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Carcinogens in Cosmetics

Phoebe Doscher, Staff Editor

Studies have recently uncovered that many chemicals such as antifreeze, formaldehyde, and sodium lauryl sulfate are part of the ingredients in many popular American cosmetic and cleaning products. From skincare and makeup rituals, to laundry detergent, teens and adults of all ages are faced with these commodities, yet they are still unaware about the harms of this astonishing truth.

One of the most recent cases of chemical awareness has to do with The Honest Company, co-founded by actress, Jessica Alba. This company is known for taking broad strokes in eliminating harmful chemicals from their products, which includes anything from detergent to diapers and personal care. However, last March, studies cited finding significant amounts of sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) in their detergent.

SLS, which The Honest Co. vowed they would not use, causes skin irritation, especially on the scalp, gums and lips. A very similar chemical, sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) could be contaminated with dioxane, a carcinogen that cannot be metabolized easily by the liver.

In return, The Honest Co. may receive some backlash or lack of trust from customers, but their current plan is to reformulate their detergent and create healthier and safer products for their consumers, that can be trusted with all “honesty.”

However, this is not the only example of chemically-infused products that may not be expected. Some may wonder just how their lotion becomes “age defying,” or has the ability to decrease the amount of wrinkles on their face. The trick, according to certain successful makeup companies, like L’Oreal, Olay, and Neutrogena, is anti-freeze.

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Anti-freeze, also known as propylene glycol (PG), is known to have moisturizing qualities, hence the term, “Revitalift Triple Power.” This provides customers with an easy, at-home facelift, reaping the effects of botox. But, exposure to the industrial grade of PG has been associated with liver and kidney issues, and workers are required to wear clothing when handling this chemical.

Additionally, one of the most popular chemicals that companies like Honest Co. vow to avoid is formaldehyde. Which is a carcinogen used as a preservative in anything from keratin hair straighteners, to mascara and shampoo. Its purpose is to prevent bacteria from growing, and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives allow the chemical to be released slowly and constantly into the product.

According to the National Cancer Institute, this chemical reaps a higher risk of contracting leukemia or brain cancer. Studies have also shown that consumers are at a higher risk of issues with the respiratory system, nervous system, and bodily development.

Just these risks are enough to scare consumers away from buying products that could potentially affect their long-term health, or even cause cancer. But the United States has been allowed to continue producing cosmetics with these chemicals, without raising awareness to the general public.

“I definitely will look at what products I am using and I'll switch if they're harmful. I'm also surprised that there isn't a lot of awareness about this,” Newtown High School sophomore Emma Stierle said.

Since the United States has limited restrictions associated with banned chemicals, companies are able to put these fatal carcinogens in their products without any sort of regulation behind it. However, some companies such as Honest Co. and BeautyCounter have taken a pledge to lean toward safer products.

“Over the years there have been many products that prestige beauty companies have reformulated to make sure they were not only compliant but ‘safe,’” former executive for Esteé Lauder Tricia Butler said.

In the future, the government could still be made aware of these issues plaguing cosmetic and beauty products around the world, because without restrictions in place, there have been no solutions.

“My company is currently trying to promote change down in Washington DC and we have been working with congressmen and women to get some stronger regulations,” Senior Consultant at BeautyCounter Caitlin O’Keefe Boles said.

As a whole, Americans have been dealing with increasing amounts of health issues, from asthma to cancer, or infertility. The chemicals that unknowingly appear in cleaning or beauty products in the United States may play a role in this problem. So with stronger regulations and awareness, we will come closer to becoming a healthy country.

Image Courtesy of healthychildhealthyworld.com

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