There are many products we use daily that have the potential to be carcinogenic. These products include cosmetics, cleaning supplies, personal care items, and even certain foods. While there is no way to avoid all of these things, it is essential to know what they are so you can take steps to protect yourself from exposure if possible.
Some of these cosmetic products with carcinogenic ingredients are:
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is a necessary part of your day. According to WebMD, sunscreens protect the skin from the harmful effects of the sun. They help prevent premature aging and sunburns. It also decreases the risk of skin cancer and sunburn-like skin reaction.
But many sunscreen products contain chemicals that can cause cancer. While shopping for sunscreen, look for products that do not contain oxybenzone and octinoxate (both banned in Hawaii). Alternatively, you can look for zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which are safer alternatives.
Hair Straighteners
If you’re a woman, chances are you’ve used hair straighteners. Many people use them to tame frizz and make their hair sleeker. But how many people know that these popular tools can be hazardous to your health?
Even if you’re not aware of this fact, some scientists have been studying the effects of formaldehyde on humans for many years now. They’ve found that contact with large amounts of it is extremely toxic and even carcinogenic. According to the American Cancer Society, formaldehyde can cause cancer in humans.
There have also been many recent uterine cancer hair straighteners lawsuits filed against some of the popular hair products manufacturers claiming that chemicals in the companies’ hair care products have caused people to develop uterine cancer or other severe health effects.
Toothpaste
Most kinds of toothpaste contain fluoride, which is a chemical that can be toxic in large doses.
Some health problems caused by fluoride are bone disease, cancer, lowered IQ, brain damage, and dental fluorosis (a condition that causes tooth enamel to become brownish or stained).
Fluoride is also an endocrine disruptor that mimics thyroid hormones and can cause thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Make-up
While make-up is fun and can help you express your creativity, it’s essential to be aware of the chemicals that may be in them.
The most common chemicals in cosmetics are parabens, synthetic fragrances, and phthalates. These are known endocrine disruptors which have been linked to cancer. Parabens have also been linked to breast cancer by mimicking estrogen production in the body.
Unfortunately, there isn’t much regulation on what ingredients can go into cosmetics or what they should contain so it’s impossible to know exactly what you’re putting on your skin unless you do some research yourself or find a brand whose website lists their ingredients for transparency purposes. This could still go wrong if they don’t list all of the elements.
Nail polish
Yes, nail polish can be dangerous too. The thing to know about this product is that it contains phthalates, which are chemicals used to make plastics flexible and durable. These chemicals have been linked to young children’s health problems and even birth defects.
Deodorant
Deodorant is one of the most common cosmetic products you’ll use daily. It’s applied to your armpits to reduce body odor, which can be caused by sweat. Deodorants usually contain an antiperspirant that prevents the formation of sweat in the first place, but they also often include a fragrance to mask unpleasant odors and soften skin.
Many deodorant products contain chemicals that may be hazardous to your health over time. Propylene glycol is used in some deodorants as a preservative and humectant (something that helps retain moisture). This ingredient has been linked to irritations like rashes, burning sensations, and itching, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG).
In addition, aluminum zirconium trichlorohydrex GLY, a chemical not listed on many labels, is a suspected hormone disruptor and carcinogen found in many popular brands of antiperspirants/deodorants.
Shampoo and Conditioner
You may be surprised to learn that shampoo and conditioner can contain carcinogens.
According to Insider, in a recent study, 11 brands of dry shampoo contained benzene, exceeding the 2ppm FDA’s recommended limit.
The ingredient benzene is a known human carcinogen and is used in the making of shampoos and conditioners. So it’s essential to check the ingredients list before slathering these products on your scalp or body. It’s also used in cosmetics, including make-up, so read those labels too.
Takeaway
You can stay safe by avoiding any products that are labeled as “fragrance” or “perfume” and checking the ingredients list for anything suspicious. You should also pay attention to what you’re putting on your face.
If you’re using a cleansing product, even if it’s labeled as non-comedogenic, chances are it still contains some of these chemicals. They’re cheap and effective at keeping your face clean, but they could expose you to dangerous carcinogens daily.
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