Finding the perfect makeup products can be a difficult thing to do. There are different criteria you need to take into consideration. You need to think of how resistant you want them to be, their price, their ingredients and maybe the company which makes them.
If we were to put makeup products in categories based on their composition, we may classify them in regular and chemical free makeup. The difference between the two of them stands in their ingredients. The first category can contain ingredients harmful for your skin and the environment. The other type of products is a healthier alternative. The effects of the chemicals may have a negative result in the long run (years after years of regular usage).The other type of products is a healthier alternative.
If you’re using regular makeup products, you may want to know this. The effects of the chemicals may have a negative result in the long run (years after years of regular usage).
The big question is about what you need to pay attention to and what ingredients you should stay away. We have prepared a list of these chemicals and explained their effects. Let’s take a look at them.
Phthalates (found in lip balm, nail polishes, skin creams, lotions)
Phthalates are chemicals found in different cosmetics such as lip balm, nail polishes, skin creams and lotions. They have been linked to developmental, reproductive and neurological problems.
If you look on the package of different products, you may find the term “fragrances” listed on the ingredients list. Some companies may group the phthalates they use under this term. They may choose not to disclose them and claim their fragrances are “secret.”
PEG compounds (found in cream-based cosmetics)
PEG compounds or polyethylene glycols are petroleum-based chemicals used generally in cream-based cosmetics. They often contain ethylene oxide and 1,4-dioxane, two other known dangerous carcinogens.
Ethylene oxide can cause great problems for the nervous system and 1,4 dioxane has been also linked to cancer. What’s more, this last chemical is resistant and it can remain in the environment for great periods of time.
Parabens (cosmetics preservatives)
Parabens are widely known as the preservatives used in different cosmetics. They have been linked to interfering with a proper functioning of hormones. Other problems they can cause are:
- reproduction problems
- problems with the nervous system
- problems with the immune system
Some countries have banned products with parabens or have imposed certain rules which allow only products with low paraben levels to be sold in stores.
BHA and BHT (makeup products preservatives)
BHA and BHT (butylated compounds) are other preservatives used in makeup products. You can find them in foundations, moisturizers, eyeliners and lipsticks.
The problem with them is they have been linked to endocrine disruptions, developmental problems and skin allergies. Because they are found in a wide variety of products, they may have some effects on your health in the long run.
Other ingredients you may want to keep an eye open for are:
- lead
- quaternium-15
- octinoxate
- siloxanes
- triclosan
- carbon black
Why switch to chemical free makeup
Chemical free makeup products are the alternative you can go for. What’s great about them is that they are created in order to offer the results you are looking for and may not cause harm to your skin.
You may want to check their ingredient list as well. Make sure they use what they claim and that those products don’t contain any ingredient you are allergic to.
Using chemical free makeup can bring some benefits for you. They are made of natural (or organic, if the products are certified as organic) ingredients such as oils and plant-based substances. This means there are fewer chances of these products having undesired negative effects on your skin in the short or long run. Also, natural ingredients made from plants are better for the environment.
Chemical free makeup products offer great results. You have a wide variety to choose from regarding colors and product sizes.
Also, depending on the company you are buying from, you may find products which are cruelty-free, hypoallergenic and gluten free.