Toxic ingredients in cosmetics: information for parents of adolescents and preteens

Many parents carefully read the labels of the food products to eat and drink that their children consume. Nor should they overlook reading the labels of cosmetics since some ingredients could be harmful to young people.

Even cosmetics that are promoted for teenagers and preteens can be affected. When this happens, the company and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announce the withdrawal of the product from the market.

The products and ingredients of cosmetics have not been evaluated by the FDA before going on the market. All the FDA requires is that they simply be safe according to their indications.

Be careful with natural ingredients

Many cosmetics contain natural elements in their ingredients. However, natural doesn't always mean that they are safe. For example, arsenic, cadmium, lead and mercury are natural elements that have been found in cosmetics and that are toxic. Other natural elements in cosmetics, such as chromium, cobalt and nickel, have caused some people to have allergic reactions.

How to detect impurities in cosmetics?

Below, we offer some indications for parents, adolescents and preteens to detect impurities in cosmetic products:

- There is no list of ingredients or the ingredients are in another language. The list of ingredients on the label must be in English if you live in the United States. If not, the product may have been sold illegally.

- Toxic ingredients are on the list under a different name. For example, lead can be on the list as "kohl", "kajal" or "surma" and mercury can be called "mercury chloride, "calomel", "mercuric".

- Talc as an ingredient. Talc is a powdered mineral that is formed in the ground near mineral asbestos. Asbestos causes cancer and mesothelioma. If the talc is mixed with asbestos when they take it out of the ground, the contaminated talc can end up in the cosmetic. Recently, asbestos was found in eye shadows, compact powder and sale contour makeup for teenagers and preteens. To see which cosmetics have been affected, visit: Withdrawal of certain cosmetics, FDA.

Parents should remind their children to read the instructions and wash their hands before applying the cosmetics. Ask them not to share makeup with other people (friends). Any makeup that is stored in a place that is too warm or humid should be discarded.