Potential Carcinogens in Makeup Cosmetics

Abstract

Facial makeup cosmetics are commonly used products that are applied to the skin, and their ingredients come into contact with it for many years. Consequently, they should only contain substances that are considered safe or used within an allowable range of established concentrations. According to current European laws, all cosmetics approved for use should be entirely safe for their users, and the responsibility for this lies with manufacturers, distributors, and importers. However, the use of cosmetics can be associated with undesirable effects due to the presence of certain chemical substances. An analysis of 50 random facial makeup cosmetics commercially available on the European Union market and manufactured in six European countries was carried out, concerning the presence of substances with potential carcinogenic properties, as described in recent years in the literature. Nine types of facial makeup cosmetics were selected, and their compositions, as declared on the labels, were analyzed. The carcinogens were identified with information present in the European CosIng database and according to the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee’s (IRAC) classification. As a result, the following potential carcinogens were identified: parabens (methylparaben, propylparaben, butylparaben, and ethylparaben), ethoxylated compounds (laureth-4, lautreth-7, or ethylene glycol polymers known as PEG), formaldehyde donors (imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium 15, and DMDM hydantoin), and ethanolamine and their derivatives (triethanolamine and diazolidinyl urea), as well as carbon and silica. In conclusion, all of the analyzed face makeup cosmetics contain potential carcinogenic substances. The literature review confirmed the suppositions regarding the potential carcinogenic effects of selected cosmetic ingredients. Therefore, it seems necessary to carry out studies on the long-term exposure of compounds present in cosmetics and perhaps introduce stricter standards and laws regulating the potential presence of carcinogens and their activity in cosmetics.

Decoding the synergistic potential of MAZ‐51 and zingerone as therapy for melanoma treatment in alignment with sustainable development goals

“…Cosmetics such as facial makeup are frequently applied to the skin and thus their constituents are exposed to and absorbed by the skin for extended periods of time. 11 Facial products are expected to consist of ingredients that are safe for consumer use and comply with regulatory standards. However, potential carcinogens such as parabens, ethoxylated compounds, formaldehyde donors, urea and silica have been detected in facial products.…”

“…Cosmetics such as facial makeup are frequently applied to the skin and thus their constituents are exposed to and absorbed by the skin for extended periods of time 11 . Facial products are expected to consist of ingredients that are safe for consumer use and comply with regulatory standards.…”

“…Facial products are expected to consist of ingredients that are safe for consumer use and comply with regulatory standards. However, potential carcinogens such as parabens, ethoxylated compounds, formaldehyde donors, urea and silica have been detected in facial products 11 . The carcinogens are categorised into two groups mainly genotoxic and nongenotoxic compounds.…”

“…The carcinogens are categorised into two groups mainly genotoxic and nongenotoxic compounds. Genotoxic compounds induce direct DNA damage following application or proceeding xenobiotic metabolism 11 . Conversely, nongenotoxic compounds result in indirect DNA damage by inducing the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), immunosuppression and inducing inflammation 11 …”

Simple and fast microderivatization method for determining formaldehyde using narrow-bore liquid chromatography with UV detection

“…[22][23][24] In addition, it acts as a preservative in many household and personal care products. [25][26][27][28][29] In medical applications, formaldehyde is used as a bacteriostatic agent to prevent urinary tract infections and is formed from the conversion of methenamine when the urinary pH is below 5.5. 30,31 Therefore, people may have been unintentionally exposed to formaldehyde throughout their lives.…”