substances In The Cosmetics Industry

The cosmetics industry is very large, continuously growing, and looking for ways to add or replace ingredients while cutting production costs down. The industry has six core categories that it is divided up into; makeup, hair care, fragrance, skin care, oral care, and toiletries that consist of soaps and shower gels. Within all of these categories synthetic substances are used in the final product that consumers take home with them. It is not commonly known that the synthetic substances added to these personal care products and their packaging can be detrimental to the consumer’s health as well as the environment. Due to the widespread use of synthetic substances in a variety of cosmetics, these products are the primary source of human exposure

It is not commonly know that synthetic substances added to these personal care items can be detrimental to the consumer’s health. Synthetic ingredients are suspected of causing cancer, affecting hormones that could cause birth defects, the liver and much more. The synthetic ingredients as well as the packaging for personal care products and cosmetics also have a damaging effect on the environment. Synthetic ingredients get washed down the drains and can wind up in aquatic environments collecting and absorbing pollutants. The packaging made to contain these products must be durable and strong, so that the product itself does not degrade the packaging. Once these containers are empty they are thrown away and accumulate over time in landfills where they can take hundreds of years to break

There are many different substances being used in personal care products to be aware of that can have negative effects on the consumers health. One substance, organ siloxanes, is one ingredient used in personal care products that is causing concern due to its potential toxic behavior to human health. Another is Phthalates, which is a group of endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Phthalates are most commonly found in nail polishes and synthetic fragrances. Exposure to phthalate has been linked to early puberty and can be a risk factor for breast cancer later on in life in women. Triclosan is commonly used in antibacterial soaps, toothpastes, and deodorants to limit the growth of bacteria and molds. Triclosan is actually classified as a pesticide and can affect the body’s hormone system. Parabens are another ingredient commonly used in cosmetics as preservatives, antifungal agents, and as microbial agents. Parabens are absorbed through the skin and have been identified in biopsies from breast cancer. Triethanolamine is another ingredient that is used in cosmetics. It is used to adjust pH of a product and can also be used as a base for a skin cleanser. Triethanolamine can cause allergic reactions, eye problems, dryness of skin, and could potentially be toxic if it is absorbed into the body over a long period of time. Another