Is Mineral Makeup Dangerous to Long-Term Health?
First, we’re told liquid makeup has harmful chemicals and mineral makeup is healthier. Now, a well-known medical professional says mineral makeup is more dangerous than liquid.
An obscure product just a few years ago, mineral makeup is now part of nearly every cosmetic brand’s product line. Millions of women use it, many of them doing so because they wanted to stop using liquid foundations which put chemical ingredients into their skin. A key selling point for mineral products is that they come from the earth and consist of natural minerals such as zinc and titanium. That doesn’t mean they don't contain chemicals, minerals are made up of chemical elements, but since the companies don’t put in additional chemical ingredients they claim the products are purer.
Web M.D. offers different points of view on mineral makeup. On the one hand, they state key ingredients have been the basis of most makeup foundations for decades and quote an expert who calls mineral makeup marketing hype. On the other hand, Web M.D. states, “dermatologists report that because mineral makeup frequently eliminates classic ‘irritants’ – like fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes and preservatives -- it is considered ‘purer’ and can be kinder to the skin.”
Dr. Oz Says Throw Out Your Mineral Makeup:
Thousands of women are now wondering whether or not to use these products. On a television show segment about the most dangerous beauty products, Dr. Mehmet Oz declared mineral makeup unsafe and told women to stop using it.
From Dr. Oz. com, “Mineral makeup is a big trend. Made from minerals such as mica, which are used for industrial purposes as well, these tiny particles are a thousand times smaller than predecessors from even 10 years ago. Their small size makes for a smoother, more flawless look, but it has one serious unintended consequence. The particles are so tiny they fall quickly through the air and can be inhaled easily into your lungs. When construction workers use mica in products such as spackle, they wear masks to protect their lungs from scarring over time.
We value and respect the experiences of all of our HERWriters, but everyone is different. Many of our writers are speaking from personal experience, and what's worked for them may not work for you. Their articles are not a substitute for medical advice although we hope you can gain knowledge from their insight.
Add a Comment16 Comments
Thank you for the first report on this that actually attempts to address both sides of this debate. I am a mineral cosmetic formulator who was dismayed at Dr. Oz's inaccurate reporting. I discuss this further in my blog www.fortunateface.blogspot.com
February 8, 2010 - 1:25pmThank you,
Karrie Welch
This Comment
Karrie - Thank you for writing and for sharing your expertise through your blog post. In addition to the health concerns, many women have invested quite a bit of money in their makeup products, and deserve to have full information before making a decision that's going to be costly. I hope more people will write in and share information with us so that we'll all benefit. Take care, Pat
February 8, 2010 - 5:21pmI too appreciate that you presented more than one perspective on the topic. I'm a the owner of a small mineral makeup company and I formulate all of our products. We never have or will use nanoparticles in our formulations. I wish that more people took the time to avoid the sensationalism before they act. Thanks for your blog post.
February 8, 2010 - 6:10pmI recently came across your blog and have been reading along. I thought I would leave my first comment. I don't know what to say except that I have enjoyed reading. Nice blog. I will keep visiting this blog very often.
Alena
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February 9, 2010 - 1:13amNice report Pat. Thanks for sharing.
February 9, 2010 - 3:07amThank you for sharing Pat. It makes a lot of sense-- but for me, it's just easier to not wear any makeup other than lip gloss.
I think every man made item does some degree of harm to the person-- nothing is 100% safe. Everything in moderation is a good motto to live by.
February 9, 2010 - 8:14amWell, if you are listening to Dr. Oz then lipgloss is dangerous as well.
February 9, 2010 - 10:16amI'm not but thanks for the info!
February 9, 2010 - 10:29amRosa, pleaase look up all of your products. You will be shocked what you find.
Check out Ava Anderson's products... hers is the first line, ever, where every ingredient in every product is a "0" on the cosmetics database.com. She has great information on her site.
For instance, look out for the word "fragrance" on your ingredient label. Manufacturers can legally hid up to 600 chemicals in that one word. It is called trade secret. Accoridng to EWG (Environmental Working Group) who tested products with the word "fragrance" on the label, 83% are hiding phthalates. Look up phthalates on Ava's toxic page.... this is not anything that you want ot be slathering on your skin (and into your blood stream...) or your children's.
Also, Europe has 1,324 banned ingredients, the USA has 9. So, manufacturers must clean up their products to distribute overseas, but leave the toxic chemicals in for us!
The word "natural" menas nothing. I guarantee you that your lipstick is at least a 5, and probably more like a 7-9 on the database. Remember, that it is not about the overall score, you must click on the product and scroll down to the disease implications of your ingredients..... you are going to be shocked.
BTW, Ava just turned 16.
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February 18, 2010 - 5:44amPat, please cover methylparbens, triclosan, 1,4 dioxane, nitrosamines, PEG's and other known carcinogens and toxic ingredeints. Everyone needs to learn more about the dangers we all face. Ava's FB page regularly lists article links relating to environmental toxins.
The average baby in 2004 (EWG, Red Cross) was born with 287 chemicals in their cord blood.
Phthalates are in most of what we use, and phthalates are being linked to autism, ADHD, and behavioral problems, reduced sperm counts and a host of other issues, including cancer. This is so important for people to realize.
Thank you.
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February 18, 2010 - 5:48am