Makeup and Breast Cancer – 3 Harmful Chemicals in Lipsticks that May Increase Your Risk

Did you know that 60% of what you apply on your skin gets absorbed into your body? The average woman reportedly uses at least 10 products daily from 14 years of age onwards. Assuming a lifespan of at least 80 years and an average wear time of 7 hours daily, that’s a whopping 168,630 hours of exposure to non-organic, synthetic and harmful chemicals in our lifetime! 

When such harmful chemicals are eventually absorbed into our bloodstream, there is no telling how they will damage our organ(s) and health! Many of these chemicals have been linked to various cancers, allergies and organ toxicitiy. 

In light of Breast Cancer Awareness month, we encourage you to pay closer attention to the harmful chemicals that are used in your makeup – in particular your lipsticks, as these products are actually ingested throughout the day. Read on as we shed some light on 3 potentially carcinogenic, harmful chemicals that are in traditional non-vegan, organic and natural lip products. 

1. BHA (BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE) AND BHT (BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE)

BHA and BHTs are harmful chemical compounds that function as preservatives in lipsticks and skincare products like moisturisers. Both are proven human carcinogens that can trigger undesirable skin allergies and affect the reproductive health of both men and women. There are even several government regulatory bodies which stipulate brands hawking traditional, non-organic skincare and makeup products with BHA and BHT to have a precautionary warning on their potential to cause cancer! Of course, none of Liht Organics’ organic makeup products require BHA and BHT precautionary warnings — because we would never put such harmful chemicals in our products! 

2. PETROLATUM

Petrolatum is a humectant (i.e. petroleum jelly) found in traditional, non-organic makeup products such as lipsticks and glosses. The main concerns surrounding the use of petrolatum in non-organic makeup products lies in its possible contamination with Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs), the latter being the result of petrolatum not having gone through stringent refinement processes. As with most other harmful chemicals, PAHs are a known human carcinogen that may trigger skin irritation and allergies. With news on women reportedly consuming at least 7 pounds (at least 4kg!) of lip product in their lifetime, it’s worth opting for more naturally organic, yet fully vegan makeup alternatives! Try Liht Organics’ petrolatum-free, yet intensely hydrating Moisture Burst Lip Glaze — or if you’re looking for a long-wearing option with a punch of pigment, you’ll adore the award-winning Color-Intense Liquid Lipstick instead! 

3. ALUMINIUM

Did you know the average person will ingest close to 1.5kg of aluminium in their lifetime? That’s a whopping equivalent of 2.1 square meters of aluminium foil! 

More commonly known for its antiperspirant function, aluminium is also used in traditional, non-organic makeup products such as liquid lipsticks and glosses as a thickening agent. However, researchers have found that when traditional, non-organic skincare and makeup products containing aluminium are applied frequently around the breast area, it is a key disruptor to estrogen levels and increases the likelihood of contracting breast cancer. Its use in makeup products such as lipsticks and glosses also prevent a higher risk of ingestion when used in areas near the mouth! Cut out the risk of ingesting this harmful chemical completely with Liht Organics’ aluminium-free, colorful lip products such as the Moisture Burst Lip Glaze and Color-Intense Liquid Lipstick!  

Liht Organics is a highly recommended organic makeup brand with cruelty-free, vegan, organic and natural skincare-infused beauty products. Now that you know about the harmful ingredients in your lipsticks, do your part to spread the word and educate your mothers, sisters and girlfriends! Better yet, why not get them some skin loving, safe and BENEFICIAL cosmetics from Liht!

Check out Liht’s full organic and natural beauty range with no harmful chemicals here now.