Harmful chemicals used in cosmetic products that we frequently use in our daily lives, such as hair care shampoo and conditioner, soap, skin lotion, seriously damage our health. When these harmful chemicals penetrate our body, they may form the base of cancer as well as many diseases such as irritation, acne, allergy and inflammation. The use of such harmful chemicals does not only damage the user’s health, but also the environment by mixing these products with water and soil. The deterioration of our environment and nature causes the deterioration of our future.

In order to be healthy, we should have a balanced diet and also carefully choose what product to use for our body. Unfortunately many of the popular products that we buy contain many dangerous and toxic ingredients. For this reason we should really consider the possible harms of cosmetic products.

Harmful Chemicals Used in Cosmetic Products

Some of the most common harmful chemicals and their effects on our body. We present them to you, our conscious consumers, for your information.

SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulfate) and SLES (Sodium Laureth Sulfate)

SLS and SLES; They are anionic surfactants used in shampoo, detergent, toothpaste and soaps for foaming, anti-greasing and thickening the consistency. SLES, a softer substance, is made by adding ethylene oxide (this substance is also carcinogenic) because SLS shows irritation symptoms in some skin types. During this process called ethoxylation, a by-product called 1.4 dioxane is produced and added to SLES.

Harms

• It is irritant in contact with the eyes and is absorbed immediately by the eye cells. It prevents eye development especially in children (also found in children’s shampoos).
• SLS is a very “strong” detergent – it tends to peel the oil off the hair and hardens the hair shaft.
• It damages the hair follicles by drying the scalp too much and can also lead to hair loss.
• Can also cause skin dryness and irritation.
• Not only it irritates the skin, but it is also absorbed by the skin. By imitating the estrogen hormone in the endocrine, it can prevent the reproductive system and sexual development.
• SLS basically imitates the effects of estrogen hormone which can also cause cancer, it is known that many cancers such as breast and ovarian cancer are directly related to estrogen levels.
• SLS creates a chemical bridge between soluble parts of protein molecule in fat and water. It disrupts the hydrophobic forces needed to maintain the protein structure, which leads molecules to collapse, basically making them useless. This effect is generally irreversible. As a result, firstly existing proteins are harmed and the body goes into a healing process. Secondly, newly produced proteins can be harmed as well and cells can be disrupted in the regeneration phase. This situation can cause early stages of skin cancer.
• SLES also has a negative effect on the central nervous system, kidneys, liver and respiratory system.

Paraben

Paraben and its variations are used to extend the shelf life of cosmetic products. It is used in almost all cosmetic and personal care products because of its low cost. The most commonly used paraben derivatives are methylparaben, thylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben benzylparaben.

Harms

• Parabens cause hormone disruption in humans and also can immitate the action of estrogen.,
• Can be an obstacle for reproduction and sexual function.
• Can cause allergic reactions.