For long long time ago, women have been using a vast array of lipsticks, lip liners, lip glosses, and other lip-enhancing cosmetics to make lips appear as plump and luscious-looking possible. For centuries, these cosmetics were made from natural materials, such as pulverized gemstones, red berries, or dyes extracted from certain flowers and plants.
At the 19th century that lipstick became available as a man-made commodity conveniently packaged for use by the modern female and composed of mostly wax and artificial coloring. No make-up or cosmetics kit is complete without one (or many, considering the different shades and brands). They no doubt add more beauty to your pout.
But, at what cost? Lipsticks come with some seveeral side-effects, thanks to its manufacturing materials. Female wear lipstick when they leave home and continue wearing it all day long — sometimes even to bed.
Many lipsticks contain lead, which is extremely dangerous and causes irreversible health damage. They cause irritation, allergy, and chapping on the lips and the surrounding skin. Certain harmful chemicals and heavy metals can also cause cancer.
Researchers reason that all lipsticks contain a hint of lead. That, however, may not be the only villain in your favourite shade. Research have pointed to a wide range of lipstick brands containing as many as 8 other metals. In the journal Environmental Health Perspectives, Dr Katharine Hammond, professor of environmental health, said that she had found traces of cadmium, cobalt, titanium, aluminium, chromium, manganese, copper and nickel in 24 lip glosses and 8 lipstick brands.
She was quoted : “Treat lipstick as something dangerous, because if the kid eat it, we are talking about a comparatively large level of metals going into a body.” I finally know my mother’s concerns. My own worry about my friend’s child’s fascination with lipstick didn’t seem completely baseless. But what sort of danger are we really looking at?
What Are the Harm Ingredients Found in Lipsticks?
Some of these harm ingredients are found in the lipstick you use every day.
- Phthalates can prove disruptive to the endocrine system, which manufactures hormones. Developmental, neurological and reproductive damages can happen due to exposure to phthalates.
- Polyethylene glycols are petroleum-based compounds discovered commonly in cream based products. This is very dangerous to the nervous system.
- Parabens are the preservatives used in make up and cosmetics and they easily penetrate the skin. These have acquired a bad reputation for causing vomiting, depression, and diarrhoea.
- All of us know very well how dangerous lead can be as a makeup component. It definitely harms health in the long run.
- Siloxanes are known to disrupt the endocrine system and are also poison to the reproductive system. All of these can cause massive health risks.
