Overview

Most of us need various aids to help us feel good. From moisturisers and serums for our dry skin to hair dye to enhance our hair. Yet there is more and more evidence that we should be asking another, more important question: Will this product harm me? It’s easy to believe that manufacturers run tests for safety and government watch dogs protect us from the unscrupulous.

However, for our own safety, we should not be reassured by assumptions. The long-term effect of exposure to the various chemicals used in beauty products is difficult to assess, and animal studies cannot necessarily be translated into what happens in the human body.

This work often depends on academics rather than on the manufacturers, is often poorly funded, and may involve painstaking research over a long period.

Which Chemicals Should You Avoid?

Fortunately, there is a huge growth in natural skincare and cosmetics. These avoid most or all of the damaging chemicals. But if you want to check out your favourite products, here are some of the ingredients that you will want to look out for:

Triclosan

Found in antibacterial soaps, body washes, and some brands of toothpaste, triclosan is a hormone disrupter.

Benzophenone-3

Also known as BP-3, benzophenone-3 is found in some sunscreens under the name oxybenzone. It is a relatively common allergen.

Phthalates

Phthalates are found in shampoo, perfume, nail polish, hairspray, sanitary pads, and fragrances. Much of the concern has been in terms of their effect on infants and reproductive health (for both men and women).

Parabens

Parabens, such as methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben, act as preservatives in beauty products. Many governments do not think there is enough evidence to ban parabens.

Beauty Chemicals vs. Smoking

Many of the discussions around these products reminds me of the discussions about cigarette smoking. It took a long time for governments to recognise how dangerous it was. I feel we may be going through a similar journey with many of these beauty chemicals.

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