Can skincare products cause cancer? Best to know!

• Formaldehyde

This chemical is very common in many skincare products, nail polish, shower gel, shampoo and hair straightening products, and body lotions. Formaldehyde is generally safe in a tiny amount, while higher dose exposure is linked with cancer development.

This component is also known to cause allergic reactions in some people, such as respiratory issues or eye irritation.

Better ensure no products in your skincare and hair care routine contain formaldehyde.

• Parabens

This ingredient is very well-known because many products contain it, such as makeup, shaving cream, shampoos, moisturizers, and spray tans. Parabens are linked with breast cancers in females and low sperm production in males.

Parabens are so common in the cosmetic industry because they prevent bacteria to develop in the products, however, they are a known endocrine disruptor.

• Coal tar

This harmful skincare ingredient is a by-product of the coal processing industry. Coal tar is mainly used in hair care for dandruff, hair dyes, and skincare for redness and rosacea.

Coal tar was first linked with cancer after young chimney sweepers were diagnosticated with scrotal cancer after being exposed to a large amount of this component. Then, coal tar was linked with many cancers (bladder, lungs, kidney, and digestive tract). This product may also induce skin, bladder, and lung tumors, as well as reproductive issues.

• Triclosan

This component is used to prevent bacteria from developing in the products, however, it is linked with skin cancer development. Triclosan is often found in body washes, antibacterial soaps, and toothpaste.

The FDA informs that high doses of these components affect thyroid hormones and may lead to germ growth.

• Endocrine disruptors chemicals

Those products have been removed from baby’s care products, but not in all adult care ones, some may still contain dangerous chemicals, especially bath and body care products.

PEG, polyoxyethylene, polyethylene, polyethylene glycol, and chemicals with a name ending in “eth” or “oxynol” are suspected to contain EDCs.

• Contaminated talc

In 2019, some cosmetic products tested positive for asbestos, and most of them contained talc.

Talc is very common in cosmetic products such as powdery makeup (eyeshadow, blushes, bronzers). Talc itself is harmless, however, if contaminated with asbestos it becomes a health threat. Asbestos contamination of talc is very common because both the substances are found closes to each other in the ground. Asbestos increases the risk of cancer formation. Talc is supposed to be tested to ensure it is not laced with dangerous products, however, some are not.