Cosmetics and personal care items we use every day are packed with a constellation of chemicals that could be connected to a host of health problems. carcinogens like formaldehyde found in keratin hair treatments, body soap and nail polish and coal tar found in hair dyes and shampoo are of top concern in beauty products. So are heavy metals, like lead found in lipsticks and clay-based products, and endocrine-disrupting chemicals like parabens and phthalates, among others. toxic PFAS chemicals used in flame retardants and Teflon in some cosmetics.
A recent report by centre for science and environment found that more than 40 countries have banned 1,400 chemicals in cosmetic products, compared with nine in India.
Women have been found to have a higher body burden of certain chemicals found in cosmetics, including parabens and phthalates. Both are endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which mimic human hormones. they can have effects at very small doses and have been linked to numerous health issues like fertility problems, thyroid conditions, diabetes, ADHD etc .these are all heavily impacted by hormones. More than 200 possible endocrine-disrupting chemicals currently in use in cosmetics and personal care products have been identified.
FROM AWARD-WINNING AUTHOR DR GOVIND SHUKLA, NUTRITION EXPERT
Govind Shukla, Specializes in Pharmacology, Toxicology, Nutraceuticals & Herbal Drugs has published More than 100 research papers in National & International Journals. He is also a reviewer of International Journal of Pharmacology & pharmacotherapeutics, Chief editor of IJPNR Journal & Freelance Medical Writer for Different publication Groups including Lambert Academic Publishing Saarbrucken, Germany.
