Some types of makeup frequently used in the United States and other parts of the world contain toxic chemicals, such as lead, phthalates, mercury, and formaldehyde. These chemicals are known to be connected to personal health harms, such as neurological issues, reproductive system damage, and cancer.
Because many people are unaware of the risks, the Haz Waste Program is partnering with local beauty influencers to help educate and inspire their social media followers and King County residents to learn more about their cosmetics, and, if necessary, choose safer alternatives.
Skin Deep database
Curious about whether the cosmetics you are using are safe? Check out the Skin Deep database, a search tool created by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to see if the specific cosmetics you are using contain harmful ingredients and search for safer alternatives.
Safer cosmetics in Washington
In the future, Washington state residents will have greater protection from hazardous materials in cosmetics. In May 2023, the governor signed House Bill 1047, which bans the sale and distribution of cosmetics and personal care products that contain toxic materials linked to harmful impacts on health. The ban will begin in January 2025, with in-state retailers having until January 2026 to sell their existing stock of products.
As background, here are the chemicals that will be banned from cosmetics in HB 1047:
Ortho-phthalates
Sometimes found in: Fragrances
Potential health impacts: Damage to reproductive system and development
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)
Sometimes found in: Lotions, cleansers, nail polish, shaving cream, foundation, lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, mascara
Potential health impacts: Effects on metabolism, pregnancy, children’s cognition and neurological development, and the immune system
Formaldehyde, methylene glycol, and chemicals that release formaldehyde
Sometimes found in: Nail paints, hair smoothing/straightening products
Potential health impacts: Dizziness, drowsiness, dry/cracked skin
Mercury and mercury compounds
Sometimes found in: Skin creams, beauty and antiseptic soaps, lotions
Potential health impacts: Neurological effects, including irritability, tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, depression, numbness and tingling in extremities
Triclosan
Sometimes found in: Soaps, skin cleansers, deodorants, lotions, creams, toothpastes
Potential health impacts: Hormonal effects, antibiotic resistance, carcinogenic effects on skin
m-phenylenediamine, o-phenylenediamine, and their salts (PPD)
Sometimes found in: Hair dyes
Potential health impacts: Skin sensitivity, respiratory issues, carcinogenic effects
Note – This is not a complete list of toxic chemicals found in cosmetic products. Other toxic chemicals, such as lead, are already regulated by other state and federal laws. Learn more about chemicals in cosmetics and find safer alternatives at EWG’s Skin Deep database.
FAQs
Some types of makeup frequently used in the United States and other parts of the world contain toxic chemicals, such as lead, phthalates, mercury, and formaldehyde.
How do you prevent toxic makeup? ›
Tips for Safer Cosmetics and Body Care
- Choose fragrance-free products.
- Avoid products labeled “waterproof” or “long-wearing.”
- Skip the triclosan, an antibacterial agent found in some toothpaste, deodorant, acne treatments, and soaps.
- Join the fight against unregulated, untested chemicals in personal care products.
Since 2009, 595 cosmetics manufacturers have reported using 88 chemicals, in more than 73,000 products, that have been linked to cancer, birth defects or reproductive harm. Many of these chemicals should be banned from cosmetics, as proposed in California Assembly Bill 2762, the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act.
What can you do to reduce your exposure to chemicals in cosmetic products? ›
Choose products with simpler ingredient lists and hidden “fragrance” ingredients. Avoid products with “fragrance” or “parfum” on the label which can hide any number of ingredients, some of which may be linked to negative health concerns.
How to know if makeup is toxic? ›
EWG has an online database called SKIN DEEP that analyzes chemicals from hundreds of cosmetics so consumers know any potential toxins. In addition to PFAS, EWG flags ingredients like parabens, phthalates and fragrance in red because they may impact hormones, affecting our endocrine and reproductive systems.
How do you not waste makeup? ›
To stop beauty waste on your end, avoid cosmetics with any plastic and instead look for those in stainless steel, aluminum, or glass containers.
How to find safe cosmetic products? ›
Get the ThinkDirty & EWG Skin Deep Apps
You can like either scan product bar codes or search by product name, product type, and brand. They help you identify harmful ingredients in products as you shop, and help you find safer alternatives.
How do makeup artists sanitize makeup? ›
However, simply spray 70% isopropyl alcohol over every single one of your powder products (e.g. eyeshadow palettes, face powders, blushers, bronzers, etc) and ensure you thoroughly saturate. Finally, leave to evaporate and dry! We promise, they'll be OK! But this will get rid of any nasties!
Can makeup cause health problems? ›
Due to the broad spectrum of contaminants that may be present across a wide variety of makeup products, the list of potential resulting health issues is long. Some common health concerns connected to toxic cosmetics include: Cancers, such as breast cancer and malignant mesothelioma. Fertility issues and birth defects.
Is makeup bad for your liver? ›
Wearing makeup is sometimes part of our everyday life or used on occasion. We can absorb products through our skin and into the liver. Sometimes makeup products that are applied to the facial area (high absorption area) contain harmful chemicals to your liver.
The new law also does little to change the current guidelines about which chemical substances are safe to use in beauty products—the nations of the European Union have outlawed the use of more than 2,400 chemicals in cosmetics; federal officials in the U.S. have banned only 11 substances from cosmetics.
What are the side effects of makeup? ›
And regular makeup wear, especially without proper cleansing, may result in side effects that impact your skin's overall health.
- Clogged pores. ...
- Oily or dry skin. ...
- Breakouts. ...
- Premature aging. ...
- Pigmentation changes. ...
- Eye irritation. ...
- Health concerns.
Wear gloves, masks, or other protective devices to reduce contact with the chemicals. Make sure you wash your hands with soap and warm water after using chemicals. Investigate alternatives. If you like to do woodworking or refinishing, look into using the nontoxic wood strippers found in most hardware stores.
How do you know if cosmetic products are safe? ›
Look for the MADE SAFE® seal
It's the only nontoxic certification in the country that crosses consumer product categories. A partner of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, MADE SAFE® makes it easier to identify verified, safer products.
What are the harmful effects of chemicals in cosmetics? ›
Metals that are part of cosmetic formulations can get absorbed through the skin, accumulate inside the body, and cause harm to internal organs. Coal tar hair dyes used in hair colorants can cause allergic reactions, hair loss, and injuries to the eyes.
Does your skin absorb chemicals? ›
Dermal Absorption
How fast the skin absorbs chemicals depends largely on the outer layer of the skin called the stratum corneum. The stratum corneum provides a barrier by keeping molecules from passing into and out of the skin. This barrier protects the lower layers of skin.
How many chemicals are banned from cosmetics in the US? ›
The new law also does little to change the current guidelines about which chemical substances are safe to use in beauty products—the nations of the European Union have outlawed the use of more than 2,400 chemicals in cosmetics; federal officials in the U.S. have banned only 11 substances from cosmetics.
