1. HISTORY of Cosmetics
The HISTORY OF COSMETICS spans at least 6000
years and is present in almost every society on earth.
Some argue that cosmetic body art was the earliest
form of ritual in human culture, dating over 100,000
years ago from the African Middle Stone Age. The
evidence for this comes in the form of utilized red
mineral pigments (red ochre) including crayons
associated with the emergence of Homo sapiens in
Africa.
2. • Archaeological evidence of cosmetics certainly dates
from ancient Egypt and Greece. According to one
source, early major developments include the use
of castor oil in ancient Egypt as a protective balm and skin
creams made of beeswax, olive oil, and rose
water described by the Romans. The Ancient Greeks also
used cosmetics. Cosmetics are mentioned in the Old
Testament—2 Kings 9:30 where Jezebel painted her
eyelids—approximately 840 BC—and the book
of Esther describes various beauty treatments as well.
Cosmetics were also used in ancient Rome, although
much of Roman literature suggests that it was frowned
upon. It is known that some women in ancient Rome used
various substances, including lead-based formulas, to
whiten the skin, and kohl was used to line the eyes.
4. Definition of deodorants and antiperspirants:
The aluminium salt‐based antiperspirant
combats the flow of perspiration and the
breakdown of sweat (bacteria) [11,12]. - The
bactericide‐based (ethanol, triclosan, etc.)
deodorant combats offensive odours [12]. -
Parabens are generally not present in
deodorants/antiperspirants, which may be
explained by the fact that, as bactericides,
deodorants/antiperspirants are self‐ preservative
and therefore do not need the addition of
preservatives such as parabens.
5.
6.
7. The skin absorbs up to 60% of the chemicals
it comes in contact with - these chemicals
enter the bloodstream and flow through,
and some are stored in, our vital organs.
Herb Research Foundation
8. The average woman uses 12 personal
care products containing at least 128
chemical ingredients everyday.
Men use on average 6 products
containing 85 chemical ingredients
everyday.
We absorb, inhale and ingest many of
these chemicals.
Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
9. The National Institute of Occupational Safety and
Health (NIOSH) US analyzed 2983 chemicals used
in personal care products.
The study demonstrated that:
– 884 were toxic
– 314 caused biological mutation
– 218 caused reproductive complications
– 778 caused acute toxicity
– 146 caused tumors
– 376 caused skin and eye irritations
10. Personal Care Products:
Ingredients to Avoid
• Phthlates
• Fragrance
• Parabens
• Propylene Glycol (PG)
• Formaldehyde
• Hydroquinone
• Petroleum/Petroleum byproducts
• Sodium Lauryl Sulfate/Sodium Laureth Sulfate
• Diethanolamine (DEA)
• Talc
• 1,4 Dioxane and Lead
(References: Dying To Look Good by Christine Farlow D.C. 2001; The Essential Green You
by Deidre Imus 2009;Not Just a Pretty Face by Stacy Malkan, 2007; Best In Beauty 2009)
11. PHTHALATES
Ingredient Use: Fragrance and as penetration enhancer
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Xenoestrogen: Endocrine disrupter/estrogen mimicker
• May cause early puberty in girls
• May cause impaired testicular function in infant boys
– EPA Classifies as possible carcinogen
– DTLG Rating: X – Known carcinogen via research
Found in: Nail Polish, Perfumes, Deodorants, Skin Creams
Hair Sprays, Gels, Mousse and Lotions
Labeled as: DIBUTYL PHTHALATE; DIETHYLPHTHALATE, DEP, DEHP,
BBP,DBP, DEP
12. FRAGRANCE
Ingredient Use: To add or enhance scent
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Single fragrance may contain 100 different chemicals
• Many are volatile allergens
– May cause dizziness, asthma and skin rashes
– May contain petroleum derivatives or parabens
– DTLG Rating: CA (C= Caution is advised A= May cause allergic
reaction)
Found in: Personal care products of all categories
Labeled as: FRAGRANCE (FDA allows them to be unlisted as “trade
secrets”) or PARFUM
13. PARABENS
Ingredient Use: Preservative
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Xenoestrogen: May alter development in young children
– Raise cancer risk
– Impairs fertility
– Skin irritant
– DTLG Rating CA (C= Caution is advised A= May cause allergic reaction)
Found in: Moisturizers, Shampoos, Conditioners, Deodorants,
Skin Creams, Foundations and Lotions
Labeled as: Methylparaben, Butylparaben, Sodium Paraben,
Proplyparaben
14. PROPYLENE GLYCOL (PG)
Ingredient Use: Controls product melting; Aids skin
penetration, Humectant
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Linked to liver and kidney issues
– May cause Reproductive damage and cell mutations
– Skin and eye irritant
– DTLG Rating CA (C= Caution is advised A= May cause allergic
reaction)
Found in: Second most common ingredient in moisturizers
aside from water - also in sunscreen, lotions,
antiperspirants, deodorant, soaps
Labeled as: 1,2-DIHYDROXYPROPANE; 2-HYDROXYPROPANOL;
METHYLETHYL GLYCOL; 1,2-PROPANEDIOL; PROPANE-1,2-DIOL; 1,2-
DIHYDROXYPROPANE; 1,2-PROPYLENE GLYCOL; 1,2-
PROPYLENGLYKOL (GERMAN) ; ALPHA-PROPYLENEGLYCOL;
DOWFROST; METHYLETHYLENE GLYCOL
15. FORMALDEHYDE
Ingredient Use: Preservative
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Linked to cancer
– May cause developmental and reproductive damage
– May cause asthma
– Neurotoxin
– DTLG Rating XA ( X= Unsafe or poorly tested A= May cause
allergic reaction)
– Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says safe at 0.2%
– Banned in Japan and Europe
Found in: Nail Polish, Shampoos and Bleach
Labeled as: FORMALDEHYDE, FORMALIN, FORMIC ALDEHYDE
16. HYDROQUINONE
Ingredient Use: Skin Bleaching Agent/Lightening Agent
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Linked to cancer
– Endocrine disrupter
– Toxic if inhaled or ingested
– Neurotoxin
– DTLG Rating XA (X= Unsafe or poorly tested A= May cause allergic reaction)
– Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says safe at 0.1% but not in “leave on”
products
– Banned in Europe
Found in: Skin lighteners, hair bleach, concealers, face
cleansers, sunscreens
Labeled as: 1,4-BENZENEDIOL; 1,4-DIHYDROXYBENZENE; P-DIOXYBENZENE; 4-
HYDROXYPHENOL; P-HYDROXYPHENOL; 1,4BENZENEDIOL; 1,4-BENZENEDIOL; 1,4-
DIHYDROXY-BENZEEN (DUTCH) ; 1,4-DIHYDROXY-BENZOL (GERMAN) ; 1,4-
DIHYDROXYBENZEN (CZECH) ; 1,4-DIHYDROXYBENZENE
17. PETROLEUM / PETROLEUM BYPRODUCTS
Ingredient Use: Soften and protect skin, make
product smooth and shiny
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Linked to cancer
– Causes developmental and reproductive damage
– Immune toxicity
– Endocrine disruption
– Neurotoxin
– Allergic reaction
– DTLG Rating CA (C= Caution is advised A= May cause allergic reaction)
– Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says safe as used
– Banned in Europe unless company demonstrates safety
Found in: Moisturizers, Conditioners, Creams, Make-up,
Concealer, Mascara
Labeled as: PETROLEUM, PETROLATUM, MINERAL OIL, PETROLEUM BYPRODUCTS
18. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE /
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE
Ingredient Use: Foaming agent, surfactant,
emulsifying agent
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Linked to cancer when mixed with other chemicals
– Impairs immune system
– Eye and skin irritant
– Found to enter brain, heart and liver
– DTLG Rating CA (C= Caution is advised A= May cause allergic reaction)
– Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says safe in rinse off products; up to
1% in “leave on”
Found in: Shampoos, Conditioners, Soaps, Body Washes,
Moisturizers, Toothpastes
Labeled as: SDS, SLS, ALS, SODIUM DODECYL SULFATE; MONODODECYL ESTER, SODIUM
SALT; MONODODECYL ESTER; MONODODECYL ESTER SODIUM SALT SULFURIC ACID; SODIUM
LAURYL SULFATE SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE; SODIUM DODECYL SULPHATE; SULFURIC ACID
MONODODECYL ESTER SODIUM SALT
19. DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)
Ingredient Use: Foaming agent, pH adjuster
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Toxic to immune system
– Eye and skin irritant
– Respiratory toxicant
– DTLG Rating CA (C= Caution is advised A= May cause allergic reaction)
– Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) says safe up to 5% in rinse off
products
Found in: Shampoos, Soaps, Body Washes, Facial Cleansers,
Moisturizers, Body Scrubs Acne Treatments, Deodorant
Labeled as: COCAMIDE DEA, LAURAMIDE DEA, N,N-DIETHANOLAMINE; 2,2'-
DIHYDROXYDIETHYLAMINE; 2,2'-IMINOBISETHANOL; 2,2'-IMINODIETHANOL; ETHANOL, 2,2
IMINOBIS; DEA (EWG) ; 2,2'-DIHYDROXYDIETHYLAMINE; 2,2'-IMINOBISETHANOL; 2,2'-
IMINODIETHANOL; 2- (2-HYDROXYETHYLAMINO) ETHANOL; BIS (2-HYDROXYETHYL) AMINE
20. TALC
Ingredient Use: Absorbs moisture
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Skin and respiratory irritant
– Potential carcinogen if inhaled
– May contain asbestiform fibers
– DTLG Rating XA (X= Unsafe or poorly tested A= May cause
allergic reaction)
– Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) On high priority list to
review
Found in: Blush, Eye Shadow, Face and Body Powder,
Deodorant
Labeled as: COSMETIC TALC; FRENCH CHALK; TALC (MG3H2 (SIO3) 4) ;
AGALITE; ASBESTINE; B 13; B 13 (MINERAL) ; B 13 (MINERAL) ; B 9; B 9
(TALC) ; BEAVER WHITE 200
21. 1,4-DIOXANE
Ingredient Use: Not an actual ingredient but a
contaminant in products that create suds, like
shampoo, liquid soap and bubble bath.
– Potentially from sodium laureth sulfate, PEG compounds and
chemicals that include the clauses "xynol," "ceteareth" and "oleth."
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Carcinogen
– Kidney toxicant
– Neurotoxicant
– Respiratory toxicant
– DTLG Rating X (X= Unsafe or poorly tested)
Found in: 40% of personal care products and cosmetics
as a contaminant
Labeled as: CONTAMINANT THUS UNLABELED
22. LEAD
Ingredient Use: Not an actual ingredient but a contaminant
in raw ingredients.
Derivative lead acetate is an ingredient in hair dye.
Potential Health Risk/Safety Issues:
– Can affect every organ
– Cancer
– Anemia
– Brain Damage
– Kidney Damage
– Respiratory toxin
– DTLG Rating X (X= Unsafe or poorly tested)
– FDA approved use of Lead acetate except near eyes
Found in: Almost all personal products as a contaminant
especially lipsticks
Labeled as: CONTAMINANT THUS UNLABELED WITH EXCEPTION OF
LEAD ACETATE