What’s in your makeup and what to look out for

Makeup is a part of many people’s daily routines, but have you ever wondered what goes into your makeup products? From foundation to mascara, many products contain a variety of chemicals, some of which may be linked to health concerns, such as diabetes, obesity, fertility issues and some cancers. Understanding what’s in your makeup and knowing what to look out for is key to making informed choices that protect your health (and reducing breast cancer risk). 

The chemicals in your makeup 

Despite their frequent use, cosmetics can have all sorts of chemicals in them, including some that may interfere with your hormones, known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs). Some chemicals to watch out for include the below: 

Parabens – chemicals used as preservatives in makeup to prevent the growth of bacteria and mould. Parabens can mimic oestrogen in the body, potentially causing hormone disruption.  

Phthalates – chemicals used to help fragrances last longer. They are usually added to fragrances but not listed on labels, as brands aren’t required to disclose scent ingredients. Phthalates are associated with both male and female sex hormone disruption. 

PFAS (forever chemicals) – chemicals used in makeup products (like foundation and mascara) to give waterproof and smudge-proof properties. PFAS do not break down in the environment or the body, which is why they are known as ‘forever chemicals’, and they have been known to increase oestrogen levels or mimic its action. High levels of oestrogen are known to increase breast cancer risk. 

Microplastics – tiny pieces of plastic (<5mm) that can be found in makeup (i.e. glitter). Microplastics do not break down and can absorb EDCs/harmful chemicals. 

What to look out for when choosing makeup 

So, how can you reduce your exposure to harmful chemicals while still enjoying your beauty routine? Here are some tips for making safer choices: 

1. Read the ingredients list 

Reading the ingredient list is one of the best ways to avoid harmful chemicals.  

Look out for common offenders like: 

• parabens – ingredients ending in ‘-paraben’ 

• phthalates – ‘fragrance’, ‘perfume’ or ‘parfum’ 

• PFAS – ingredients with ‘fluoro’ in their name 

You can also refer to our A to Z List of Chemicals of Concern. 

2. Check the claims on products 

Look out for greenwashing claims. Greenwashing means that a company may be misleading you to believe that they are doing more to protect you and the environment than they really are. Watch out for buzzwords like “natural”, “clean”, “biodegradable” and “chemical-free”.

With environmental awareness on the up, companies can capitalise on the demand for sustainable products and services by making claims that can be unclear. Do your research, take a closer look and double-check the ingredients on the label.

3. Look for certification 

Some certifications can help guide you when choosing your makeup by providing the assurance that a product meets certain standards.  

Look for the Soil Association COSMOS Organic logo, for organic beauty products. This guarantees that at least 95% of the ingredients in your product are organic, and the absence of petrochemical ingredients like parabens, phenoxyethanol, perfumes and synthetic colourants (except for authorised preservatives). 

4. Avoid products that are waterproof or contain glitter 

PFAS (‘forever chemicals’) are used in makeup products, such as mascara, liquid lipstick, foundation, and eyeliner, because they provide long-lasting wear and resistance to water and oil. So, we strongly recommend avoiding makeup products that are ‘waterproof’ to reduce your exposure to PFAS. 

It’s also best to avoid makeup products that contain glitter, as they are made of small plastic pieces, which are classified as microplastics. Microplastics are pieces of plastic less than 5 mm in size that are found in the environment. They are insoluble in water and may take decades or centuries to break down. They pose significant environmental and health concerns because of their persistence in the environment, potential toxicity and their ability to absorb contaminants and pathogens from the environment.

5. Use the Yuka App 

We understand that reading ingredient labels can be difficult; there are complicated ingredient names, and sometimes the font is so small due to packaging size that they are barely readable. 

We recommend trying the Yuka app* to scan products and get a risk rating that can help you make an informed choice. The app assigns each ingredient a risk level (free, low, moderate, or hazardous) based on its impact on your health or the environment, highlighting endocrine disruptors, carcinogens, pollutants, allergens and irritants, and suggests safer alternatives if necessary. 

Remember, any small change you make can make a difference. To help us get EDCs removed from everyday products, pledge your support here. 

*not affiliated with Breast Cancer UK.