Many women think long and hard about what they eat because of the harmful effects it might have on their health, but put relatively little thought into what they apply to their skin.
But since up to 60% of what is put on to the skin is absorbed directly into the bloodstream, cosmetics have a potentially huge impact on one's physical well-being.
The Environmental Working Group, a US-based group that works to protect teens from toxins in everyday products, says that teenagers use more personal care products daily than most adult women do.
Widely used additives, parabens and phalates, which are preservatives used in make-up, nail polishes and fragrances, are worrying scientists. Parabens are implicated in the growth of cancer cells, while phalates have been found to have an effect on the reproductive systems of lab animals.
These are three of the worst products in cosmetics:
1. Mercury: A tiny amount of this potent nervous-system toxin, which accumulates in the body, is allowed as a preservative in eye-area cosmetics, such as mascara.
2. Coal-tar colours: These chemicals are found in many of the colours used in make-up and hair dye. They have been shown to cause cancer when applied to the skin.
3. Formaldehyde: Found in eye shadows, mascaras and nail polishes, it is "reasonably anticipated to be a human carcinogen".
Green cosmetics are as good for the environment as organic food . M ost eco-friendly make-up lines use recycled packaging and soy-based inks .
The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics at www.safecosmetics.org has a list of all the ingredients you should not have in your cosmetics.
The Dr Hauschka skincare range is a good brand to try. It is available from selected Woolworths stores.
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