Chemicals in Makeup 1

Running Head: DANGEROUS CHEMICALS IN MAKEUP

Dangerous Chemicals in Makeup

Regan Sherman

Mrs. Adams

Magnet Honors English 9

November 24
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Abstract

The essay explains how some mascara can contain some dangerous ingredients or

chemicals and safe solutions. While researching the many products in mascara and the

effects on the body, it was found that a lot of big name brands’ products contain harmful

chemicals that can cause serious health issues. The researcher used many health websites

and makeup websites to help find the information. This paper has information from

Lizette Borreli, the Environmental Working Group, the Personal Care Products Council,

the Breast Cancer Fund, and Nadia from Body Unburdened. According to Lizette Borreli

(n.d.), many of the chemicals in mascara can cause severe illnesses; The Environmental

Working Group (n.d.) said that many of these products could cause cancer. The Breast

Cancer Fund (n.d.) says that people should avoid many ingredients in beauty products

that can cause cancer and other dreadful diseases. After researching for many days on

this topic, studies show mascara can cause cancer and many other horrible ailments, so be

smart and choose the right mascara.

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Dangerous Chemicals in Makeup

The European Union has banned 1,100+ chemicals from cosmetics, The United

States has banned only 10 said Malkan (2007). Many chemicals in makeup are very

dangerous and can harm your health in very serious ways. Many of these products are

causing illnesses such as cancer and other diseases like it. Manly chemicals in makeup

products are very dangerous and can cause serious illnesses.

Parabens

One example of these dangerous chemicals would be parabens. These

preservatives are used in cosmetics to prevent bacteria from growing. “The hygienic

preservatives have been linked to mimic or disrupt estrogen in the body, also known as an

endocrine disrupter,” says the Breast Cancer Fund (n.d.). High concentrations of parabens

have been found in human breast tumors by Dr. Darbre (2004). In a study that mimics

Dr. Darbre’s original study, Darbre and her research team found one or more types of

parabens in 99% of the tissue samples, and all five were measurable in 60% of the

samples. Some of Mascaras with Parabens: L’Oreal, Cover Girl, Avon, Bobbi Brown,

Clinique, Maybelline, Neutrogena, Revlon, Chanel, and Lancôme.

Aluminum Powder

Aluminum powder is another dangerous chemical in Mascara. It is a metallic

substance is used as a cosmetic colorant and is a neurotoxin, rated as a high concern by

the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG). This neurotoxin is considered to be worse

than mercury because it has been linked to interfere with cellular and metabolic processes

in the nervous system and other tissues, says a study published in the journal of

Pediatrics. Long-term exposure of aluminum powder, can impair the body’s capability to
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remove mercury and therefore, can make whatever amount of mercury in your system

more poisonous. A few Mascaras with Aluminum Powder include Cover Girl and Estee

Lauder.

Propylene Glycol can cause severe skin irritation and sensitization. People who

may be sensitive to this product can be exposed to a special form of irritation, allergic

contact dermatitis. According to Dermapproved.com, this allergic reaction will show up

as a red, inflamed rash that is accompanied by itching and minor pain. In extreme cases,

painful blisters may form on the skin and could potentially spread to other parts of the

body. A couple Mascaras with Propylene Glycol: L’Oreal, Mineral Fusion, Rimmel,

Avon, and Maybelline.

Retinyl Acetate

Retinyl Acetate also known as Vitamin A Acetate, This harmful mascara

ingredient is ranked as a high concern by the EWG because it can cause biochemical or

cellular level changes. Retinyl acetate can produce a surplus of reactive oxygen species

that interfere with cellular signaling and can even cause gene mutations. While there is

restricted use in cosmetics where beauty companies must meet recommendations or

requirements in the U.S., the use it is prohibited in Canadian cosmetics. Some Mascaras

with Retinyl Acetate: Elizabeth Arden, Almay and Revlon.

Ammonium acrylates copolymer

Ammonium acrylates copolymer is another chemical that can harm one’s health.

Environmental Working Group (EWG) rates this chemical a two and it has a low to

moderate overall hazard. Ammonium acrylates copolymer is used as a binder, film

former, and a viscosity-increasing agent. Magnesium Silicate was rated a one, it has a
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low risk in overall hazard even though there is a low to moderate risk for causing cancer.

Magnesium silicate is used in makeup as an absorbent, anticaking agent, bulking agent,

and an opacifying agent. It is also known as magnesium salt silicic acid; silicic acid

(h2sio3) , magnesium salt (1:1) ; silicic acid, magnesium salt; silicic acid, magnesium salt

(1:1).

Alcohol Denatured

Alcohol Denatured was rated a four, moderate overall risk and a low to moderate

risk for causing cancer. Some concerns (from high to low) Multiple, additive exposure

sources; Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive) and greater skin absorption. Denatured

alcohol is a combination of ethyl alcohol with a denaturing agent. Ethanol is broadly

toxic and associated to birth defects following excessive oral ingestion. Possible risks

from ethanol in personal care products are smaller than the risks presented by the

ingesting of alcohol. This chemical is used as an antifoam, antimicrobial, astringent,

masking and solvent. It is also called alcohol, completely denatured; denatured alcohol,

designated by the government; denatured alcohol, not designated by the government;

designated by the government denatured alcohol; not designated by the government

denatured alcohol.

Propylene Glycol

The Environmental Working Group rated propylene glycol a three, it has a

moderate overall risk and a moderate risk for allergies. Some other concerns for

Propylene glycol inclubeirritaton of they eyes, skin, or lungs, Organ system toxicity (non-

reproductive), and Increased skin absorption. Propylene glycol is a small organic alcohol

frequently used as a skin-conditioning agent. It has been linked with aggravation and
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allergic contact dermatitis. It is also used as a Fragrance Ingredient, and a Humectant. It

is also known as 1,2-dihydroxypropane; 1,2-propanediol; 2-hydroxypropanol; methyl

ethyl glycol; propane-1,2-diol; 1,2-dihydroxypropane; 1,2-propylene glycol; 1,2-

propylenglykol (German) ; alpha-propylene glycol; dowfrost; methyl ethylene glycol.

Avoiding Dangerous Chemicals

To avoid all these dangerous chemicals in Mascara, make one, by following the

simple DIY attached on the next page.

The Breast Cancer Fund (n.d.) says that one should Avoid Things to avoid: Anti-

aging creams with BHA on the label, Hair dyes, which can contain hormone

disruptors like resorcinol, Liquid hand soaps with triclosan/triclocarban Nail

polish and removers with formaldehyde, DBP or toluene (which can be

contaminated with benzene), Skin lighteners with hydroquinone, Heavily scented

products Moisturizers, ointments and skin creams with petrolatum (which can be

contaminated with PAHs), Fungicides, shaving creams, hair gels and hair coloring

containing nonylphenol, Hair spray, gel, mousse or shaving cream that contains

isobutane, a propellant that can be contaminated with 1,3-butadiene, and

Sunscreens with UV filters that mimic estrogen.

Conclusion

Many chemicals in makeup are very dangerous and can harm your health in very

serious ways; they can cause different types of cancer and other illnesses like it. Many of

these chemicals have been banned in many countries but the US still allows them to be in

makeup products.
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DIY Mascara

1. Ingredients:

a. 2 teaspoons of pure aloe Vera gel.

b. 10 capsules of activated charcoal opened and emptied

c. less than 1/4 of a teaspoon of bentonite clay

d. Empty mascara tube

2. The aloe gel is used for the base, activated charcoal for the pigment, and bentonite

clay to keep the mascara from smudging.

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References

Alcohol Denatured. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700215/ALCOHOL_DENATURED/

Ammonium Acrylates Copolymer. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/700356/AMMONIUM_ACRYLATES_

COPOLYMER

Borreli, Lizette. "4 Common Mascara Ingredients That Can Harm Your Health." Medical

Daily. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 Nov. 2014.

<http://www.medicaldaily.com/4-common-mascara-ingredients-can-harm-your-

health-safe-alternative-natural-mascara-253297>.

Choose Safe Cosmetics. (n.d.). Retrieved November 18, 2014, from

http://www.breastcancerfund.org/reduce-your-risk/tips/choose-safe-cosmetics/

Isopropyl Myristate. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703206/ISOPROPYL_MYRISTATE/

Magnesium Silicate. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/703707/MAGNESIUM_SILICATE/

Malkan, S. (2007). Summary. In Not Just a Pretty Face: The ugly side of the beauty
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Industry. Gabriola, B.C.: New Society Pub.

Mascara. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from

http://www.cosmeticsinfo.org/products/mascara

N. (n.d.). DIY all-natural eye-emphasizing mascara. Retrieved November 18, 2014, from

http://bodyunburdened.com/diy-all-natural-eye-emphasizing-mascara/

Propylene Glycol. (n.d.). Retrieved November 14, 2014, from

http://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredient/705315/PROPYLENE_GLYCOL/