Although cosmetics became widely popular in the 1900s, tombs from 3100 B.C. have revealed that makeup originated in the first Egyptian Dynasty ("The History of Makeup", 1). Researchers found that these cosmetics contained ingredients that ranged from lead to cat dung; both of which are toxic. The use of toxic chemicals in cosmetics, such as coal tar, negatively impacts a person's health. Cosmetic companies put consumers' health at risk due to the use of toxic chemicals, marketing ploys and failure to properly regulate their own products and the chemicals they contain. While cosmetics pose dangerous risks to the human body in general, pregnant women and their fetus are especially vulnerable to the consequences of being exposed to these toxins. If some women are not willing to give up their cosmetics during pregnancy, the ingredients in makeup can be lethal to the fetus. Nail polishes and hair sprays contain substances called phthalates, which is more commonly known as a plasticizer and can be found in the material to make rain coats and garden hoses, and its purpose is to make plastic more flexible but still strong (“Controversy Over Phthalates in Cosmetics” par 1) .When phthalates are absorbed into the skin, they could harm the fetus and, in baby boys, they could cause irregular genitals. Another ingredient, methylisothiazoline (or MIT for short), can be found in everyday shampoos and body washes such as Head and Shoulders, Suave and Pantene Hair conditioner, products a pregnant woman may very well use, and tests have shown that exposure to this ingredient could cause abnormal brain development in the fetus ("Popular shampoos contain toxic chemicals linked to nerve damage" par 2). However, these chemicals can cause health defi... ... middle of paper ... ...rench, Christy T. "History of Makeup" (2004): Authors Den. 20, September, 2011. Web. Mercola, Joseph. "How Dangerous are Your Cosmetics?" (2011): Mercola.com: Take Control of Your Health. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. Reid, Brian. "Controversy Over Phthalates in Cosmetics" (2011): Our Stolen Future. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. Rudow, Barbara. Turning Green (2008): California: Scobre Press Corporation. Pages 3, 14, 33. Print. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (2011): Environmental Working Group. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. “Coal Tar Hair Dyes: Hair Care Cautions” (2011): Hairfinder: Hair Styles, Hair Care & Fashion. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. "Cosmetic and Personal Care Products Can be Cancer Risks" (2011): Cancer Prevention Coalition. Web. 2 Feb. 2015. "Natural and Organic Beauty Products: Behind the Facade" (2011): Articlesbase: Free Online Articles Directory. Web. 2 Feb. 2015.
Kanter, James. "E.U. Bans Cosmetics With Animal-Tested Ingredients." New York Times. The New York Times, 10 Mar. 2013. Web. 20 Mar. 2014.
SUMMARIZE: The article grants information on new models in cosmetics to take the place of animal experimentation. It goes on to talk about how the European Union has now banned using animal-based test for cosmetic reasoning. Pharmaceutical companies and regulatory agencies have been using computer-like tools to assess the toxicity it has for years. The author incorporates information on cosmetics and the outlook on further research. ‘According to experts, combination of laboratory-based with virtual work will be the future of testing and is progressing faster than they expected.” (87 words)
There has been some controversy regarding L’Oréal Canada and their use of animal testing in their cosmetic products. For certifications regarding safety, we currently possess 86% of manufacturing facilities that are either OHSAS 18001 or VPP certified. (L’Oréal Canada, 2014) Safety is a priority for us at L’Oréal Canada to ensure that our products are safe for our consumers so that they can enjoy the beauty of our cosmetic products. Health Canada has stated that science has not advanced to the point where they feel comfortable banning animal testing in the cosmetic industry, but that animal testing is not required for cosmetic products. (Bendall, 2011) However, the European Union has recently passed a Cosmetics Directive in 2009, which bans the use of animal testing in the cosmetic industry. The Cosmetics Directive bans the testing of finished products, ingredients within a product and the marketing of a product that has been tested on animals. (European Commission, 2014) As a result of these changes in Europe, it is important for L’Oréal Canada to consider alternative methods to animal testing for business to continue with countries in Europe, and so that consumers will feel more positive about purchasing our products due to them being cruelty-free.
There are many factors that are integrated into the successful development of a child from Prenatal growth into toddlerhood. Teratogens (outside factors) have a great impact on the babies’ inutero development. Some outside factors like second-hand smoke, smog, or fumes from cleaning chemicals can cause negative effects on the child inside the womb. A few major affects from teratogens could result in low birth weight, head circumference, slow physical growth as well as an effect on mental, behavioral and motor skills (Berk, 2003). The environment around the mother provides many of these outside factors affecting the baby’s growth. But the main link to teratogens during the gestation period is most likely the mother. Daniel S. Messinger and the National Institute on Drug Abuse found that 2.8% of pregnant women admitted to using illicit drugs during their pregnancy (1996). Through illicit drug use, tobacco use and alcohol use, the mother disrupts her baby’s growth with possibly permanent damage.
Young mother Molly Jones Gray always wished of holding soft delicate babies in her hands, but never expected to have trouble trying to get pregnant. She had many miscarriages, and learned that because of household products she had could not become pregnant. She became part of a study to find out if there were any chemicals in her body that she did not know of. According to the study, Molly had higher levels of mercury, in contrast to the other women in the study. She also learned that the household cleaners she was currently using affected not only her, but also the fetus inside her. Health experts today are trying to examine the health risks involved with cosmetics, cleaning products, and cans (Toxic).
The birth of a healthy child is a blessing. The prenatal period is susceptible in terms of embryonic development, and some exposures to teratogens can have adverse and lifelong affects on a baby. Although physical outcomes resulting from teratogen exposure cannot be reversed, with hope, some of the behavioral effects of Teratogens may have a decreased impact on the life of the child, though all mothers should pay special attention to the health of their child throughout their pregnancy.
The cosmetic industry was highly influenced by the changes in the way persons consumed. From the development of new perfumes, make-up tools and colors, to the everyday lotions and cream men and women use today, the industry looks much different than it did in the late 19th century.
With the economy still not at its best, and the population continuously increasing, many consumers would rather be killed by health hazardous ingredients than be self cautious about the chemicals in their shampoo. The desire to want to be pretty only increases the manufactures negligent behaviors. Women buy the makeup to enhance themselves. Without observing the ingredients in the makeup, they are often unaware of the toxins they are applying to their skin. The same thing also goes for men. When applying anti-perspiration deodorants they are applying Parabens and toxic chemicals, which could cause breast cancer and genetic mutations in both men and women. Parabens are chemical compounds, which are used a preservatives. Parabens are best to be avoided due to them being man- made; they imitate the chemical estrogen, which causes breast cancer.
Makeup and cosmetics have always been used long before the first century. Researches never really found exactly who was the first cosmetologist, but they do know who were the people who mixed ingredients together to be able to apply and beautify were the Egyptians. Some sources still find that hard to believe, because the ancient hunters were the first people who mixed urine and mud to camouflage their scent, but that would mean everything from bug spray to VapoRub is a cosmetic, but not all materials that are mixed together are able to apply onto the
Being a mother myself, I have to be careful about what I bring around my children. These chemicals were created for a reason. However they can’t come without consequence. There is much debate on the use, storage and purpose of these products. However it’s important to do your research and make sure you aren’t harming yourself or others. Ultimately, with proper use and care they are still the essentials to keeping a healthy, happy, clean home.
"Toxic Chemicals Used in Salon Products." Women's Voices For The Earth. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Apr. 2014. .
Most people have worn makeup at least once in their lives, but a lot of people wear it on a daily basis. It has become a necessity and is a vital part of many people’s morning routine. If someone has worn makeup before, they have probably worn a product that has been tested on animals. Animal testing began in 1922 and is still occurring today. It is seen as a very effective way of assuring product safety by some companies, but is seen as evil and inhumane by others. Cosmetic animal testing is relevant to everyone who uses any type of beauty product and is a very popular way of measuring the usability of cosmetics.
I learned that drugs and cosmetics often contain chemicals that can be hazardous or have dangerous side effects. For example, a brand of mascara called Lash Lure caused many women to go blind and one woman even died because it contained a chemical that burned the skin when used as directed. After about 100 people died from using a cough syrup called Elixir Sulfanilamide, which was made toxic by its production method, the American public was faced with a decision and it caused our government to pass the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act in 1938.
At present, cosmetics are always used in daily life. When we talk about cosmetics, most people will think of the things that only use for make-up such as lipstick, eye-shadow, mascara, blusher etc. But in fact cosmetics are not only mean to the things that only use for make-up but also shampoo, lotion or sunscreen. According to the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) explains “Articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body… for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance.” (2014) The reason why people use makeups have different ways such as some people use for more confidence, some people use for protect the sunlight, and some people use for maintain their skin. However, there are a lot of people still worry about using the cosmetics since they believe that cosmetics are contained the dangerous chemicals that damage their body so they afraid of using them and try to avoid to use them. Although many people will be concerned that applying cosmetics may destroy their health, in fact, many experts have been confirmed that the use of cosmetic is not harmful to the human’s body. Moreover, cosmetics are also useful for users.
Some examples of harmful toxins with difficult names include diethanolamine (DEA), formaldehyde, glucocorticoids, and triethanolamine (TEA). We are exposed to toxic chemicals in many ways. We may breathe them in as sprays and powders, swallow chemicals on our lips and, even rub them on our skin. According to a team of researchers who conducted a study on the relationship between exposure to phthalates and DNA damage on human sperm, “cosmetics frequently contain enhancers that allow ingredients to penetrate deeper into the skin. Studies have found health problems in people exposed to common fragrance and sunscreen ingredients, including increased risk of sperm damage, feminization of the male reproductive system and low birth weight in girls” (Duty et al. 1164). There should be regulations banning toxic chemicals from personal care and beauty products because toxins are bad for our health (1), the consumer faith in cosmetic companies are suffering (2), and other countries recognized the effects and banned it while America has not