Are Harmful Cosmetic Chemicals Related To Breast Cancer?
Studies have found that while the chemicals in beauty products help us look beautiful, feel good, and smell better, most of these chemicals may develop cancer in humans, however, due to a wide range of chemicals in cosmetics products, This makes it very hard to establish a cause and effect relationship for any single ingredient.
When such dangerous compounds enter our system, we have no idea how they affect our organs and health. But, according to recent studies, several of these chemicals are carcinogenic or allergic in some way.
These substances are still hormone disruptors. Hormone disruptors can disrupt or mimic estrogen and other hormones in the body, causing hormonal imbalance. Due to estrogen's ability to accelerate the growth of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer, many women prefer to avoid or reduce their exposure to substances that mimic estrogen's effects.
Chemicals in Cosmetics Products:
While cosmetics and beauty products contain various ingredients, two classes of chemicals are being identified for the development of breast cancer.
- Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) And Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT):
Lipsticks and cosmetics items like moisturizers contain chemicals like BHA and BHT as preservatives. Unfortunately, both substances are human carcinogens and can cause allergic reactions and impact both men's and women's reproductive health. As a result, several government regulatory agencies have mandated that brands selling traditional, non-organic cosmetic and skincare products containing BHA and BHT include a safety precaution warning about their potential of causing breast cancer.
- Parabens:
These are the preservatives found in many cosmetic products such as lipstick, moisturizer, and hair products. However, as a weak estrogen, parabens may activate the formation of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers when absorbed through the skin. Due to their widespread use, parabens have been detected in breast tissue.
Long-term (>20 weeks) exposure to parabens increases the proliferation of human breast cancer cells. Even at low concentrations, parabens have been found to accelerate the proliferation of breast cancer cells in many people who use dozens of traditional cosmetics and beauty products.
- Phthalates:
Phthalates are frequently used in nail polish and hair products to help preserve colour and minimize brittleness. They're also found in a variety of perfumes, including those for beauty products. Phthalates are a known disruptor of hormones. While phthalates may not respond identically like estrogen, they have the potential to disturb the balance of certain other hormones that associate with estrogen.
Preventive Steps to Parabens and Phthalates in Cosmetics:
Here are some preventive steps to decrease your exposure to parabens and phthalates in cosmetics.
- Always read the labels on your products. Claims on the front of packages can be–and frequently are–misleading. Make it a practice to read the ingredients of beauty products just as you would when you would buy food.
- Avoid perfumes. Essential oils are natural aromatic botanical extracts that provide a wide range of health advantages. However, a single fragrance may contain dozens or even hundreds of chemicals, most of which are phthalate-based. Rather than that, look for items that specifically mention the aromas and those should be labelled as "no synthetic fragrance" or "phthalate-free."
In the case of cosmetic products, you must rely on the brand to specify whether or not they contain phthalates. Several companies that joined the Safe Cosmetics Compact agreed that they would make all beauty products "free of chemicals that are proven or highly expected to cause cancer, mutation, or birth defects." BlushBee is without a doubt the brand leader for safer, more effective cosmetic and skincare products.
