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[GrannyCrampette]

Oh, my, please read this if you have a moment.

Cosmetic Ingredients That Can Cause Health Problems

With all the cosmetic choices out there, how do we know which ones are safe? For some of us, it may come down to economics more then quality. But perhaps before we decide which cosmetics we want to buy, we should take to time to know what's actually in them. There is such a thing as dangerous cosmetics that can do actual harm to us.

The frightening thing is, there are chemicals being used in the United States in cosmetics and even food that have been banned in some European countries. Yet in America, the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) hasn't banned their use. Manufacturers still use these toxic chemicals in make up and other toiletries because they are economical and there is no Federal regulations prohibiting them. It's up to the consumers to be aware of what these chemicals are and to use them judiciously. Here is a list of chemicals to look out for when buying make-up or toiletries including what these chemicals are and what makes them a bad makeup ingredient.

Talc
Used in most powders on the market, including baby powder, pressed powder makeup, and fragrance beauty powder, this is a common chemical used in cosmetics. However, it has its dangers. Talc is carcinogenic and has been linked to causing cancer when inhaled. Talc is also found in other very dangerous things such as Asbestos.

4-Dioxanes
A colorless liquid that is used as a stabilizer, 4-dioxanes can be used in the process to manufacture such cosmetics as mouthwash, deodorant, shampoo and toothpaste. Although it has only been found in trace amounts in these products, prolonged exposure to this chemical has been linked to skin irritation, respiratory problems, and kidney and liver problems.

DEA/TEA (Triethanolamine)
This chemical is used as a PH balancer in makeup and other cosmetics. Some of the most commonly used products that contain Trietanolamine, or DEA/TEA , are body moisturizers, face moisturizers, shampoos, baby products and make up products such as mascara, foundation, and lip gloss. This chemical can also be carcinogenic and has been known in some research cases to cause skin as well as eye irritation. DEA/TEA also was linked with blocking the nutrient choline (necessary for brain development and maintenance) from entering the body.

Formaldehyde
Formaldehyde is used in trace amounts in some topical creams, hygiene products and other cosmetics. It's used as an agent to help combat bacteria. This chemical is also used in embalming fluid and has been linked to such problems as skin irritation, headaches and breathing problems.

Propylene Glycol
This is an oily liquid substance that is used as a humectant in many beauty products such as moisturizers, and lotions. However, it is also used in hydraulic fluid and antifreeze. In fact, some studies have advised not to allow contact to the skin with Propylene Glycol, since it can be a strong skin irritant. It can also clog pores and not allow the skin to breathe.

Sodium Fluoride
An ingredient commonly used in toothpaste and some mouthwash, sodium fluoride is the source of Fluoride that is used to strengthen the teeth. The frightening thing is that this is an ingredient that is also used in rat poisons.

Parabens
Another preservative used in a large array of cosmetic products, including shampoo, shaving gels and deodorant products, Parabens are also used in some foods. The biggest danger that has been linked to parabens so far is an increased incidence of breast cancer. Trace amounts of the substance have been found in breast cancer patients.

So why are these dangerous makeup ingredients still allowed to be used by the FDA? It's a good question that is probably too complex to answer here. What's important is that we, the consumers, are more aware of what we are using and how we are using it. Read the ingredients on the back of the make up or cosmetics you plan to buy. Try to use products with the least amount of ingredients. This will cut down on the amount of chemicals you're exposed to. If the FDA can't or won't do anything about the dangerous cosmetics we are using as makeup and beauty products, then it's up to us to send a message to manufacturers by supporting safe beauty products.