What’s lurking in your makeup bag?

We know that your makeup bag will be filled with all of your trusty products, but it might be worth looking a little closer and checking out what ingredients you’re applying to your skin on a daily basis.  

Lip balm with petroleum

Sometimes what you think is simply chapped lips may actually be an allergy to one of your most simple products – lip balm. Many lip balms contain petroleum which is a common allergen and can make your lips dry, peel and crack and over time even lose collagen. Applying these lip balms over and over won’t solve the problem but only make it worse, sealing a waxy layer on your lips and not allowing air flow. If you’re experiencing these symptoms, opt for a lip balm that contains vitamin E instead at this will hydrate your lips in a much healthier way.

Mascara with parabens

Parabens are used in a lot of mainstream beauty products, particularly to prevent bacteria from growing in mascara. However, they have been linked to disrupting estrogen in our body, and high concentrations of parabens have even been found in human breast tumours. Check all of your makeup products for ingredients including butylparaben, ethylparaben, isobutylparaben, methylparaben or propylparaben.

Out of date organic skincare

Using expired skin care products can leave your skin prone to allergic reactions, skin infections, acne and dryness. If the ingredients in your face cream have gone bad, it will no longer be effective, and you’ll be forced to use more of it to get the same effect. All products should have a symbol that indicates how many months it can be used for once its open and organic products will tend to smell different or change colour as they begin to go bad.

Dirt and debris clinging to brushes

If you use your makeup brushes on a daily basis, it’s common sense that they’re going to need a good clean now and again. Failing to do this can spread bacteria from the brushes to your face and vice versa, causing clogged pores, breakouts and worse. Dirty makeup brushes can expose the skin to oxidative stress from free radicals, causing a breakdown of collagen and elastin which can result in wrinkles. Invest in a makeup brush cleaner that washes and dries your tools in seconds.

Formaldehyde releasers

Formaldehyde is a proven human carcinogen which means that it has the potential to cause cancer. If your makeup or cosmetics products contain ingredients such as DMDM hydantoin, diazolidinyl urea, imidazolidinyl urea, methenamine or quarternium-15 you might want to think again.

Talc in eyeshadows and loose powders

Some talc particles that contain asbestos have been found in products such as eyeshadows and loose powders. These have been linked to respiratory problems and even ovarian cancer, according to the American Cancer Society. Check your products for something called hydrous magnesium silicate. 

... It's time to check our makeup bags!

Team Tom