What Ever You Do, DON'T RUB YOUR EYES!
I recently learned that several brands of mascara, had been found by EWG to have thimerosal, a mercury-based preservative used in vaccines and sometimes found in cosmetics. As EWG puts it:
"According to the FDA, 'Mercury compounds are readily absorbed through the skin on topical application and tend to accumulate in the body. They may cause allergic reactions, skin irritation, or neurotoxic manifestations.' Mercury is considered particularly toxic to the developing brain during pregnancy, infancy and childhood. FDA has banned the use of mercury compounds in all cosmetics except those used around the eyes."
Well, that's comforting to know. Everyone is so worried about eating too much fish, because of the possible toxicity level of Mercury. Never did I think I would have to worry about my freaking Mascara, Eyeliner or Eyeshadow. Let me highlight the first sentence again "Readily absorbed through the skin" Umm..So what your saying is, Eyeliners and Eyeshadows containing this hidden chemicals are being ABSORBED into my skin and can cause some serious damage? Great! Come to find out that's not the only chemical the cosmetic industry isn't telling you about.
Other Ingredients in Mascara
Guanine- A color additive for cosmetics that must be extracted from fish scales.
Coal Tar Dyes – (includes D&C Blue 1, Green 3, Yellow 5, Yellow 6, Red 33, etc.) Even though their carcinogenicity has recently been proven, the 1938 Act includes a specific exemption for them. Severe allergic reactions, asthma attacks, headaches, nausea, fatigue, lack of concentration, nervousness, increased risk of Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and multiple myeloma.
Imidazolidinyl Urea- Is an antimicrobial preservative it acts as a formaldehyde releaser.
It can instigate immune system response that can include itching, burning, scaling, hives, and blistering of skin, or severe respiratory reaction. It has also been suspected to cause Gastrointestinal or liver toxicity hazards.
Now let's talk about Eyeliners. Eyeliners are made up of thickeners, such as wax, and plastic film formers that deposit the pigment onto the eyelid. Film formers can be acrylic polymers and PVP (polyvinylpyrrolidone), classified by Environment Canada as a medium health priority.
Other Ingredients in Eyeliners
Aluminum and bronze powders- Used for color in most eyeliner products. Can cause cancer and are toxic to the nervous system.
Coal tar colours (FD&C Yellow 5)- The color additive is derived primarily from petroleum. Reputed to be a catalyst in hyperactivity/ADD, other behavioral problems, asthma, migraines, thyroid cancer, and lupus
Phenoxyethanol and propylene glycol- They are in liquid eyeliners as emulsifiers, can irritate skin.
Parabens(methyl, butyl and propyl)-Preservatives that can disrupt the human endocrine system.
BHA- Common preservative in eyeliners, is a probable carcinogen that can be absorbed through the skin.
Last but not least Eye shadows. Eye shadows are used for the colours they provide, but artificial colours like carcinogenic coal tar dyes are frequent allergens. One dye (As we have just discussed in the Eyeliner section of this piece) - FD&C Yellow No. 5 may also cause severe reactions in people allergic to aspirin, and is potentially toxic to the nervous system.
Other Ingredients in Eyeshadow(Powder, Cream and Glitter )
Powder
Talc and Powdered Silica- The main ingredient in many powdered eye shadows. Both talc and silica in powdered form can be carcinogenic when inhaled. Silica is also a respiratory toxin. Eye shadow may also contain dimethicone, a potentially harmful silicon-based polymer, which helps the powder stick to the eyelid.
Cream
Petrochemicals- It is like mineral oil, an allergen that can be toxic to the immune system, petrolatum, which can be contaminated with carcinogenic PAHS, and lanolin oil, an allergen that may contain pesticide residues.
Glitter
Aluminum or bronze- Finely ground particles of both of which have been linked with cancer and can be neurotoxic. In 2000, the Consumer Agency and Ombudsman in Finland tested 49 eye shadows and found that they all contained impurities of at least one of the metals lead, cobalt, nickel, chromium and arsenic. Researchers say the amounts could cause allergic symptoms in sensitive people, and, over the long term, could cause other people to become sensitive.
BHA- A probable carcinogen, is a preservative in a number of eyeshadows.
Parabens- Which can disrupt the hormonal system, are also common preservatives in mainstream eyeshadow products.
Ingredient list for the Arbonne Mascara:
Ingredient list for the Arbonne Eyeliner:
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Liquid Eye Liner, Black or Brown
Long-wearing eye liner features non-fraying tip for precise and effortless application.
Item#: 7822
Price: $24.00 |
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Ingredient list for the Arbonne Eyeshadow and Other cosmetics:
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| Sheer Finish Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15, Fair Tinted moisturizer delivers sun protection and natural-looking coverage while restoring and maintaining optimal moisture balance Item#:7815Price:$36.00 |
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Bronzer Silky-light powder creates and enhances the look of glowing "sun-kissed" cheeks and brow bones. Brushes on evenly for a flawless-looking finish. Item#: 7824 Price: $34.00 |
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Lightweight, yet buildable mineral foundation creates a soft-focus effect, giving skin a radiant, flawless appearance.
Item #7836
Price: $38.00
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| Crème Concealer, Light Masks imperfections, fine lines, dark circles and puffiness with a velvety formula that dries to a powdery soft finish. Item #7865 Price: $22.00 |
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| Eye Shadow Richly pigmented, mineral infused eye shadow is blendable and long-wearing. #7846 $18.00 |
Are you ready to make the switch to a healthier product yet? When you are, Contact me! There are so many more wonderful products Arbonne has to offer.
Go to: My Arbonne Site
Go to: My Arbonne Site
