Cosmetics and personal hygiene products are used worldwide and are considered to be part of many individuals’ daily routines. These products range from cleansers, exfoliators, soaps, shampoo, hair gel, and makeup. These products are produced by these companies to prompt us to take better care of ourselves, maintain our health and wellness, and perhaps enhance our looks. However, many of these products contain a variety of chemicals such as preservatives, colorants, fragrances, UV filters, and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) (Martín-Pozo et al., 2021).
PFAS are molecules containing a chain of linked carbons and fluorine atoms and due to the strong bond between these atoms, PFAS do not degrade in the environment. Scientists aren’t even able to estimate the environmental half-life of these PFAS (National Institute of Environmental Sciences, 2021). Therefore, these molecules are thought to linger in the environment and our bodies for years. There are many different types of PFAS however, the health effects of only a few of them are known. In high concentration, these molecules have been linked to altered metabolism, high cholesterol, thyroid diseases, disruption in female reproductive function, and endocrine issues (Rickard et al., 2022). Certain PFAS can interfere with the endocrine signaling system by having a molecular structure similar to the body’s natural hormones and interferes or blocks the endocrine signaling pathway which can be detrimental to an individual (Martín-Pozo et al., 2021). PFAS are also found as environmental contaminants such as PFAS-contaminated drinking water supplies and air-containing PFAS (Rickard et al., 2022).
Now, before you go running to the bathroom to check the ingredient list of your favorite shampoo or cleanser, many of these PFAS are no longer made in the United States (National Institute of Environmental Sciences, 2021). However, that is not limited to the products that are imported into the U.S., and many of these cosmetic companies that have replaced PFAS with alternative PFAS compounds such as GenX, an unregulated manmade alternative form of PFAS that cause similar health issues as PFAS compounds. Therefore, the levels and length of exposure time for certain populations worldwide differ greatly and remain an issue due to its worldwide occurrence, growing numbers, and bioaccumulation (National Institute of Environmental Sciences, 2021). In addition, PFAS can cause these detriments in health on their own and, these compounds can be further broken down in the body into other PFAS compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid which has been associated with cancers and low birth weight of infants (Travis, 2021).
To be completely honest, this will probably not stop me from applying my favorite mascara (thank you Maybelline Lash Sensational - trust me this one’s a game-changer), however learning about these PFAS has made me more conscious of what products I am using and how these seemingly harmless products like mascara and shampoo can affect my body. Now, that you’ve read through this blog I’m curious as to what your thoughts are; do you think there's a price for beauty?
References:
Martín-Pozo, L., Gómez-Regalado, M. D. C., Moscoso-Ruiz, I., & Zafra-Gómez, A. (2021). Analytical methods for the determination of endocrine disrupting chemicals in cosmetics and personal care products: A review. Talanta, 234, 122642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.talanta.2021.122642
National Institute of Environmental Sciences. (n.d.). Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS). National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. Retrieved November 20, 2021, from https://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/pfc/index.cfm
Rickard, B. P., Rizvi, I., & Fenton, S. E. (2022). Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and female reproductive outcomes: PFAS elimination, endocrine-mediated effects, and disease. Toxicology, 465, 153031. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tox.2021.153031
Travis, K. (2021, June 15). Many cosmetics contain hidden, potentially dangerous ‘forever chemicals.’ Science News. Retrieved November 20, 2021, from https://www.sciencenews.org/article/cosmetics-makeup-pfas-chemicals
very interesting read Vi! This is scary especially recently we have learned so much about sunscreen (thank you TikTok for bringing awareness) and a while ago Refinery29 did aired a documentary that talked about Mica which is a common glitter found in makeup product. It talked about how Mica is mined in India and that mine uses child labor. I may be too weak to give up my already bought makeup, I will be more conscious of the surrounding moving forward and try to be conscious and cautious consumer.
ReplyDeletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IeR-h9C2fgc
This was a super great blog post Vi and very interesting to read! Ironically enough this summer I was also questioning some of the ingredients in my shampoo/conditioner/body wash/etc. More specifically, I had been using OGX brand shampoo and conditioner, because it was made without sulfates, parabens, and phthalates, which I thought was great for my hair and scalp. A lot of the specific types of shampoo I was using from that brand where fortified with keratin and biotin, which I believed would help with my hair loss and hair thinning. Boy was I wrong, one of the chemicals that is in the shampoo’s and conditioner’s that have keratin and biotin in them is called DMDM hydantoin, which is a preservative and anti-microbial agent, and is also a “formaldehyde donor” that works as a preserving agent. When formaldehyde reacts with the skin it can cause allergies, rashes, hair loss, and even cancer, needless to say, there is an ongoing lawsuit currently in the works. While I am not entirely sure that this is 100% the reason why I am balding currently, I would not be too shocked if it was. With that in mind, I really enjoyed your blog post and thought I can also add some insight and reference for people wanting to avoid certain chemicals and compounds in their hygiene and cosmetic products.
ReplyDeleteWell now every time my mascara flakes or an eyelash falls into my eyeball and irritates it for hours I'm just going to be thinking about all the consequences that might have! So I was curious what the "dosage" is on toxic levels of PFAS in cosmetics, turns out they have only looked about a few specific PFAS to determine the level at which it becomes toxic (if that makes sense?). AND! This article in Smithsonian Magazine mentioned that these chemicals are found in "long lasting" make up, specifically for the eyes and lips where we happen to have thinner mucous membranes which make for easy absorption...so that's not scary at all. However I agree with you Vi, not sure if I'm ready to give up my products...don't they say "beauty is pain"? Thanks for sharing and horrifying me at the lack of regulation and research! This is definitely something people should be aware of.
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