Toxins and carcinogens found in many cosmetics and personal care products can be absorbed through the skin and enter the bloodstream within 90 seconds. Common ingredients like fragrances and preservatives like parabens and formaldehydes are known to cause contact dermatitis. The experiment aims to test whether toxins applied topically will enter the bloodstream by examining phthalate metabolites in urine samples using chromatography and mass spectrometry techniques. Previous studies have found elevated levels of phthalates in girls' serum linked to premature breast development. Future efforts should focus on replacing toxic ingredients in personal care products with safer alternatives.

1. Toxins in CosmeticsHyunjooLeeMajor : Chemistry

2. Basic FactsOur skin is the largest organOn average, people put 9 to 15 personal care products everydayPeople approximately apply 126 different ingredients on their skinToxins can be absorbed in the bloodstream in just 90 secondsMore than 125 ingredients are suspected of causing cancer

3. CosmeticsSubstance used to enhance or protect the appearance or odor of the human bodySkin care cream and lotionPowdersPerfumesLipsticks and Lip-glossNail-polishHair dye and hair sprayShampoosBubble BathDeodorants

4. Known Human Carcinogens

5. Contact DermatitisCaused commonly by fragrances, or other preservatives, such as parabens, or formaldehydes.

6. HypothesisIn this experiment, toxins applied through the skin will go through the bloodstream.

7. MethodologyTo test toxins that went through the bloodstream, urine test can be performedPhthalates are examined to metabolite in urineThe enzymatic deconjugation of the phthalate metabolites from their glucuronidatedformThe separation using high-performance liquid chromatography, and detection using isotope-dilution tandem mass spectrometry

8. Important ArticlesColón and his teamReported elevated levels of several phthalates in serum samples from young girls with premature breast developmentAlso examined phthalate monoester metabolites in urine

9. FutureTry to find safer ingredients to put in cosmetics and personal care productsAvoid toxic chemical ingredients