Some ingredients in cosmetics and personal care products are toxic chemicals that can be dangerous and harmful to your health. Take a look at some of these substances to watch out for and learn about the health risks caused by these chemicals.<br />Antibacterials<br />Antibiotics such as triclosan are found in many products, such as hand soaps, deodorants, toothpaste, and body wash. body washes<br />Health risks: Some antibacterial agents are absorbed by the skin. It has been established that triclosan is excreted in breast milk. These chemicals may be toxic or carcinogenic. One study found that antibacterials may interfere with the action of testosterone in cells. Antibacterials can kill both the good bacteria as well as pathogens, which actually increases susceptibility to infection. The products may increase the rate at which resistant strains of bacteria develop.<br />Diethanolamine (DEA) Diethanolamine<br />Diethanolamine is a DEA-bound contaminant from cocamide and lauramide DEA, which are used as emulsifiers and foaming agents in products such as shampoos, shaving creams, moisturizers, and baby lotions.<br />Health risks: DEA can be absorbed into the body through the skin. It can act as a carcinogen and can be converted into nitrosamine, which is also a carcinogen. It causes hormonal disruption and robs the body of choline needed for fetal brain development.<br />1,4-Dioxane . 1,4-Dioxane<br />It is a contaminant that may be related to sodium laureth sulfate, PEG, and most ethoxyl components with names ending in -etheth. These ingredients are found in many products, most notably shampoos and body washes.<br />Health risks: 1,4-dioxin is known to cause cancer in animals and there is a high potential for cancer in humans.<br /> Formaldehyde<br />Formaldehyde is used as an antiseptic and as a preservative in a variety of products, such as nail dye, soap, deodorant, shaving cream, eyelash adhesives, and shampoo. Even when it is not listed as an ingredient, it can result from the dissociation of other components, most notably diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea and quaternion compounds.<br />Health risks: The European Union has banned the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics and personal care products. It is linked to multiple health concerns, such as respiratory and eye irritation, cancer, immune system damage, genetic damage, and triggering asthma.<br />Fragrance<br />The generic name "Fragrance" may be used to refer to any number of chemicals in a personal care product.<br />Health hazards: Many perfumes are toxic. Some of these fragrances may be phthalates, which can act as obesogens and may disrupt normal endocrine function, including reproductive health. Phthalates may cause developmental defects and delays.<br /><br />Lead<br />Lead is usually found as a contaminant, as in hydrated silica, which is an ingredient in toothpaste. Lead acetate is added as an ingredient in some men's lipsticks and hair dyes.<br />Health hazards: Lead is a neurotoxin. It can cause brain damage and developmental delays even at very low concentrations.<br /><br />Mercury<br />The US Food and Drug Administration allows mercury compounds to be used in eye makeup in concentrations up to 65 parts per million. The preservative thimerosal, found in some mascaras, is a mercury-containing product.<br />Health risks: Mercury is linked to a range of health concerns including allergic reactions, skin irritation, toxicity, neurological damage, bioaccumulation, and environmental damage. Mercury easily passes into the body through the skin, so normal use of the product produces several symptoms.<br /><br /><br />MSc Zainab Mohsen Najim