Paraben And Phthalate Free Makeup

Why Natural and Organic - Paraben and Phtalate Free - Makeup Products Are Important?

If you have sensitive skin, then using makeup with natural and organic ingredients will benefit you - in more ways than one - for it won't have derivatives that can potentially cause problems. "Conscious" individuals want "conscious" products that will minimize their exposure to carcinogens, viruses, and aging substances. I don't have particularly sensitive skin, but I like to use natural and organic products around my delicate under eye area. The under eye area is where the first signs of aging will show, so I am pretty diligent about the products that I use on it. I use a paraben and phthalate free makeup approach when dealing with that area.

Parabens and phthalates are two inorganic ingredients that are in most makeup products. But to understand the possible dangers of parabens and phthalates, we need to understand what they are and how function on the human body.

What Are Parabens?

Parabens are preservatives used in makeup and skin care products. Typically, there will more than one type of paraben used in most cosmetic products. Parabens are used with other types of preservatives to help reduce mold, bacteria, and other microorganisms from festering and growing. In laymen's terms, parabens protect the consumers against microbial growth. However, overexposure to parabens can be detrimental.

What Are the Dangers of Parabens?

If you have sensitive skin, then you will find products that contain parabens to be irritating. Dermatitis and rosacea are connected to the
topical application of parabens. Studies have shown that parabens actually manipulate your body's hormones. When absorbed parabens has a similar effect to estrogen, which plays an important part in the development of breast cancer. The deodorant industry is well aware of parabens and their role in creating breast tumors. 

What Are Phthalates?

Phthalates are derived from phthalic acid, and are used in the manufacturing of plastic. Phthalates gives plastic its moldability and flexibility. Phthalate is typically found in eye shadow, nail polish, and moisturizers.

What Are the Dangers to Phthalate Use?

Phthalate is connected to the formation of type 2 diabetes, according to clinical testing. When you apply a makeup product that has phlatates, your body will absorb the chemical. Blood tests have shown that people who have more phthalate in their system are twice as likely to develop diabetes. However, take this clinical trial with a grain of salt, because smoking, cholesterol levels, and other variables have also been taken into account. Also the study group was very small and specific – the study was done on a small number of white adults above the age of 70.

Are Parabens and Phthalate Regulated by the Government?

The Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act does not allow the FDA to regulate cosmetic products and ingredients. Yep, that's right. The FDA can only regulate color additives. This means that a cosmetic company can use anything they want in their products, except for ingredients that the FDA has deemed as dangerous. Two forms of phthalate are banned in the European Union. However they can still be found in nail polishes, hairs pray, and disguised under the word "Fragrance" in the ingredients list. 

How Do I Know If I Have Paraben and Phthalate Free Makeup?

Skin Deep, and online cosmetic ingredient database, has more than a 25,000 personal-care products that has been analyzed for paraben, phthalate, and other hazardous ingredients. You can use the database to check if your makeup is skin safe. The Skin Deep Online Database will also tell you if the makeup brand has signed the Compact For Safe Cosmetics – which will tell you if the makeup brand has made a commitment to create safe products for use. 

Master List of Paraben and Phthalate Free Makeup

If you are reading this blog, then you probably know about Ulta. But you probably do not know about Ulta's Master List of Paraben and Phthalate Free makeup.  The list comprehensive, long, and satisfying. Check it out!