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Did you know that some of the products in your daily makeup routine could contain toxic chemicals? Yikes, right? I’ve been on the clean beauty train for a while now, but recently I learned about this and wanted to share it with you all! 

Shockingly, chemicals in makeup are in large part due to the fact that the Food And Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t have strict manufacturing guidelines in the beauty industry, even though consumers believe otherwise.

There’s no requirement that the ingredients in cosmetic products need to be FDA approved. Only color additives require a stamp of approval, everything else is self-regulated by beauty brands.

This is problematic because there is no formal accountability and leaves us beauty gurus vulnerable to risks associated with exposure to different types of chemicals. Keep reading to learn about three of the most common and harmful ingredients found in beauty products, and how you can protect yourself. 

1. Talc 

This ingredient is often included on labels but that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s safe. Talc, or talcum powder, is used as an absorbent in cosmetic products and can commonly be found in face powder, blush, and eyeshadow. Typically, this is fine unless the talc has been contaminated with asbestos. Both talc and asbestos are natural fibers that are formed near one another, so when talc is mined it needs to be tested for asbestos. 

Unfortunately, manufacturers may skip this step resulting in consumers being exposed to asbestos. If this happens there’s a greater risk that the user could develop asbestos cancer, such as epithelioid mesothelioma, which is the most common type and usually isn’t diagnosed until 10-50 years after exposure. Keep an eye on makeup recalls and keep track of what products you use. This is just one reason why it’s so important to take care of our health now so that we minimize health complications later on. 

2. Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

These substances are commonly found in makeup products as they improve water resistance and overall durability. This includes waterproof mascara, lipsticks, eyeshadows, and foundations. Exposure to these chemicals can result in a variety of health conditions including a weakened immune system, cancer, high cholesterol, liver disease, and birth defects. 

The use of these substances is not usually included on ingredient labels, so it’s important for consumers to be diligent about what brands they are buying from and if they claim to be a clean beauty brand. PFAS are considered a “forever chemical” which means they never break down. To protect yourself, try to reduce how often you wear makeup on your eyes or lips as it’s easier for the chemical to enter the bloodstream in these locations with long-term use.  

3. Lead 

Shockingly, lead is commonly found in some of our favorite beauty products such as lipsticks, eyeliners, SPFs, eye shadows, and foundations. Lead is considered a heavy metal and can lead to health complications including reproductive issues, cancer, and immune and nervous system toxicity. 

The FDA has made the recommendation that products shouldn’t contain more than 10ppm of lead. However, this is not a mandatory requirement so some products may contain more. The best way to avoid lead poisoning from makeup products is A) avoid anything that says “lead acetate” on the label and B) don’t eat your lipstick or lipgloss. Seriously, try to avoid licking your lips, too. 

What You Can Do 

It’s stressful to know that your favorite makeup products could contain harmful ingredients without your awareness. The best thing we can do is to continue educating ourselves and be cautious of the brands we’re using. 

Look at the ingredient label and if something seems off then don’t risk it. If you’re unsure of how to read the label, download a clean beauty app to help understand ingredients and make an informed decision. 

European Brands are a safer bet. This is because while Americans only have a list of 11 banned chemicals from beauty products, Europe has a list of 1,328 banned chemicals. 

Consider creating your own makeup when you can, so you’re in control of the ingredients, such as DIY mascara or lip scrubs! It might also be a good idea to start investing in higher quality beauty products to ensure you’re safe and live by the “less is more” motto. 

Some of my favorite clean beauty products include:

IT Cosmetics CC+ Cream Foundation

MONAT Make-Up Vanishing Balm

Smashbox Photo Finish Primer

Cover FX Shimmer Viel Lip Gloss

Honest Beauty Mascara + Primer

I’d love to know about your favorite beauty products and how you stay on top of knowing about clean ingredients! 

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