What Is In Your Makeup?
Formaldehyde is in your makeup and hygiene products.
Did you know that formaldehyde is one of the most commonly used preservatives in cosmetics, lotions, hair care, soap, baby products, building materials, and many more household products?
Cosmetic products release small amounts of this chemical continuously, so seldom used cosmetics have a buildup of this toxin just waiting for you to use the product again. This combine with the exposure from the exhaust and other sources can add up by the end of the day.
Other ways we are exposed to formaldehyde include vehicle exhaust, gas stoves, wood-burning stoves, cigarette smoke, pressed wood, and kerosene heaters. Some of these are unavoidable in everyday life such as vehicle exhaust; however, that is just one reason we are required to pass emissions every two years.
Formaldehyde is a colorless, strong-smelling, flammable chemical. According to the National Cancer Institute formaldehyde has been classified as a known carcinogen (cancer-causing substance) by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. Some individuals experience short-term effects when exposed to formaldehyde. A suggested association of cancers such as nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia; has been shown in research studies of workers exposed to formaldehyde (National Cancer Institute).
According to studies, cancer is associated with high levels of prolonged exposure to formaldehyde; however, no studies have been conducted which would indicate clearly if exposure to small amounts continuously throughout the day is harmful.
References
National Cancer Institute. (2014). Formaldehyde and cancer risk. National cancer institute factsheet. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Risk/formaldehyde