Although we often read about ingredient risks of our cosmetic products aiming to reduce the likelihood of cancer or allergic reactions, we rarely think of scanning to see if any chemicals pose a threat to our fertility. Read on to see a few toxins you should avoid when buying skincare products!
- Lead – is found in colored cosmetics.
Lead is used in many colored cosmetics. This chemical has been found to increase infertility in both men and women and is also a known neurotoxin, having the ability to impact behavior or the ability to learn. Women exposed to lead have also encountered irregular menstrual cycles and hormone imbalances. Lead also can cross over the placenta of a pregnant woman, harming the brain of the fetus and increasing the likelihood of a miscarriage.
- Parabens (propylparaben, isopropyl paraben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben) – most commonly found in mascara, foundation, eye shadow, and eyeliner
Parabens are typically added to products to increase shelf life, stopping mold growth or other bacteria. However, these chemicals are known to harm the reproductive system since they can mimic the hormone estrogen. This leads to the disruption of hormones, impacts on reproductive organs, increases infertility, and affects birth outcomes. The U.N Environment program has identified this chemical group as endocrine-disrupting. These are typically absorbed by one’s skin and then excreted through urine. Frequent use increases the paraben content in a person by extreme percentages – one study found that young girls who wore makeup every day had twenty times the propylparaben levels in their urine than those using makeup infrequently or in smaller increments.
- Phthalates (DEP, DBP, DEHP) – found in colored cosmetics such as blush, concealer, eyeshadow, etc as well as fragrances and nail products
These are typically used to enhance structure, increase shelf life, and help the spreadability of a product. Phthalates, specifically DEP and DEHP, have been determined to lead to significant endocrine disruption by the European Commission. The babies of pregnant women exposed to high levels of phthalates have shown birth defects in their genital areas. Additionally, these chemicals are considered reproductive toxins. Adult males with impaired sperm quality and overall infertility have been found to contain higher levels of phthalates in their bodies. These toxins can also reduce hormone levels within the body, affecting the proper growth and function of many reproductive organs.
- Butylated compounds (butylated hydroxyanisole, or BHA, and butylated hydroxytoluene, or BHT) – found in lip products and sometimes eye shadow
These chemicals are typically used as preservatives in products, especially in formulations with high fat and oil content. The European Commission has stated that butylated compounds have a strong correlation with endocrine disruption. These toxins have also been linked with dysfunction of reproductive organs—a study done on rats exposed to butylated compounds found that underdevelopment of such organs occurred in both the male and female animals. Additionally, the rats observed changes in testosterone levels and in the weight of their sex organs.
- Titanium Dioxide – found in colored cosmetics
This chemical is a white pigment that can be found in colored cosmetics. It is also found in many sunscreens as it is known for its ability to filter out harmful UV rays from the sun. However, studies have shown that this chemical can reduce sperm count and motility in males. In one study conducted on mice, those exposed to titanium dioxide particles for an extended period had a large volume of the chemical in their ovaries and testicles. This indicated that titanium dioxide can penetrate blood barriers and impact the function of reproductive organs. In the female mice included in the study, those with long-term exposure to this chemical also had a reduced number of ovarian follicles and developed ovarian cysts, indicating that titanium dioxide harms the ovaries. Titanium dioxide has also been shown to increase infertility.
- Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAs) – lipsticks, eyeshadows, and blushes
These chemicals are usually added to makeup products to condition or smooth skin as well as give the product itself a shiny consistency or texture. They are also water and oil-resistant, making them ideal for makeup used for extended periods. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to such chemicals causes decreased fertility in pregnant women. These toxins can also cause developmental delays in children, some of the negative effects being a low birth weight and accelerated puberty. Additionally, other studies have shown that women with higher levels of PFAs in their blood had a forty percent lower chance of conceiving during the same year than those with limited exposure to the same toxins. The same women who interacted significantly more with PFAs had a thirty-four percent lower chance of a live birth after twelve months.
- Formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers – makeup remover, eyeliner, and mascara
Formaldehyde has antimicrobial properties and is used as a preservative in numerous products for this reason. It is classified as a carcinogen and has been banned by the European Union. However, some makeup products still utilize formaldehyde variants or chemicals that release formaldehyde. In humans, this toxin has been shown to decrease fertility as well as increase the occurrence of a miscarriage. Exposure to this chemical has also been linked to premature birth.
Citations:
Author links open overlay panelLingjuan wang a, et al. “Exposure to Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles Disrupts the BTB by Interfering with the Assembly of Stress Granules in Germ Cells.” Journal of Environmental Management, Academic Press, 21 Dec. 2024, http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S030147972403785X.
“Butylated Compounds.” Safe Cosmetics, 7 July 2022, http://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/butylated-compounds/#:~:text=Butylated%20hydroxyanisole%20(BHA)%20and%20butylated,disruption%20and%20organ%2Dsystem%20toxicity.
Commissioner, Office of the. “Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Cosmetics.” U.S. Food and Drug Administration, FDA, http://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetic-ingredients/and-polyfluoroalkyl-substances-pfas-cosmetics#:~:text=These%20PFAS%20are%20used%20in,affect%20product%20consistency%20and%20texture. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
EPA, Environmental Protection Agency, http://www.epa.gov/pfas/our-current-understanding-human-health-and-environmental-risks-pfas#:~:text=What%20We%20Know%20about%20Health,blood%20pressure%20in%20pregnant%20women. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
Formaldehyde – CDPH, http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/HESIS/CDPH%20Document%20Library/formaldehyde.pdf. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
“Lead and Other Heavy Metals.” Safe Cosmetics, 7 July 2022, http://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/lead-and-other-heavy-metals/.
Minghui, Fan, et al. “Toxic Effects of Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles on Reproduction in Mammals.” Frontiers, Frontiers, 27 Apr. 2023, http://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2023.1183592/full.
“Phthalates.” Safe Cosmetics, 21 Apr. 2022, http://www.safecosmetics.org/chemicals/phthalates/.
Purisch SE;DeFranco EA;Muglia LJ;Odibo AO;Stamilio DM; “Preterm Birth in Pregnancies Complicated by Major Congenital Malformations: A Population-Based Study.” American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, U.S. National Library of Medicine, pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18771986/. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
Sprabary, Autumn. “Types of Eye Makeup and Popular Eye Makeup Trends in 2024.” All About Vision, All About Vision, 27 July 2021, http://www.allaboutvision.com/eye-care/cosmetic/different-types-eye-makeup/.
Staff, Million Marker. “Formaldehyde Cosmetics Uses: Side Effects and Healthy Alternatives.” Million Marker, 26 Aug. 2024, millionmarker.com/blogs/blog/skin-care-products-with-formaldehyde#:~:text=What%20Is%20the%20Purpose%20of,%E2%80%A6you%20guessed%20it%2C%20formaldehyde.
“Titanium Dioxide.” Chemical Safety Facts, 12 Mar. 2024, http://www.chemicalsafetyfacts.org/chemicals/titanium-dioxide/.
Um, Keren. “Clean Beauty – Full List of Parabens, Sulfates, Phthalate and Other Harsh Chemicals to Avoid (Updated Jan 2024).” Redox Medical Group, Redox Medical Group, 24 Dec. 2024, redoxmedicalgroup.com/clean-beauty-full-list-of-parabens-sulfates-and-phthalate-to-avoid/.
What Are Parabens, and Why Don’t They Belong in Cosmetics? | Environmental Working Group, http://www.ewg.org/what-are-parabens. Accessed 26 Jan. 2025.
“‘forever Chemicals’ Linked to Infertility in Women, Study Shows.” The Guardian, Guardian News and Media, 6 Apr. 2023, http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/apr/06/forever-chemicals-infertility-women-pfas-blood.
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