Cosmetic Causes Cancer

All of us want to look our best whenever we go out for a party or for that matter any social function. The little pouch that I see many of my friends carries in their bag religiously so that they look good throughout the day and even in the night has cancer causing chemicals. Even your body washes, face washes, shampoos and moisturizers have cancer-causing chemicals.

The latest news about the presence of chemicals called parabens in women with breast cancer, has created stir amongst women at large. The chemicals used in cosmetics have been associated with side-effects ranging from skin irritation and allergies to cancer. You can be exposed to chemicals by breathing in sprays and powders, swallowing nail paints and lipsticks. But chemical absorption through skin is more dangerous than eating or swallowing the chemicals.

Delhi Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Research (DIPSAR) carried out a study which showed that there are harmful cancer causing chemicals in our shampoos, tooth pastes, face washes, talcum powder, kajal and lipsticks. So be careful while buying your make-up products and also your day to day toiletries.

Cosmetics are a complex combination of chemicals. Most cosmetics contain water, emulsifiers and preservatives to prevent the growth of microorganisms, thickening agents to give a proper consistency, fragrance, colour and pH stabilizers. Cancer causing chemicals called parabens are present in deodorants and antiperspirants.

Parabens contain para-hydroxybenzoic acid and are widely used in cosmetics to extend their shelf-life. Methylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben are the most common parabens. Paraben acts similar to estrogens, the female sex hormone. Researchers have found out that estrogen is associated with certain forms of breast cancer.

Deodorants, shampoos, sunscreen, skin care and body care products contain petroleum, benzene derivatives and other toxic chemicals. These toxic chemicals are carcinogenic. For instance benzaldehyde is used in cosmetics as a denaturant and as a fragrance and is mainly used in perfumes.

The scented products gives you headache, dizziness, rash, skin discolouration, skin allegories along with cough and cold.

Tooth pastes, lipsticks and sunscreen sometimes contain nanoparticles of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide commonly used as cosmetic ingredients. These are as toxic as asbestos and have carcinogenic properties. To remain safe look out for products that mention mentions in the label saying there are no nanoparticle-sized ingredients.