Have you taken the time to think about the effects of what makeup does on our skin? Don't worry, I haven't either. I am definitely guilty of running to Sephora or Ulta to pick up the latest hottest product on the market because my favorite influencer convinced me I had to have it. Especially now more than ever the trend of clean beauty is on the rise, but how clean are these products?
We've bought into the fanfare but are we taking the time to learn what we're putting on our skin and how it'll impact us over time? I'm not. But before I dive in, let us define what cosmetics are. According to the American Cancer Society and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the law defines cosmetics as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body...for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." And because cosmetics are defined differently from drugs, the importance here is how it is regulated federally.
To find out whether cosmetics cause cancer or not; you'll have to do some research, especially since cosmetics include various products. Though it is not entirely clear on the research cosmetics have on long-term health issues causing cancer. A consumer can try a makeup product and instantly get an allergic reaction. The most effective way to cease this is to stop using the product. In all my years of trying various makeup products, I cannot bring myself to try Covergirl Cosmetic lip products (no shade to CoverGirl) anymore due to a breakout from using their lipstick. Which in turn turned me off from trying their other products for fear of having a reaction. Similarly, I've always stayed away from using MAC Cosmetics foundation because of the reviews I read online and testimonies from others who have tried it and had a reaction. As someone who suffers from acne-prone skin, I knew MAC would not be the best choice for me.
Because of the amount of time it takes to collect quantifiable data to justify whether or not cosmetics cause cancer, more data is needed. So do your research #GlamNessBabes and avoid [certain] products to minimize your use of it specifically those that are labeled "natural," "organic," or "clean."
Reference: Cosmetics and Cancer Risk. (n.d.). Www.cancer.org. Retrieved July 21, 2022, from https://www.cancer.org/healthy/cancer-causes/chemicals/cosmetics.html