Formaldehyde -- the same substance that's used for, ugh, embalming -- can be found in some cosmetics even though the US National Toxicology Program describes it as "a human carcinogen."
You're probably familiar with formaldehyde in certain hair straightening products -- it was big news in 2012 when the FDA stepped in and asked certain companies to take it out of their formulations. "Because of the Brazilian Blowout controversy, most brands now offer safer options," says Robinson. "Given this change, I feel consumers and stylists will be a lot safer."
While the hair care industry may be moving in the right direction, there are dozens of other products that contain formaldehyde, and nail polish is one of the worst offenders. Opt for "three free" polish brands like Butter London, SpaRitual, and Zoya, which do not contain formaldehyde.
Photo 4/9
Lead
In February 2012, the FDA released a report that confirmed traces of lead in 400 lipsticks -- but that doesn't mean they're going to do anything about it. Lead is considered a byproduct of color additives, and it isn't regulated. Even though the FDA isn't concerned, some experts are. Lead can build up in your system over time -- especially since you essentially eat your lipstick -- and become toxic. "Lead should not be allowed for use anywhere," says Robinson. "It's dangerous in beauty products, period."
To find out if your favorite lipstick contains lead, check it against the Environmental Working Group's Cosmetics Database at ewg.org. If you're a regular lipstick wearer, switch to a natural brand. Try Ilia Pure Lip Care, $24, which is extremely moisturizing, or Tarte Glamazon Pure Performance 12-Hour Lipstick, $26 -- a great long-lasting option.
Photo 5/9
Triclosan
Do you love your antibacterial hand wash? You may want to check the label for Triclosan, an ingredient that the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics calls a potential hormone disrupter (like oxybenzone). "It is currently under investigation by federal health agencies," says New York dermatologist Jeannette Graf, MD.
However, this doesn't mean you should stop washing your hands. "Using antimicrobial products is essential, particularly on hands, which are transmitters of disease, as well as keeping skin clean to help protect against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections," says Graf. So keep using your hand sanitizer, just find one that's triclosan-free like CleanWell All-Natural Hand Sanitizer, $3.49.
Photo 6/9
Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is a topical lightening ingredient that dermatologists prescribe for the treatment of dark spots. And most derms love it. "I do prescribe hydroquinone and believe it to be quite safe," says Graf. "There is no other fading ingredient with its effectiveness." Graf points out that it's banned in some countries due to cases of ochronosis (a disease that can lead to chronic health problems), but that there have been less than 40 cases reported in the US. "There are also no studies in humans demonstrating that it is dangerous or carcinogenic when applied topically as a fading agent," she says.
If you choose to use hydroquinone, follow your doctor's instructions carefully, and don't overdo it. If you'd rather use a brightening product that's hydroquinone-free, look for one with kojic acid like Murad Age Spot & Pigment Lightening Gel, $60.
Photo 7/9
Phthalates
Phthalates are everywhere. "They are used as plasticizers in products such as nail polish to prevent cracking and hairspray to decrease stiffness," says Graf. While the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics has labeled phthalates "hormone disruptors," the research is inconclusive. "They are found in such low amounts in cosmetics that according to the CDC and FDA the exposure is very low," explains Graf.
Still, more than one beauty entrepreneur (Jessica Alba, Josie Maran) has gone on to create a phthalate-free line while pregnant. And that's because the research about phthalates and fetal development is somewhat more convincing. Better safe than sorry, right?
Here's the scary truth: There are many ingredients in cosmetics that may be bad for you. The FDA only regulates certain types of products -- like sunscreens and acne treatments -- and the rest of the time it's up to the manufacturer to decide whether a formulation is safe.
According to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), there are more than 1,100 ingredients used in beauty products in the U.S. that are banned in other countries like Japan, Canada, and members of the European Union. In fact, the FDA only prohibits the use of 10 ingredients in cosmetics, and they include scary substances like mercury and chlorofluorocarbon.
But that doesn't mean the other 1,090 ingredients are toxic, as well. "Overall, one big reason why the US may allow certain ingredients for use in beauty products and others countries don't could be because those countries may not have enough information on the ingredients to deem them allowable for use," says cosmetic chemist and founder of BeautyStat.com Ron Robinson. "This does not mean that the ingredient is necessarily dangerous. It just means that the ingredient needs safety documentation clearance before it's allowed for use."
So maybe other countries are being overly cautious, but the FDA is at the opposite end of the spectrum. Studies show that there are ingredients in cosmetics that could be toxic, yet formulators continue to use them just because it's easier -- and there aren't any regulations to stop them.
The following seven ingredients -- which you'll probably find in many of your favorite products -- raise red flags. Some of the ingredients still have many supporters in the dermatology world, while some are almost universally opposed. The good news is there are alternatives to all of them. So if you don't want lead in your lipstick, read on to learn more.
