Cosmetics are use by many to enhance ones personal appearance and to attract a mate. Today there are hundreds to choose from, some mentioned here are lipstick, rouge, foundation, mascara, bronzer and nail polish. Long ago make-up was associated with prostitutes and actresses and was considered disrespectful, sinful, vulgar and improper to do. Lipstick was banned by the church and was thought to be used as incarnation of satan but it gained popularity as a result of the movie industry and was worn when a woman reaches adolescence or adulthood. Lipstick and rouge when worn was said to give off a fun-loving spirit.

Most cosmetics are derived from petroleum, sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and parabeus without any toxic ingredients. SLS and parabeus can cause skin disorders, irritations and allergies dermatitis. Other properties added are alcohol, color additives, carcinogenic contaminant 1,4-dioxane, organic and agricultural products, natural, mineral and plant ingredients. In the beginning mercury, lead, chalk, kohl, nitric acid, coal tar, egg whites and arsenic were used. Prolonged used of these products are linked to thinning eyelashes and skin disorders.

Some common ingredients used are castor oil, which prevents acne; the same colors that are used in food are used in your make-up and are listed as numbers on the finished products; strong red colors for eye products are made from carminic and extracted from the cochineal insect; pearl essence is a shine or gloss effect used in a variety of cosmetic products and once was obtained from herring scales and by products of commercial fish processing for nail polish but because it is too expensive bismuth flakes is being used instead; alcohol is used as a solvent carrier and astringent denat; benzoic acid ester used for fade resistant and water/sweat resistant; allantoin stops bleeding of cuts from shaving; aluminium for anti-transpirant; aqua/water as solvent; ascorbyl palmitate used as anti-aging, anti-oxidant, preservative for natural oils, oleates, fragrances, colors and waxes; propane isopentane, isobutane, butane are propellant dispenser pressurized; butyrospermum parkii are shea butter/vegetable fats from nuts used for moisturizers; hydroxyethyl are cellulose from wood pulp which gives body to the product; sodium hydroxide used for the base.

Lipstick red color comes from synthetically derived pure iron oxide mixed with castor oil and wax base to form a finished lipstick which may be sheer, matte or shiney. Lip gloss are very thin and made with mostly fluid. Lipstick contains pigments from oils, waxes and emollients that apply color and texture to the lips. Rouge add redness to the cheeks which brings it out and provides a more youthful appearance. It can be powder or cream base and the color is from a substance of safflor petals of the safflor flower and solution of carmine in ammonium hydroxide and rose water with rose oil. Cream base is a mixture of alloxan with cold cream. Foundation are made from animal fat, starch and tin oxide. Mascara is water-resistant-made from solvent, beeswax, vegetable based waxes, mineral origin wax, pigments, iron oxide and film polymers. they are resistant to tears, sweat and rain and should be removed carefully after used to avoid eyelash breakage. Non water-resistant-from water, soft surfactants, animal wax, vegetable based waxes, mineral origin waxes, pigments, thickening polymers and preservatives. They run with tears and are easily removed with soap and water. To avoid infection, mascara must not be shared and should be discarded 3 months after opening. Bronzer/Suntanning contain chemicals erythrulose combined with DHA-dihydroxy acetone which may cause contact dermatitis. Canthaxanthin is a base product not approved by FDA as a tanning agent it is linked to side effects including hepatitis, yellow deposits form in the retina of the eyes, damage to the digestive system and skin surfaces, a warning is in effect. Nail polish contain oils, scents, coloring and base solvent is acetone. Acetonitrite was used in the past but it is more toxic, reports show that accidental poisoning of young children by nail polish with acetonitrite based resulted in one fatality.

Dangers of cosmetics, aside from color additives, cosmetic products and their ingredients are subject to FDA regulations prior to their release into the market. A company can used any ingredient other than color additives and banned ingredients as long as the completed product is safe and properly labeled. The use of old mascara is not recommended because they no longer have the ingredient which prevents the growth of bacteria. Over the ages cosmetics led to negative side effects, deformities, blindness and even death. Nail polish often include toluene and xylene petroleum based products that have been linked to cancer. Formaldehyde may cause allergic reactions and is unsafe for asthmatic people, it is a known carcinogen. Nail polish makers are under pressure to eliminate potentially toxic ingredients, while some agree to phase out these ingredients others are still using these chemicals. Even though it is considered

Source by Debra Bonalde