(NaturalNews) It wasn't too long ago that Natural News featured an article highlighting Annie Leonard's video The Story of Cosmetics; in fact, Natural News
even hosted the video itself. Readers and viewers who might not have
been aware of the toxicity of cosmetics were in for a surprise.
Unbelievably, the dangers of many of these chemicals have been
well-documented. Yet, big business continues to use them in their
products and the government continues to allow this practice. So what
exactly are some of these toxins that consumers should be aware of? Here
is a short list that is merely the tip of the iceberg:
Phthalates
can be found in numerous health and beauty products, from nail polish
to fragrances and lotions to shampoos. In the U.S. these chemicals are
difficult to avoid when purchasing common over-the-counter products.
Despite the fact that they are documented as known toxins, cosmetic and
beauty manufacturers continue to use them. In fact, one major American
manufacturer has stated that the FDA has determined that their use of
phthalates is not a "health risk." However, phthalates have been linked
to cancer, infertility, and birth defects. Whether the risk is
considered minimal or not, these chemicals should not be in health and
beauty products.
Lead, a toxin that most people are aware
of, can be found in lipstick. If a woman is wearing lipstick, it's
difficult to avoid ingesting some of it. Laws regarding lead-based paint
and other potential lead hazards in one's home have made most people
aware of the dangers of this toxic metal. Lead is not actually added
to lipstick; rather, it is a contaminant. However, some manufacturers'
lipsticks are more dangerous than others. Furthermore, lead might even
be in other cosmetics. Lead, like phthalates, is linked to cancer and
birth defects, and manufacturers must do a better job of keeping their
lipsticks clean.
Parabens are preservatives used in health
and beauty products. They work in cosmetics the way trans fats work in
foods - they greatly extend the shelf life of the product, but at the
expense of the human body using them! Parabens are thought to cause
breast cancer and reproductive problems because they mimic hormones.
Surely there are other ingredients manufacturers can use to extend the
life of the products they sell without endangering their customers.
A
person's skin acts as a shield, but it is not an impenetrable shell.
Even though this large organ protects the rest of the body from germs
and other contaminants, it cannot keep the dangerous chemicals out. If a
product like lotion is rubbed on the skin and contains a toxin, the
body absorbs the toxin along with the rest of the ingredients. These
toxins are delivered directly into the body when they are used on the
skin.
Yes, beauty can be deadly. Fortunately, there are several
cosmetic and health care companies today that manufacture health and
beauty products that are free of harmful chemicals, toxins, and
preservatives. Many of these companies are also vegan. Mindful consumers
can make healthy, safe choices when it comes to their beauty and health
products.
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