Mascara is a must-have for most women around the globe, but do you know what kind of chemicals you are placing right next to your eyeballs? It’s time for a chemical reality check when it comes to the ingredients in your mascara.
According to Beautycounter, an American-made safer beauty brand that has created a list of 1,500 ingredients that they will never use in their products, “While the E.U. has banned close to 1,400 ingredients, the U.S. has banned or restricted only 11.” Clearly American makeup safety standards are nonexistent. So, if you’re a woman buying makeup in the US, that means it’s up to YOU to decide what chemicals you want on your body.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep database grades beauty products with a score of 0-10 (10= most hazardous) based on their ingredient toxicity and health concerns, such as:
- Link or risk to Cancer
- Link or risk to Allergies & immunotoxicity
- Link or risk to Developmental & Reproductive Toxicity
- Use restrictions
So take a look at what’s in your mascara. It might be time to make the switch to a safer option.
Does your mascara make the grade?
Almay One Coat Nourishing Lengthening Mascara, Black
Score: 8 by EWG
Highest hazard ingredients (descriptions by EWG):
- RETINYL ACETATE (VITAMIN A ACETATE): “Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions”
- PROPYLPARABEN: “Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Ecotoxicology, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Use restrictions”
- DIAZOLIDINYL UREA (FORMALDEHYDE RELEASER): “Cancer, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (FORMALDEHYDE), Use restrictions”
Rimmel Scandal Eyes Curve Alert Mascara, Black
Score: 6 by EWG
Highest hazard ingredients (descriptions by EWG):
- RETINYL PALMITATE (VITAMIN A PALMITATE): “Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions”
CoverGirl Bombshell Volume by Lashblast Mascara, Very Black 800
Score: 6 by EWG
Highest hazard ingredients (descriptions by EWG):
- PROPYLPARABEN: “Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Ecotoxicology, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Use restrictions”
- TRIETHANOLAMINE: “Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES-in the presence of nitrosating agents), Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions”
- BENZYL ALCOHOL: “Allergies/immunotoxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Occupational hazards, Use restrictions”
Revlon Fabulash Mascara, 022 Black
Score 6 by EWG
Highest hazard ingredients (descriptions by EWG):
- RETINYL ACETATE (VITAMIN A ACETATE): “Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions”
- PROPYLPARABEN: “Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Ecotoxicology, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Use restrictions”
- TRIETHANOLAMINE: “Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES-in the presence of nitrosating agents), Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions”
Neutrogena Healthy Lengths Mascara, Black
Score: 6 by EWG
Highest hazard ingredients (descriptions by EWG):
- FRAGRANCE: “Ecotoxicology, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Irritation (skin, eyes, or lungs), Miscellaneous, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive)”
- PROPYLPARABEN: “Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Ecotoxicology, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Use restrictions”
- TRIETHANOLAMINE: “Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES-in the presence of nitrosating agents), Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions”
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Lash Extending Treatment Mascara, Black
Score: 6 by EWG
Highest hazard ingredients (descriptions by EWG):
- RETINYL ACETATE (VITAMIN A ACETATE): “Biochemical or cellular level changes, Cancer, Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions”
- PROPYLPARABEN: “Developmental/reproductive toxicity, Ecotoxicology, Endocrine disruption, Allergies/immunotoxicity, Use restrictions”
- TRIETHANOLAMINE: “Allergies/immunotoxicity, Contamination concerns (NITROSAMINES-in the presence of nitrosating agents), Organ system toxicity (non-reproductive), Use restrictions”
If your mascara isn’t listed, get the full list and grades here.
Better solutions (that actually work):
Beautycounter Mascara (semi-waterproof option)
Brand information: this company has a list of 1,500 ingredients that it will never use in its products and only makes products that score between 0-2 by the EWG Skin Deep database.
Lights, Camera, Lashes by Tarte
Brand information: Tarte products are formulated without parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfates, and gluten.
Find it here.
When it comes to reducing your exposure to chemicals and toxins in your beauty routine, the little changes really add up! If you just swap out one toxic product each month, by the end of the year you’ll have dramatically reduced your chemical exposure.
Want more simple tips on how to detox your beauty routine and your home? Sign up for the FREE 30 Day Detox Your Home series here or enter your information below.
PIN IT:
References:
Environmental Working Group
Photo Credit: Depositphotos.com/khorzhevska