Uncovering the Hidden Dangers of Personal Care Products

The Surprising Truth About Sunscreen and Beyond

Each time you apply sunscreen to your face, you may inhale somewhere between 10 to 30 milligrams of ethanol, the type of alcohol used in alcoholic drinks. While the ethanol in sunscreen may not give you a buzz, it could make you think about what other chemicals you might be exposed to from personal care products.

Products that are applied to the face, like sunscreen, can increase the inhalation of some chemicals by ten times or more than you would inhale from your home air in the entire day.

The levels of ethanol in cosmetics and skincare products may be reasonably safe – although it can still dry out the skin, causing pain, redness and swelling, and irritate the eyes, causing tears, burning and stinging – but personal care products such as shampoos, skin creams, deodorants, cosmetics and perfumes contain fragrances and other volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which can be inhaled, absorbed through skin or ingested and some are more toxic than others.

Natural Doesn’t Mean Risk-Free

But even if the levels of VOCs in personal care products are kept within safe limits, they can still cause discomfort and a variety of health issues, including irritation of the eyes and airways, migraines and asthmatic reactions, in those who’re fragrance sensitive. In the UK, 27% of the population self-reports as fragrance sensitive.

It makes sense then that some people attempt to avoid potentially toxic synthetic chemicals in cosmetics by opting for “natural” or “clean” personal care products. But, natural does not mean safer.

For instance, essential oils are often used in “natural” personal care products as fragrance. Essential oils, though, are a source of terpenes, some of which can be toxic if absorbed, inhaled or swallowed.

Beauty Salon Safety

Beauty salons can be particularly risky environments for exposure to VOCs. Studies have found contaminants such as formaldehyde, ammonia and toluene, a potentially harmful ingredient used in many personal care products, at high levels in salons, putting staff who work there at the highest risk.

Formaldehyde levels in some salons have reached above safety limits. Methyl methacrylate, which can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and potential respiratory issues, has been detected in the air of nail salons.

Conclusion

When it comes to personal care products, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and take steps to minimize exposure. By being informed about the ingredients, fragrances, and VOCs in your products, you can make informed decisions about what you use on your body and surroundings. Remember, even natural ingredients can have risks, and it’s crucial to prioritize your health and well-being.

FAQs

* What are VOCs, and how do they affect me?
VOCs are volatile organic compounds that can be found in personal care products. They can be inhaled, absorbed through skin or ingested, and some are more toxic than others.
* Are natural personal care products safer?
No, not necessarily. Natural products can still contain toxic ingredients or release VOCs that can cause health issues.
* How can I minimize exposure to VOCs at home?
Try to open windows and use extractor fans in wet rooms. Be especially careful when applying products to the face or when using a high-temperature application – high temperatures can increase emissions.
* What can I do to protect myself when visiting a beauty salon?
Check with the salon about their ventilation system and other steps they are taking to reduce exposure to VOCs.