In an era where self-care and beauty routines are celebrated, it’s shocking to discover that many products we use daily contain potentially harmful chemicals.^[1] Makeup, a staple in many people’s daily lives, is no exception. Despite the rise of awareness about clean beauty, the industry remains largely unregulated, with many products still harboring ingredients linked to serious health issues, including cancer, reproductive harm, and neurological damage.

The Hidden Dangers of Everyday Makeup

The U.S. cosmetics market has grown dramatically, yet the laws regulating it have not kept pace. The last major legislation, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, was enacted in 1938. Since then, the industry has expanded from $1 billion in sales to over $169 billion in 2016.^[2] Despite this explosive growth, only a tiny fraction of the thousands of chemicals used in cosmetics have been reviewed or regulated by the FDA.^[3] This regulatory gap leaves consumers vulnerable, unknowingly exposing themselves to toxins through their daily makeup routines.^[3]

Among the most concerning are the so-called “Toxic Twelve” chemicals. These include substances like formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, and PFAS, which are linked to a myriad of health problems, from hormonal disruptions to cancer.^[4] Shockingly, many of these substances do not even need to be listed on product labels if they are part of a fragrance blend, leaving consumers in the dark about their presence.

The Impact on Health

No category of consumer products is subject to less government oversight than cosmetics and other personal care products. Since 2009, 595 cosmetics manufacturers have reported using 88 chemicals in more than 73,000 products that have been linked to cancer, birth defects, or reproductive harm.^[5] As proposed in California Assembly Bill 2762, the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, many of these chemicals should be banned from cosmetics.

The lack of stringent regulation allows harmful chemicals to persist in products that we apply directly to our skin, hair, and nails. For instance, formaldehyde and its derivatives, used as preservatives and hardening agents, are known carcinogens that can cause respiratory issues and skin irritation and have been linked to certain types of cancer.^[6] Phthalates, such as dibutyl phthalate and diethylhexyl phthalate, are endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormone functions and have been associated with reproductive and developmental issues. These chemicals can lead to conditions like early puberty in boys, reduced fertility, and developmental problems in fetuses.

Parabens, commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics, mimic estrogen in the body, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances.^[6] This can increase the risk of breast cancer and negatively affect reproductive health. Mercury, found in some skin-lightening creams and anti-aging products, can damage the kidneys and nervous system, and even low-level exposure can have severe health implications.^[6] PFAS, used for their water- and grease-resistant properties, have been linked to cancer, immune system damage, and developmental issues in children.

The health risks are not limited to long-term exposure. Short-term effects can also be severe, including allergic reactions, skin irritation, and respiratory problems. Methylene glycol and quaternion-15, which release formaldehyde, can cause immediate adverse reactions like rashes, eye irritation, and difficulty breathing.^[6] M- and o-phenylenediamine, used in hair dyes, can irritate and sensitize the skin, damage DNA, and are also potential carcinogens.

Real-Life Impacts on Users

The impact of these toxic chemicals is not hypothetical. Consumers have reported a range of adverse effects, from mild irritations to severe health problems. Formaldehyde-based hair treatments have been linked to hair loss, rashes, blisters, nosebleeds, and even loss of taste and smell.^[7] Makeup products contaminated with heavy metals, such as lead and arsenic, can lead to chronic poisoning, affecting multiple organ systems over time.

The beauty industry’s reliance on self-regulation has left a significant gap in consumer safety. Personal care products are applied directly to the skin, the body’s largest organ, where ingredients can be absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to systemic exposure.^[8] For instance, the endocrine-disrupting chemicals in many cosmetics can interfere with hormone systems at very low doses, posing the greatest risk during critical periods of development, such as prenatal and early postnatal stages.

The cumulative exposure to these chemicals is concerning. American women use an average of 12 personal care products daily containing 168 different chemicals, while men use an average of six products containing 85 chemicals.^[8] This constant exposure increases the likelihood of adverse health effects, especially considering the potential for these chemicals to interact with each other in unknown ways.

Ingredients to Avoid

Among the toxic chemicals that should be banned are:

• Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen often used as a preservative or hardener in cosmetics.
• Paraformaldehyde and Methylene Glycol: Types of formaldehyde.
• Quaternium-15: Releases formaldehyde.
• Mercury: Can damage the kidneys and nervous system.
• Dibutyl and Diethylhexyl Phthalates: Disrupt hormones and damage the reproductive system.
• Isobutyl and Isopropyl Parabens: Disrupt hormones and harm the reproductive system.
• PFAS: Linked to cancer.
• M- and o-Phenylenediamine: Used in hair dyes, irritates and sensitizes the skin, damages DNA, and can cause cancer.

A Push for Regulation

The cosmetics industry has long fought meaningful oversight. Since the early 1950s, it has defeated efforts by Congress to modernize cosmetics law. Despite consumer demand for safer products, the industry remains largely self-regulated. Consumers overwhelmingly support federal oversight of cosmetic chemicals, with many believing that the FDA already reviews these substances, which is not the case.

The Shift to Non-Toxic Alternatives

Given the risks, seeking safer, non-toxic makeup alternatives is crucial. The good news is that several brands are committed to transparency and safety, offering high-quality products without harmful ingredients. Here are a few to consider:

Crunchi: This brand is dedicated to providing toxin-free makeup without compromising on performance. Their products are made from safe, certified organic ingredients and are packaged in eco-friendly materials.

Ilia: Ilia offers a range of makeup products that are not only non-toxic but also effective. They focus on sustainable practices and incorporate organic botanicals and hydrating ingredients into their formulations.

Beauty By Earth: Known for their natural and organic ingredients, Beauty By Earth offers a variety of makeup products that are safe for daily use. Their commitment to non-toxic beauty ensures that you can enjoy your routine without worrying about harmful chemicals.

Kosas: Kosas is a clean beauty brand that combines safe, non-toxic ingredients with high-performance makeup. Their products are designed to nourish the skin while providing excellent coverage and color.

Switching to these brands can significantly reduce exposure to harmful chemicals, allowing you to enjoy your beauty routine with greater peace of mind. By choosing non-toxic makeup, you’re protecting your health and supporting a movement towards a cleaner, safer beauty industry.

Conclusion

The lack of regulation in the cosmetics industry means that many popular makeup products contain harmful chemicals that can pose serious health risks. As awareness grows, it’s important to make informed choices about the products we use. By supporting legislation like the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act and choosing safer, non-toxic alternatives, consumers can protect their health and advocate for a safer beauty industry. The time has come to cancel harmful makeup products and embrace healthier alternatives.

References:

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (1938). Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. https://www.fda.gov/regulatory-information/laws-enforced-fda/food-drug-and-cosmetic-act-fdc-act
2. Statista. (2017). “Size of the U.S. cosmetics market from 2013 to 2025.” https://www.statista.com/statistics/282531/us-cosmetics-market-size/
3. Environmental Working Group (EWG). (n.d.). “FDA Authority Over Cosmetics.” https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/contents/about-page/#authority
4. EWG. (n.d.). “Skin Deep® Cosmetics Database.” https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2020). “Phthalates Fact Sheet.” https://www.cdc.gov/biomonitoring/Phthalates_FactSheet.html
6. FDA. (2019). “Tattoos & Permanent Makeup: Fact Sheet.” https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-products/tattoos-permanent-makeup
7. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2017). “Formaldehyde and Cancer Risk.” https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/formaldehyde/formaldehyde-fact-sheet
8. U.S. House of Representatives. (2020). “H.R.5279 – Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act.” https://www.congress.gov/bill/116th-congress/house-bill/5279