Cosmetic products contain a variety of ingredients, both natural and artificial, that can impact our health depending on the chemical compounds they are made of. Some ingredients are added to improve the overall experience of using cosmetics, such as aesthetic ingredients that make formulas look and feel better. Other ingredients are functional and have the most impact on the way cosmetics work, including surfactants, conditioners/moisturizers, colorants, polymers, and active ingredients.
However, some cosmetic ingredients have been linked to cancer, birth defects, or other developmental or reproductive harm. The Safe Cosmetics Act requires manufacturers, packers, and/or distributors named on the product label to report to the California Safe Cosmetics Program (CSCP) all products that contain any ingredients known or suspected to cause cancer, birth defects, or other developmental or reproductive harm.
It is important to note that not all companies comply with reporting requirements, and the database may not contain all cosmetic products that should be reported under the Safe Cosmetics Act. Some hazardous ingredients that have been reported in cosmetic products include heavy metals like lead, arsenic, cadmium, and mercury.
In summary, cosmetic products can contain a variety of ingredients, both positive and negative. It is important to be aware of the ingredients in cosmetic products and their potential impact on our health.
