Anthony Mae Diez Gr.

9- SSC
Assignment in Consumer Chemistry
What is a Cosmetic?

-Cosmetics are substances or products used to enhance or alter

the appearance or fragrance of the body. Many cosmetics are designed for use of applying to the
face and hair. They are generally mixtures of chemical compounds; some being derived from
natural sources (such as coconut oil), and some being synthetics.[1] Common cosmetics
include lipstick, mascara, eye shadow, foundation, rouge, skin cleansers and skin
lotions, shampoo, hairstyling products (gel, hair spray, etc.), perfume and cologne. Cosmetics
applied to the face to enhance its appearance are often called make-up or makeup.
Phthalates
Phthalates are used as plasticisers and solvents, and can be found in fragrances, hair
products, skin lotions, nail polish and nail hardeners. They have been found to
have endocrine disruption effects, and have been linked with endometriosis and early
puberty in girls, and reproductive organ abnormalities and reduced fertility in males.
They can also act on the thyroid, and have been linked with obesity.
Parabens
Parabens are preservatives used in many cosmetic and personal care products, with
methyl paraben being the most commonly used. In lab testing on animals and tissue
culture, parabens have been found to have endocrine disruption effects, although the
relevance to humans isn't well understood.
Talcum powder
This link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer was drawn many years ago. The
evidence that using talcum powder causes cancer rather than something else causing
the cancer is not very strong, with some studies finding a small increase in risk of about
20%, and others finding no increase. The main risk factors for ovarian cancers are being
overweight, having endometriosis, hormone replacement therapy, smoking and gene
mutations.
Nanoparticles
Titanium dioxide or zinc oxide found in some mineral make-up and sunscreen products
may contain particles in the nano range, which have been linked with cellular damage
including damage to DNA in lab studies. While there's no convincing evidence they'll be
absorbed into the body when applied to skin, some loose powder mineral make-up
products may be inhaled, causing lung problems and potentially being able to travel via
the blood stream to other parts of the body where their health impacts are largely
unknown at present.

Formaldehyde and formaldehyde donors

Formaldehyde is a preservative that can irritate skin, eyes, nose and the respiratory tract, and
can cause cancer among those with high levels of exposure. Small amounts are permitted for use
in cosmetics, and it's mainly found in hair straighteners and nail polish/hardeners. Several years
ago high levels of formaldehyde were found in hair straighteners throughout the world, and the
ACCC issued recalls for products in Australia. An eyelash glue product was also recalled.
Lead acetate
Hair colour restorers may contain lead acetate. It appears to be safe when used as directed, as
there's no evidence significant quantities of lead are absorbed into the blood stream. Once a
common ingredient in products such as Grecian Formula, lead acetate was banned in Europe and
Canada and many products have been reformulated with safer but less effective bismuth citrate
and silver-based salts.
Coal tar
Coal tar is a known carcinogen used in psoriasis and dandruff treatments, and some colouring
dyes are also derived from coal tar. Some colourings have been banned in certain cosmetic
products in various countries, and have also been banned in soaps and shampoos in Europe and
some Asian countries. Shampoos and soaps containing coal tar in Australia are required to carry
warning labels and are not recommend for prolonged use.
UV filters
Some chemical sunscreens, including widely used octyl methoxycinnamate (also called
OMC or ethylhexyl methoxy cinnamate), as well as 4-methylbenzylidene camphor
(4MBC), homosalate and oxybenzone, have been found in some animal and tissue tests
to have endocrine disrupting effects. However, it's unclear whether the amounts of these
chemicals penetrating the skin would be enough to have any effect. Nevertheless,
government concerns about its effects in children and pregnant women led to 4MBC not
being used in products sold in Denmark.
Toluene
Found in some nail polishes, toluene has been linked with short-term neurological effects
such as dizziness, euphoria, hallucinations and headaches it's what gives a "high" from
glue and petrol sniffing. There are also concerns that high concentrations may affect a
developing foetus in pregnancy. However, the typical levels of exposure aren't
considered dangerous, although manicurists working in poorly ventilated salons may be
susceptible to higher levels of exposure.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Some lipsticks contain the preservative butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), which is
carcinogenic in high doses. It's also found in food and some medicine, but in the sorts of
quantities normally consumed it isn't considered dangerous.