Harmful Makeup Ingredients

Harmful Makeup Ingredients: Women have been enamoured with makeup through the ages. Even the Holy Bible records several instances of the application of makeup, including that done by Jezebel, the wife of King Ahab (2 Kings 9:30-37). In fact, this is one of the reasons many fundamentalists in Christendom condemn the use of makeup by women.

As far as they are concerned, anything done by Jezebel must have been demonic. In this edition of the magazine, we are not arguing the merits or otherwise of people using makeup. We are calling attention to some of the harmful substances used in the production of the various brands. Toxic or harmful chemicals in makeup include the following:

i. Parabens;
ii. Formaldehyde;
iii. Phthalates;
iv. Triclosan;
v. Fragrance;
vi. Chemical sunscreens;
vii. Toluene;
viii. Diethanolamine;
ix. Dibutyl phthalate;
x. Synthetic colours
xi. Benzophenone;
xii. Carbon Black;
xiii. Lead;
xiv. Polyethylene glycol;
xv. Sodium laureth sulphate;
xvi. Petrolatum;
xvii. Butylated hydroxyanisole (bha);
xviii. Hydroquinone;
xix. Oxybenzone;
xx. Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) – banned in the European Union:
xxi. Coal tar; and
xxii. Talc.

It is not possible for ordinary folks to identify harmful ingredients in products offered for sale, except the manufacturers clearly state them on the packs. However, governments in sane countries implement laws compelling the producers to show the composition of their brands on the packs, to enable consumers make informed decisions. Some of the pictures below show the effects of these chemicals on the skin. We hope to present alternatives to some of these harmful substances in the next edition.