File this under, “OMG what is the cosmetics industry doing to us??”
I swear that even on “no makeup days,” I still reach for mascara. It’s the one product that makes me feel/look awake, even when I’m not. Mascara helps to brighten my eyes. Or, with the most dramatic of dramatic looks, let’s pile on 5 coats prior to false lashes. Any Tammy Faye fans out there?
The cosmetic industry is largely unregulated, which means companies can put whatever shit they want into the products we buy. These substances are things that if you knew and understood what they were, and what they were doing to our bodies, we would never allow them to grace our bathroom vanities again. But ignorance is bliss, right? We love to look at “influensters” and other marketers to see what looks “hot.” Not anymore. We will dive into this sample ingredients list together that my friend Jennie had sent over to me:
Parabens – Possibly linked to breast cancer, reproductive toxicity, neurotoxicity and immuno-toxicity. Now I have already switched to paraben and sulfate free hair products, so why haven’t I yet with makeup? Things that make you go hmmm….
Thimerosal – this is a mercury based element used as a preservative and antiseptic… It’s been banned for use in vaccines. So answer me this- Why can it be found in our cosmetics?
(The Thimerosal link will take you to the CDC’s page about it)
Synthetic dyes – Dyes provide us with that super dark coloring we love. Think “Blackest Black” mascara color. Much like fragrance, dyes can be toxic and carcinogenic. Ugh. Ok. I get it on this one. I know it’s bad and in almost everything from cleaners to makeup.
Coal Tar dyes – These dyes contain heavy metals. They are rated carcinogenic and one can experience a lack of concentration, amongst other nastiness.
Aluminum powder – This is a metallic substance used as a cosmetic colorant. “Long term exposure of aluminum powder reduces the body’s ability to excrete mercury.” I prefer mica and American grade glitters in my cosmetics.
Retinyl Acetate – This is found in MANY brands of mascara. It’s of high concern because it can cause biochemical or cellular level changes, which equals mutations. Acetate is prohibited in Canadian cosmetics. So, if they ruled it out, then why aren’t other countries following suit?
Formaldehyde – This is used by cosmetic companies in mascara to make it last longer. It’s a known carcinogen, where scientists this it is able to increase liver toxicity and can also cause severe allergic reactions. We use this to preserve the dead, so why is it going near our eyes? I remember fellow students when I was in college that had a horrible allergy to this shit and had to drop out.
Imidazolidinyl Urea –Can anyone pronounce that for me? It’s been shown to increase risk of respiratory, gastro and liver issues.
Research, research , research what you are putting on your body. Your skin is your largest organ. I want to encourage you to be even more cautious. I’ve been wearing makeup for decades and these chemicals are probably adding up.
Lately, I’ve been trying out Benefit Cosmetics Roller Lash. Below is the ingredients list. Raise your hand if you’re a scientist and patent expert on this shit and let me know if it is safe or not in your professional opinion-
Ingredients: Aqua (Water), Paraffin, Cera Alba (Beeswax), Polybutene, Bis-Diglyceryl Polyacyladipate-2, Palmitic Acid, Stearic Acid, Triethanolamine, VP/Eicosene Copolymer, Acacia Senegal Gum, Copernicia Cerifera (Carnauba) Wax, Euphorbia Cerifera (Candelilla) Wax, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Silica, Phenoxyethanol, Panthenol, Butylene Glycol, Caprylyl Glycol, Tocopheryl Acetate, Algin, Serine, BHT. [+/-: CI 19140 (Yellow 5, Yellow 5 Lake), CI 42090 (Blue 1 Lake), CI 77007 (Ultramarines), CI 77163 (Bismuth Oxychloride), CI 77288 (Chromium Oxide Greens), CI 77289 (Chromium Hydroxide Green), CI 77491, CI 77492, CI 77499 (Iron Oxides), CI 77510 (Ferric Ferrocyanide, Ferric Ammonium Ferrocyanide), CI 77742 (Manganese Violet), CI 77891 (Titanium Dioxide)]. N° 08408/A
Tomorrow (Saturday Oct 14th) Savvy Minerals by Young Living is launching a mascara that is free of all of these items listed above. I will be ordering and testing out to let you all know how it goes. Stay connected for a future review post. If you would like a tube of your own, feel free to email me!
Happy Fri-YAY!
xoxooxJessica
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jessica@glitterislife.com
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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