Deadly cosmetics of the past. Poisonous Ten

Dangerous cosmetics

Safety regulations

There are disappointing unofficial statistics - even more than a third cosmetics sold in Russia are counterfeit or expired. And the most dangerous are fakes, made without observing technology and quality standards, costing manufacturers very little and being sold cheaply.

According to statistics, decorative cosmetics lead in the number of counterfeits, primarily mascara, lipstick and eye shadow. In more than 90% of cases, such counterfeit products are sold not in stores, but in markets, stalls, underground passages, street stalls and other dubious places... And even if a miracle happens, the seller sells “real” cosmetics or perfumes (for example , stolen from a warehouse, which got to him in a “grey” way, bypassing customs, etc.), no one can guarantee that he complied with the storage conditions. And if mascara or lipstick is stored in the heat for several days, it can easily cause allergies, dermatitis, eczema, and conjunctivitis. But it will be almost impossible to make a claim, especially if the merchant has disappeared. So it’s better not to save money and go to the store. But even there you need to be careful: for example, there are even more germs on cosmetic testers than on door handles!

So listen to the advice of the program experts "Beauty without sacrifice." They will help you avoid unnecessary expenses and the purchase of expired products and counterfeits, tell you about the most dangerous cosmetic ingredients and how not to repeat the mistakes of the program’s heroes, for whom beauty experiments became the cause serious problems with skin.

If cosmetics inspire suspicion...

First of all, when purchasing, carefully study the packaging: it should be free of damage and traces of glue, the font should be even and clear, the words should be written without errors. For perfume sprays, be sure to pay attention to the design of the spray bottle: if the pump tube is too long and lies along the bottom of the container, it is most likely a fake. And of course Eau de Toilette should not be cloudy or have sediment!

Pay attention to the barcode. Products of the same brand, but produced in different countries, there must be different numbers. There are quite a lot of sites on the Internet where you can always check the compliance of barcodes.

Be careful: bad smell, strange consistency, uneven color cosmetics - all this can be signs of counterfeit or expired.

When buying cosmetics and perfumes online, pay attention to the price: usually cosmetic products in online stores cost 30%-40% than offline (this is the maximum discount that offline stores provide to VIP clients). If perfume or cosmetics on the Internet are two or three times cheaper, most likely they are selling off the remaining batch (possibly expired), “gray” goods, or, what happens most often, an outright low-quality fake. By the way, in bona fide online stores they will always present invoices and the necessary certificates, and provide the coordinates of official suppliers.

Channel instead of Chanel: this happens too!

Pay attention to the design: hallmark fakes may be allegedly new design or shade, if we are talking about decorative cosmetics. On the official site cosmetic brand You can always see whether the design has really changed, whether new products and shades have appeared. In addition, do not forget that there are so-called replicas, versions or variations - these are not even fakes, but products that are similar to the originals, like twin brothers, and only slightly different from them. They are designed, first of all, for the most inattentive! For example, instead of Versace may be written Versase, instead of Chanel No. 5 - Channel No. 5 and so on. Most often we deal with luxury versions of products, the names of which are familiar to everyone. And such cosmetics and perfumes can be very dangerous, because they were made somewhere unknown and unknown by whom!

No allergies

Never forget: even the most high-quality cosmetics and perfumes can cause allergies and irritation. Most often, allergic reactions are caused by decorative cosmetics for the eyes and lips (especially if they contain a lot of red pigments, designated as Red), hair dyes, perfumes with natural ingredients(it is no coincidence that the latter are increasingly being replaced with synthetic ones for safety reasons). So remember to keep an eye on the expiration dates of your cosmetics and get rid of them before they become hazardous to your health. It is also advisable to test all new products for tolerability. The simplest test is to apply a little product to the inner bend of the elbow (do not wash it off!), if after 24-48 hours there is no irritation and other negative reaction- that means everything is in order. Dermatologists advise to be especially careful with hair dyes; they can cause very severe irritation scalp and even hair loss. It is no coincidence that before dyeing your hair, it is always recommended to do an allergic reaction test: even the usual dye, if its formula has been slightly changed, can cause a severe allergy.

Popular salon procedure Keratin straightening gives hair smoothness, softness and silkiness. It is believed that the products for this procedure do not contain formaldehyde. However, the Oregon State Administration (USA) professional health and Safety (Oregon OSHA) found high concentrations of this chemical in more than half of the products tested.

Formaldehyde irritates mucous membranes and affects the nervous system, liver, kidneys and other organs. With prolonged exposure, it can even cause cancer. Professionals who perform keratin straightening procedures are especially at risk.

Alternative: conditioner and hair straightener.

Hair conditioner neutralizes static electricity and helps smooth hair. And a hair straightener in combination with heat protectants is safer than keratin straightening.

2. Permanent hair dye

Scientists have differing opinions regarding the safety of this drug. According to some studies, frequent use hair dyes, especially dark shades, can lead to leukemia or lymphoma. However, other studies have not confirmed the risk of the disease.

There is also no definitive evidence that hair dye is dangerous for pregnant women. But it is still recommended to wait until the second trimester. And everyone else should not abuse permanent coloring.

Alternative: natural hair dye.

Alternative: home nail care.

If this alternative does not suit you, try to minimize the risks. Before entrusting your nails and your health to a specialist, check the cleanliness of the salon. If something bothers you, don’t be afraid to just leave the establishment. Before a pedicure, do not shave your legs and postpone going to the salon if your skin is irritated or sore.

8. Products containing phthalates

Phthalates are salts and esters of phthalic acid. They are found in makeup, nail polish, deodorant, shampoo, perfume and other cosmetics. Phthalates provide them with a stable color and aroma. It's also worth mentioning that phthalates are found in flooring, shower curtains, food packaging, toys and other everyday items.

These substances cause great damage to many organs and can cause. Exposure to phthalates also negatively affects pregnancy.

Alternative: phthalate-free products.

Do not buy cosmetics that contain ingredients such as dibutyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, and so on.

9. Products containing parabens

Parabens are used to extend the shelf life of cosmetics. High concentrations of parabens can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, premature aging, cancer, and also lead to disruption of fetal development in the womb.

Alternative: natural cosmetics.

Natural cosmetics that do not contain parabens are extremely popular today. Substitutes for synthetic preservatives are vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (tocopherol acetate).

How long do decorative cosmetics last?

Experts set the following storage periods:

• foundation - one year;
• blush, powder, eye shadow - two years;
• lipstick - one year;
• mascara - 3–4 months.

An alternative usual means Mineral decorative cosmetics can be used. It contains fewer irritants and preservatives. However, people with very sensitive skin It also needs to be applied with caution. Although the composition mineral cosmetics and contains sunscreen agents (titanium dioxide or zinc oxide), you still need to use sunscreen before applying it.

In 1994, Jacqueline Kennedy, the legendary First Lady of the United States, died of breast cancer. Neither money, nor connections, nor ongoing treatment helped. She was only 64 years old. It has been officially established that the development of the tumor was stimulated by the regular entry into the body through the skin of strong carcinogens contained in hair dye. Jacqueline often liked to dye her hair, usually giving preference to dyes from one of the very well-known companies.

But when Jacqueline used these paints, she had no idea how it could end.

A few years ago, a scandal broke out in Europe, which resulted in the withdrawal of products from sale well-known company NIKE, which produces sports goods. As it turned out, the black and yellow paints used in the production of NIKE products contained strongest mutagens, causing changes in cells at the gene level. In the CIS countries, however, no seizures of similar goods were carried out...

Every home has products that both children and adults use every day: soap, shampoos, toothpastes, creams, lotions, deodorants, perfumes, cologne... How safe they are can be judged by their composition. Go into your bathroom and take a close look at the products you use.

If there is no composition on the package, then there is no guarantee of safety. It is better to never buy products without indicating what they are made of. After all, in this case you have no information to choose from. But the more information on the packaging, the greater the chances of saving your health. Very often, not the full composition is indicated, but only the safest part of it, especially of plant origin. And many buyers make their choice in favor of a specific product precisely because of it: “Oh! Naturally based! ABOUT! Contains chamomile extracts!”

But any plant extract is added to the base of the product. If it is shampoo or bubble bath, then the basis will be surfactants = surfactants (those that allow the product to foam and remove dirt). But they can be quite harmful to health. Among dangerous surfactants, SODIUM LAURYL SULPHATE (SLS) or SODIUM LAURET SULPHATE (SLES) are very often used. Easily penetrating the skin, they gradually accumulate in the tissues of the eyes, brain, liver, heart, and upon reaching a certain toxic concentration, they cause various, serious disorders of the listed organs in children and adults.

In many households, among hygiene products, cosmetics, medicinal ointments, and household chemicals, you can often find ingredients such as PROPYLENE GLYCOL, ETHYLENE GLYCOL. They are introduced to create the effect of “moisturizing” the skin. In fact, they create an impenetrable film, which disrupts skin functions, gas exchange, and prevents the removal of toxins. But since their daily portion entering the body is small, they do not immediately cause the development of the disease, but act slowly, step by step approaching their insidious goal.

The list of potentially dangerous components most often found in hygiene and cosmetic products includes: PETROLATUM, MINERAL (technical) OIL, DEA (diethanolamine), TEA (triethanolamine), LANOLIN, ALUMINUM SALT (used in most deodorants, as they block sweating for a long time ).

KAOLIN, FLUORIDE (fluoride compound, fluorides), TRICLOSAN, PA-PHENYLENE-DIAMINE (found in many hair dyes) – this toxic substance should be avoided because it causes allergies and dermatitis.

METHYL-DIBROMO-GLUTAR-NITRITE (as a preservative is introduced into the composition of gels, masks, creams, tanning products, shampoos, etc.) – causes skin diseases, A allergy it's like an epidemic on him. Companies producing products with this substance (BOOTS, NIVEA, PANTENE and a number of others) were officially warned by European Commission experts back in 2001 about the dangers of methyl dibromo-glutaro-nitrite. But so far, none of the warned companies have excluded it from their products.

PHTHALATES – they should be avoided by pregnant, nursing mothers and all women planning to become pregnant. Experts from the EWG (Working Group on environment") - one of the most influential public organizations in the USA, they discovered that this substance can cause congenital deformities, primarily in boys. Phthalates are found in many nail polishes (CHANEL, CHRISTIAN DIOR, MAX FACTOR, MAYBELLINE, OIL OF OLAY, KIKI, COLLECTION 2000, etc.), as well as in shampoos, conditioners, lotions, hair growth products, lipsticks, antiperspirants , sunscreen cosmetics and even chewing gum. In the fetus, phthalates cause development of genital defectss, children who are breastfed may develop over many years infertility and impotence. Judging by patent information, the company that likes to use phthalates in its products the most is PROCTER & GAMBLE. Although the number of fans includes: L’OREAL, SHISEIDO, REVLON, COLGATE, PALMOLIVE, HENKEL, ELIZABET ARDEN, etc. The danger of phthalates to health is also confirmed by our domestic experts from the Center for Independent Expertise of Cosmetic Products of the Institute plastic surgery and cosmetology of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation.

Unfortunately, the list is far from complete, and it can be continued for a very long time. Today, a thinking person is faced with the question of searching, and ideally even making his own natural products, free of chemical poisons and genetic mutants.

In the 90s, a scandal broke out in Europe and the USA. Well-known cosmetics and perfume companies were targeted by doctors, toxicologists and environmentalists. In the course of serious research, it turned out that “enemy agents” are hidden in almost every jar, tube and bottle - chemicals about which there are serious suspicions. Having neither taste nor color, insidious substances act stealthily. It's time to recognize your enemies by sight. Greenpeace specialists summarized the results of research by European scientists.

Glycerol in excess amounts leads to dehydration and flaking. Strictly not recommended for dry skin.

Mineral oils:
- Vaseline (Petrolatum or vaseline),
- Paraffin (Parafinum liquidum),
- Ceresin, purified wax (Ceresin wax),
- Ozokerite, or mountain wax (Ozokerite)
Danger - they are substrates for oil refining.
They cannot boast of having beneficial properties for health, but are harmful to the skin. Film made from mineral oil Detains toxins that are eliminated through the pores. In addition, it prevents the penetration of oxygen, dissolves natural sebum and dries out the skin.

Preservatives:
CPC or Cetylpyridinium chloride,
Laureth,
Triclosan,
Danger - cause severe irritation.
Phenyl mercuric acetate/borate – obtained from mercury. Very toxic.

Acetanilide
Hazard - Supposed to be toxic.

Aluminum
Included in deodorants, eye shadows, etc.
Danger - causes increased risk the occurrence of inflammatory reactions on the skin and intoxication with heavy metals.
Presumably leads to neurodegenerative diseases.

Naphtol – hair dye.
Danger - causes allergies.

Solvents.
Toluene,
Xylene, dimethylbenzene (Xylene)
Danger - carcinogens.

Hair dyes should first be checked for the following content:
- lead acetate,
- mercury,
- arsenic.

Alarm No. 1

Agent. Paraben. Also known as methylparaben, propylparaben, ethylparaben, butylparaben.

Who does he work for? Shampoos, creams, face masks, hair products, nail polishes, deodorants, etc. Present in almost 90 percent of cosmetics.

Main weapon. Deodorant.

Suspected. Scientists have discovered the presence of this chemical in malignant breast tumors. Of course, this does not prove that he caused the cancer. But what was found in the tumors were precisely those parabens that were in deodorants. Scientists suggest that such substances contribute to the onset of the disease because they can behave in the body like estrogens - female sex hormones. If they are in excess, the risk of breast cancer increases. For men, this is fraught with reproductive dysfunction. Considering that there are many lymph nodes located under the armpits, it is very easy for parabens to penetrate the body.

Protection methods. Use deodorants only during active physical activity. You can also switch to antiperspirant creams. They are used once a week.

Alarm #2

Agent. Phthalate. Also known as dibutyl phthalate, diethyl phthalate, dimethyl phthalate.

Purpose of implementation. Provides softness to cosmetics, serves as a solvent for fragrances and denatured alcohol.

Who does he work for? Perfumes, deodorants, mousses and hair gels, nail polishes.

Main weapon. Nail polish.

Suspected. In harmful effects on DNA. These conclusions were made based on research conducted by the American organization Environmental Working Group (EWG). It is especially harmful to boys if their mothers were exposed to phthalate during pregnancy. This chemical blocks the processes that regulate male sex hormones - androgens, causing genital defects, infertility and impotence.

Protection methods. Avoid all medications that contain phthalates. Chanel, Christian Dior, Carpet Girl, Max Factor, Maybelline, Procter & Gamble, Revlon, L'Oreal, Shisaido, Kiki, etc. have been seen using it. .

Alarm #3

Agent. Toluene. He's toluen.

Purpose of implementation. A preservative that extends the shelf life of cosmetics.

Who does he work for? Perfumes, nail polish.

Main weapon. Perfumes, nail polishes.

Suspected. US FDA study medicines, as well as medical equipment, cosmetics, medicines for animals and food additives(FDA) showed that toluene can provoke asthmatic attacks, is a strong allergen, causes changes in the nervous system, disorders kidney function, bone marrow, defects in newborns.

Protection methods. In Europe, strict restrictions on toluene were introduced five years ago. So choose a varnish that says “toluene-free.”

Alarm #4

Agent. Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS). AKA SLES.

Purpose of implementation. Used as a cleanser.

Who does he work for? Detergents.

Main weapon. Shampoos, toothpastes, facial products, liquid soap, shower gels, shaving foam, etc.

Suspected. Research from the Medical College of Georgia (USA) shows that SLS causes permanent vision changes in children. In addition, SLS destroys immune system, and getting through the skin into the liver, heart, lungs and brain, accumulates in these organs. When SLS interacts with other cosmetic ingredients, carcinogens and nitrates are formed, which enter the blood.

Protection methods. It is almost impossible to eliminate SLS from use. It is used in the production of 95 percent of shampoos. Whenever possible, choose products that contain no more than 1 percent SLS.

Precautionary measures

* Carefully study the composition of the tube or jar. In addition to the listed substances, you should, if possible, avoid components such as mineral oil, petrolatum, propilene glycol, solid oil, petroleum jelly (or lanolin), formaldehyde.

*Look at the expiration date. The longer it is, the more preservatives it contains.

*Please pay attention to the packaging. If the cream is packaged in a wide-necked jar, it means the preservative content is high. It is better to give preference to products in tubes or vessels with a dispenser.

* Do not purchase cosmetics and perfumes from open trays. Sudden temperature changes contribute to the formation of harmful substances in cosmetics.

* Do not leave jars and tubes open; store them in the refrigerator.

Being, as a rule, toxic, preservatives and other ingredients of modern cosmetics enter the liver through the blood and accumulate there, causing chronic intoxication. According to Professor Belpom, a famous scientist in the field of carcinology, this leads to the emergence of “diseases of the century” - allergies, chronic dermatoses, cancer.

PEGs are obtained from poisonous gases, reactive and toxic, by “neutralizing” them with various chemical processes cleansing. The use of PEGs in a truly natural cosmetic product is excluded.

The Association of American Consumers estimates that every day we use on average about 10 cosmetics that contain more than 100 chemical components.

Now more and more consumers are asking questions: what percentage of chemistry is in my cosmetics and for my body? Doesn't using it harm not only me, but also the environment?

Chemicals in cosmetics are dangerous for the environment and human health

Research conducted in the USA and Canada has found many hormonal disorders in the human body due to general water pollution. Imagine the surprise of the sanitary doctors when it turned out that the cause of the diseases was the washing of waste from cosmetic factories into rivers and reservoirs.

As for your own health, many “experts” say that the chemicals contained in cosmetics are not capable of causing serious problems in the body after a single use. The only exceptions are particularly sensitive people. It is this argument of scientists that is very often used by cosmetics manufacturers to justify the presence of chemicals in their products. But we use these cosmetic products not just once, but daily. And this leads to very unpleasant conclusions.

For example, many of the regulars in our cosmetics—phthalates, acrylamides, formaldehydes, and ethylene oxides—are listed as carcinogens or reproductive toxins by the California Environmental Protection Agency.

Environmental working group(EWG) conducted research on cosmetic products for five years. As a result, an electronic database of ingredients was compiled, which included 14,100 branded products. This database is cross-referenced with the Toxic Components Database. As a result, it was revealed that:

• more than one third of all cosmetics contain at least one component that can cause cancer;
• 57% of all products contain a “penetration enhancer”, which helps chemicals penetrate the skin faster and deeper blood vessels;
• 79% of all cosmetics contain impurities that are known carcinogens.

All these impurities are not prohibited by law and can be used in cosmetics without any restrictions. EWG also found in its research that manufacturers show on their labels only 11% of the actual amount of ingredients in cosmetics.

Poisonous ten. List of the most harmful and dangerous substances in cosmetics

1. Dioxane- rightfully occupy first place in the ranking of dangerous compounds. It is a chemical that is used as a solvent. Its presence in cosmetics is very difficult to track. It can form in products during storage. And if the manufacturer does not strictly adhere to the service life of cosmetics, then consumers suffer. In 2011, dioxane was officially banned in California, USA. The remaining states did not react to this initiative. Dioxane is a carcinogen and causes cancer.
2. Nitrosamines one of the most aggressive carcinogens. They can be formed by the interaction of two completely harmless substances. Nitrosamines appear in any cosmetics that contain nitrites. Their use is officially prohibited in the European Union. When regularly released into the human blood, nitrosamines greatly increase the risk of cancer.
3. Phthalates are a group of industrial chemical plasticizers that are used in many cosmetics, from nail polishes to deodorants. These are of particular concern to EWG. Last summer, scientists conducted research that helped identify the relationship between phthalates and the development of female sexual characteristics in newborn male babies. The presence of phthalates in perfumes is named main reason this phenomenon. Phthalates are generally not listed as ingredients on the label. They can only be found in laboratory conditions. These studies led to the fact that Lately In the European Union, a ban was introduced on the sale of cosmetics containing the two most active phthalates - DBP and DEHP. Please note that this ban does not apply to products sold in the USA and other countries outside the EU!
4. Parabens (parahydrobenzonate) unfortunately, they are now present in almost all cosmetics, especially nail polishes. Cosmetics that do not contain parabens are rare, cost significantly more and deteriorate faster. After all, parabens are preservatives that inhibit the growth and reproduction of microorganisms. The bad news is that parabens not only can cause symptoms of allergies to cosmetics, but also have the ability to accumulate in the body, which sometimes leads to malignant formations Parabens have been identified as disruptors of the body's hormonal functions. According to recent studies, the use of deodorants that contain parabens may be one of the factors in the occurrence of breast cancer. Read more about what parabens are in the article Parabens in cosmetics
5. Propylene glycol. This is a substance that helps maintain the hygroscopicity of cosmetics, and is also a petroleum product and the most common component of automobile antifreeze. Its presence in cosmetics can cause various skin diseases and allergic reactions. Disputes about the safety of glycols are still ongoing. About the types of glycols in cosmetics and safe alternatives in the article Is propylene glycol in cosmetics harmful?
6. Petrolatum. A substance even more “native” than the previous one. Distributed back in the days of our grandmothers due to its indecently low price and advertised as a moisturizer, Vaseline actually disrupts the processes of natural skin hydration and causes what it is supposed to eliminate: dry skin, the occurrence of microcracks.
7. Formaldehyde. Despite the “carcinogen” stigma, it is actively used in cosmetology as a preservative. And the definition of “carcinogen” speaks for itself: formaldehyde is toxic, negatively affects not only the skin, respiratory and vision organs, but also harms nervous system and the genetic composition of the organism as a whole. Those substances in cosmetics that emit formaldehyde are also dangerous: diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea.
8. Triclosan or triclosan chlorophenol. Remember advertising antibacterial soap? So, the substance destroys not only harmful, but also beneficial bacteria, thus destroying the body’s natural shield.
9. Copolymers of vinyl pyrrolidine and vinyl acetate. Substances that can be found in hairsprays and other fixatives. No matter how hard we try, when fixing our hair with varnish, we do not inhale it. a large number of. And thus we harm our lungs.
10. Flavors- another serious health threat. Research has shown that 50% of all cosmetics include additional fragrances - a mixture of persistent and non-persistent chemicals that are harmful to the body and wildlife. In 2004, scientists at Stanford University published a report in which, in particular, it was shown that mussels instantly lose the ability to clean their shells as a result of exposure to a tiny particle of musk.

Is there a way out of the impasse?

Under pressure from lobbying groups (which include cancer-fighting organizations, very often, ironically, funded by cosmetic companies), cosmetic companies are gradually "cleaning up" the ingredients in their products. L'Oreal, Revlon, Unilever, Avon, Procter and Gamble and Estee Lauder have already said they have removed phthalates from their products.

Many dangerous ingredients, however, can still be found in many cosmetics. The consumer faces a very difficult task. It is hardly possible to find cosmetics that are completely devoid of all the substances listed in this material. Prepare cream and wash laundry soap- this is of course a way out, but modern world it won't suit everyone.

Carefully study the labels of our cosmetics and choose those where harmful substances are at the end of the composition, and not at the beginning? Unfortunately, marketers of leading cosmetic brands are also aware of this technique.

Therefore, when opening the packaging of a skin or hair care product, pay attention to its characteristics. If the composition contains a large amount of natural substances, the product will not actively foam (in the case of shampoo or shower gel), if it gets into the eyes, it will cause a strong burning sensation that goes away after washing with water (natural extracts have this effect), the product will not be homogeneous ( there are no emulsifiers in the composition), and there will be a certificate on the label.

You can avoid harmful ingredients in cosmetics, choosing brands that have organic certifications or making cosmetics yourself. Don't forget that nowhere can a label be as misleading as in the cosmetics industry.

> Dangerous cosmetics

The development of the cosmetic industry, associated with the intensive synthesis and introduction of cosmetic intermediates replacing natural raw materials, dictates the need for their careful toxicological control in order to ensure the production of high-quality products that are harmless to the consumer. Environmentalists warn of danger cosmetic products mass consumption.

Cosmetics - creams, toothpastes, lotions, elixirs, products decorative cosmetics(lipsticks, powders, eye shadows, mascara, etc.) - are a complex, multicomponent system, which includes fatty, structure-forming, surfactants, emulsifiers, fillers, dyes, special additives (antimicrobial , photoprotective, antioxidant, etc.), biologically active substances, fragrances. The latter, in turn, are a mixture of various synthetic fragrant substances.

Today in Russia there is a document providing for a program toxicological studies various ingredients of cosmetics for the purpose of their hygienic regulation in finished perfumery and cosmetic products, taking into account the purpose, form and conditions of use. You can find the results of assessing the toxicity of certain ingredients, as well as their effects on the body as a whole, on the website http://www.bestpravo.ru/rossijskoje/hm-instrukcii/t1a.htm.

Of course, it is very good that the Russian consumer is protected! But studies are being conducted all over the world regarding the safety of certain components of cosmetics. Thus, studies conducted in the USA and Canada have revealed many hormonal disorders in the human body caused by general water pollution. Imagine the surprise of the sanitary doctors when it turned out that the cause of the diseases was the washing of waste from cosmetic factories into rivers and reservoirs. At the same time, many “experts” claim: the “chemistry” contained in cosmetics is not capable of causing serious disorders in the body after a single use.

Environmental Working Group EWG (American non-profit organization, researching toxic chemicals) tested cosmetic products for five years. As a result, an electronic ingredient database was compiled that included 14,100 branded products. This database is cross-referenced with the Toxic Components Database.

As a result, it was revealed that:

More than a third of all cosmetics contain at least one ingredient that can cause cancer;

- 57 percent of all products contain a “penetration enhancer,” which helps chemicals penetrate faster and deeper into the skin and blood vessels;
• - 79 percent of all cosmetics contain impurities known to be carcinogens.

All these impurities are not prohibited by law and can be used in cosmetics without any restrictions. EWG also found that manufacturers show only 11 percent of the actual amount of ingredients in cosmetics on their labels.

The results of a study conducted by the German Union for the Environment and Nature Protection (Bund für Umwelt und Naturschutz Deutschland (BUND)) show that almost every third cosmetic product contains substances whose effects are similar to those of hormones. “Pregnant women and young children are especially at risk,” says BUND expert Sarah Heuser. However, these substances are not prohibited. Negative Impact manifests itself in decreased fertility, early puberty; also, according to a number of researchers, the development of cancer is possible.

The result was obtained after testing the ingredients of almost 60 thousand products: shower gels, hair care products, creams and makeup products, information about which was collected by users of the codecheck.info portal (Switzerland). The research data is alarming: 30 percent of the products tested contain substances that act as hormones on the body. Experts, including those from the Ministry of Environmental Protection, have long believed that such substances can cause a variety of widespread diseases.

“Substances that act on the body like hormones are associated, among others, with the occurrence of infertility or reduced fertility, impairment of learning and memory, obesity, senile diabetes, diseases of cardio-vascular system, premature puberty, various oncological diseases(breast, testicular, prostate cancer),” the study notes. In humans, this relationship has not yet received scientific confirmation, but animal studies have proven that substances commonly found in everyday life that act like hormones can lead to the above diseases.

The problem is not the presence of small doses of these substances in products, but the interaction of various substances from different products and the environment. Thus, in male rat pups, whose ancestors were exposed during pregnancy to several hormone-like substances, which in themselves are considered safe, deformities of the genital organs are noted.

In cosmetics, two groups of substances are considered potentially the most dangerous: preservatives (parabens) and ultraviolet filters. The latter, logically, are found in sunscreens, but are increasingly found in face creams, body lotions and lipsticks. Parabens - esters of para-hydroxybenzoic acid - are widely used as preservatives in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and Food Industry, thanks to its antiseptic and fungicidal properties.

TOXICOLOGIST CALLS

DON'T JUMP TO CONCLUSIONS Thomas Platzeck, a toxicologist at the Berlin Federal Institute for Risk Assessment (Bundesinstitut für Risikobewertung (BfR)), calls for refraining from indiscriminate “discrimination” against certain substances. According to him, the safety of methyl and ethyl parabens has been proven. “These substances are also found in foods,” says Platzeck. However, other products are debatable. “At the EU level, there are discussions about the possibility of reducing the maximum permissible concentrations of propyl and butyl parabens by half,” the scientist adds.

Denmark prohibits the use of these preservatives in products for children under three years of age. The metabolic mechanism in a child’s body, as previous studies have shown, is not developed enough to process such ingredients. When BUND discovered propyl and butyl parabens in some traditional cosmetic products, the organization called for a national ban on their use. At the Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Danish Consumer Protection stressed that “independent national action” is ineffective because products are imported. Decisions are needed at EU level.

The Kosmetik-Check study is completely unsuitable as a source of information for consumers, said the Personal Care Products Industry Association and detergents(Industrieverband Körperpflegeund Waschmittel). The substances are completely legal and come into contact with the body in minimal quantities.

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Happy New Year and Merry Christmas! Let New Year will be the year your business flourishes, will bring brilliant ideas that will change the world, and your capital will triple and begin to bring big dividends. Happy March 8th! We wish you eternal love, beauty and youth! Let spring bring prosperity to your business, give new ideas and opportunities. Happiness and inspiration to you. Proper hydration is the key to youthful and healthy skin. The process of photoaging starts very early. Even at 20-25 years old, excessive tanning can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, dry skin and a decrease in its elasticity. With age, the system of protecting cells from UV rays begins to malfunction, which leads to damage to the epidermis and the appearance of hyperpigmentation. International Beauty Day - September 9 Dear friends! Congratulations on International Beauty Day! The truth about keratin straightening Choosing a composition for keratin straightening using the example of two products: G-Hair Keratin and Moroccan Hair Keratin from INOAR. Skin anxiety Care for allergy-prone skin Chemistry with your head Carving and chemistry according to the rules News about acne Treatment acne How to grow natural nails