Have you ever thought about what lipstick is made of? Lipstick is one of the most popular beauty products used by modern women. But how many women actually know how dangerous and harmful ingredients are used in Lipstick? Some of these elements in lipstick are sensitive and simply absorb products through the thin layer of skin. Let’s discuss hazardous lipstick ingredients to avoid.

Harmful Ingredients to Avoid in Lipstick

To choose chemical free lipstick it is essential to know which toxic chemicals are used in the lipsticks. Some ingredients in lipstick include a number of toxic chemicals. Here are some of the harmful chemicals used in Lipstick.

Lead

Lead metals may be found in many lipsticks. It can accidentally impair other ingredients during production or procedure. As contaminants are not mixed up intentionally they won’t be listed as ingredients. But, this unlisted toxic element can have serious consequences for the skin and gut when someone intakes.

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Methylparaben

Methylparaben is mixed with lipstick as an antifungal and a preservative to prevent fungal growth in the product generally. This preservative is restricted in most of Europe due to the possible cancer risk. It may alter the endocrine system or can be toxic in different ways.

Critically, methylparaben is sometimes a hidden ingredient, which means that it can’t be shown on the ingredient list, making it nearly impossible for consumers to be cautious of the presence of this poisonous ingredient. Methylparaben, as a moderate risk, should be avoided and alternatively should use essential vitamins, oils, and some herbal take out that are effective against bacteria.

Polyparaben

Polyparaben is a “high-risk” product for lipstick to add with. Researches show that it is an endocrine provoker which can be hypersensitive for some people. Without Polyparaben the soft, oily part of the lipstick ingredients can get rotten. To prevent the growth of dangerous bacteria and mold preservatives are used in cosmetics including lipstick.  This chemical keeps the lipstick fresh for longer.

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Retinyl Palmitate

Retinyl palmitate is included in lipsticks as an antioxidant. Retinyl palmitate is used as an artificial product as a synthetic form of vitamin ‘A’ which can be harmful to pregnant women. The chemical is considered as a “moderate hazard” because of some evidence that links it to some cancers and reproductive problems.

If you can't help but use lipstick containing this ingredient, it’s best to avoid it during pregnancy and to keep away from direct exposure to sunlight.

Dyes

Dyes are used in lipsticks as a colorant. Different colors, especially red and pink, have a timeless appeal to the addition of the new fashion as well as the older ones! Many lipsticks are made with chemical dyes that come from petroleum or aluminum products. These dyes store in your bodies in fatty tissues and organs.

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Coal tar is one of the petroleum products that are used in Lipsticks, and it is known as a carcinogen. This agent and other heavy metals are not approved as food colorants yet to use in cosmetics.

Tocopheryl Acetate

Although Vitamin E is used as a natural skin-condition agent and an antioxidant, The Cosmetics Database qualifies it as a moderate risk because it can cause itching, peeling, hives, blisters, and burning on the skin, which can increase the carcinogenic effects of UV rays.

Harmful Side Effects of Lipsticks

There are many health threats associated with lipstick. If the conservatives used in lipstick surpass the limit level, then it can cause any harm to the person such as:

Toxin Ingestion

It is quite impossible to consume food or liquid keeping the lipstick intact. Women wearing lipstick accidentally ingest toxic ingredients like aluminum, manganese, chromium, and cadmium, while eating or drinking. So, lipstick containing such poisonous stuff should be avoided.

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Skin Allergies

Bismuth oxychloride is a chemical used to preserve lipsticks. The carcinogenic effects of this ingredient are extensively harmful and can give rise to allergies. So, women who have allergic reactions are recommended to avoid lipsticks as much as possible.

Cancer

The preservatives used in lipsticks can cause crucial damage such as coughing, skin irritation, eye, wheezing, sneezing, etc. You should be cautious of some lipstick brands that can cause cancer. Long-term use of lipsticks, especially dark shade, can have a huge possibility to cause cancer.

Disrupted Endocrine System

All lipsticks contain organic compounds that are a by-product of crude oil and natural gas. These can interrupt growth, reproduction, intelligence, and development.

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Affected Nervous System

Lead is the most common component found in lipsticks which is also known to cause brain damage and hormonal imbalance. The neurotoxin can lead to degeneration of the nervous system.

Renal Failure

Heavy metals like cadmium, present in lipsticks can be the cause of organ damage and serious diseases such as renal failure. Frequent application of lipsticks can cause Stomach tumors. So, for those who have stomach problems, it would be safe to avoid lipsticks.

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How to use Lipstick Safely

Of course, every problem has a solution. Using some safer alternatives you can minimize the harmful effects of lipstick. Check out certain tips below:

-        Use lighter shades and try to avoid darker shades as heavy metals are surely available in the darker shades of lipsticks. 

-        A base of petroleum jelly can lessen the harmful effects of the chemicals present in the lipstick.

-        Use homemade lipsticks to avoid the side effects of chemicals.

-        Choose chemical free lipsticks during pregnancy because it is really harmful to the unborn baby in the mother’s womb. You can have herbal ones.

-        You can avoid using lipsticks frequently; just use them for special occasions.

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-        The dangerous chemicals of lipsticks can cause severe damage to the skin around also. If you want to save your lips and skin around, must minimize the use of lipsticks.

-        Avoid buying cheap products as they pose more harm than lipsticks made by the standard reputed brands.

-        Make sure you remove and wipe off the lipstick before going to bed with a good quality makeup remover.

-        Buy lipsticks that are organic and natural.

-        Apply alternatives to lipsticks like Petroleum Jelly.

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Bottom Line

Not to mention, Lipstick is one of the most favorite cosmetic items of women of all ages. But lipsticks are not always safe for your health. Some Lipsticks come with life-threatening ingredients which can lead to severe health issues in the long run. Therefore, it is important to find safer options to use if you want to ensure better internal health. Your conscious effort to find the right choices can relieve you from later regrets. We hope our discussion will help you to understand which kind of lipstick not to put on your lip.