Using cosmetics on a regular basis is no less than attacking your body with toxins. Cosmetic manufacturers load their products with the most hazardous synthetic substances in order to sell their product. In the present scenario where the natural products cannot be distinguished from their synthetic counter parts, decking yourself up using cosmetics is flirting with danger. Modern cosmetics contain a host of hazardous substances which are better suited for a laboratory with a danger sign printed on them than your homes.

Unfortunately government run regulatory bodies have little control over the ingredients being used in cosmetic products. In fact, the only bodies which do have a say in the substances being used for manufacturing cosmetics, are being run by cosmetic companies themselves i.e. they have self regulatory bodies which cannot afford to be harsh towards the means of their own livelihood.

Out of all the products which have been tested in the recent years, the ones most dangerous were those containing the following toxins:

1. Coal Tar

Coal tar is a synthetic substance and its derivatives are most widely used in the hair dying industry. Excessive and prolonged use of such hair dyes has been shown to cause bladder cancer, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma. A recent study shows that women using permanent hair dye at least once a month increased their chances of catching bladder cancer by more than a 100%. Out of all the cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, 20% are the ones who use permanent hair dye.

2. Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) & Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA)

AHA & BHA are mostly used in cosmetic products claiming to reduce wrinkles, acne, facial marks and spots. These toxins mostly cause itching, swelling, redness, burning and pain as short term effects. However, their long term effects can be such more devastating such as increased risk of skin cancer and doubled UV induced skin damage. AHA and BHA are present in most sun block lotions and moisturizers available in the market today and all that regulatory bodies can do about it is to suggest people not to use these products in the sun when in fact these are meant to protect against the sun.

3. Phthalates

A phthalate is an industrial plasticizer i.e. a substance used to make plastic more pliable. These are mostly used in moisturizers, skin softeners, nail paints and fragrances. This toxic substance if used regularly leads to various birth defects and jeopardizes ones reproductive life.