Makeup's Impact: Environmental Contamination And Pollution

The beauty industry is a massive market, estimated at $48.8 billion and growing. Makeup is a popular way to express oneself, but the impact of the beauty industry and cosmetic ingredients on the planet is immense and cannot be ignored. The cosmetics industry has long fought against oversight, and while many chemicals in cosmetics pose little or no risk, some have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer, reproductive harm, and neurological issues. In addition, cosmetic chemicals can enter the environment in various ways, such as through sewage treatment facilities, and contribute to environmental degradation and pollution.

Makeup ingredients: chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic compounds

The beauty industry has a significant impact on the planet, from packaging waste to the use of natural resources. While most cosmetic chemicals pose little to no risk, some have been linked to serious health issues, including cancer, reproductive harm, neurological harm, and developmental delays. These toxic compounds can enter the body through the skin, inhalation, ingestion, and internal use.

Cosmetics can be contaminated with heavy metals, including arsenic, cadmium, lead, mercury, and nickel. These contaminants can enter makeup products during the mining and manufacturing processes. Natural cosmetics like mineral makeup, primarily made from clay and talc, are often contaminated with heavy metals during these stages. Similarly, synthetic ingredients in high-end cosmetics can also be contaminated with heavy metals during manufacturing. Since safety isn't a prominent selling point for luxury brands, they are less likely to be tested for unsafe levels of heavy metals.

The presence of heavy metals in cosmetics is a concern due to their potential health risks. Unlike the gut, which has a detox process for heavy metals, the skin lacks the same detoxification abilities. When absorbed through transdermal application, heavy metals can directly enter the bloodstream. The FDA has limited authority to review chemicals in cosmetics, and personal care product companies are not required to register with the FDA or provide ingredient statements. This lack of regulation makes it challenging for consumers to ensure the safety of the products they use.

To address this issue, consumers can take proactive steps. They can research specific brands by searching for their names along with "heavy metals" or "safety testing." If information about ingredients and testing is unavailable, consumers can reach out to the companies directly. Additionally, consumers can refer to unbiased cosmetic safety reviews, such as the EWG's Skin Deep database, to make informed decisions about the safety of the products they use.

Environmental impact: water, soil, and air pollution

The beauty industry has a significant impact on the environment, and its influence on water, soil, and air pollution is particularly concerning.

The use of natural resources, such as palm and soy, and the high demand for natural oils contribute to deforestation and soil contamination. This demand for natural oils leads to extensive and intensive cultivation, which harms natural habitats. In addition, the pesticides and fertilizers used in cultivation contaminate soil and water sources.

The disposal of cosmetics is a primary cause of contamination in freshwater and ocean waters. When cosmetics are washed off, the chemicals enter sewage systems and are often not effectively removed by treatment facilities. These chemicals then end up in water bodies, impacting aquatic life and entering the food chain. For example, triclosan, found in antibacterial products like hand sanitizers and laundry detergents, can alter the biochemistry of aquatic organisms and reduce plankton populations. Similarly, P-phenylenediamine, a coal-tar-derived chemical found in lipsticks and hair coloring, has detrimental long-term effects on aquatic ecosystems. It can alter fish behavior, reduce plankton populations, and even cause the death of aquatic species.

Cosmetic ingredients also contribute to air pollution. Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are air pollutants found in various cosmetic products, including fragrances, deodorants, hair sprays, and nail paint removers. These products significantly contribute to carbon dioxide emissions, with studies showing that half of the VOCs released in 33 major cities originate from household and cosmetic goods.

Additionally, the packaging waste associated with the beauty industry poses environmental challenges. Beauty packaging accounts for 120 billion units of trash annually, including plastic, paper, glass, and metals. Improper recycling leads to landfills, contributing to plastic pollution and leaching toxic chemicals into the soil and groundwater.

The environmental impact of the beauty industry is significant, and it is essential to address these issues through sustainable practices, responsible ingredient sourcing, and effective waste management.

Packaging waste: plastic pollution and recycling challenges

The beauty industry produces about 120 billion packaging units annually, with a large proportion being non-recyclable. This includes single-use plastics and microplastics, which contribute to the global pollution crisis. Plastic waste from the beauty industry has several environmental consequences, including resource depletion, pollution, harm to marine life, and recycling challenges.

Single-use plastics are the primary source of plastic pollution on the planet, with Americans discarding over 30 million tons of plastic annually. Plastics are derived from fossil fuels, and their production and processing contribute to climate change. When plastic waste ends up in oceans and landfills, it breaks down into microplastics, contaminating ecosystems and endangering wildlife. Microplastics have become prevalent environmental contaminants in both freshwater and marine ecosystems, threatening biodiversity as they are consumed by marine life and enter the food chain.

The beauty industry's packaging waste often consists of mixed materials like plastic, glass, or metal, which can complicate recycling efforts. While some brands are exploring eco-friendly packaging with recyclable or biodegradable materials, the recycling infrastructure in many regions is inadequate to process recyclable beauty packaging. "Recycling by mail" programs have been criticised as a form of greenwashing, as the collected plastics are downcycled into lower-quality products that are eventually incinerated or landfilled.

To address packaging waste and plastic pollution, the beauty industry should adopt reusable systems, such as refillable packaging, to reduce plastic consumption. Brands can also switch to biodegradable materials like bamboo or sugarcane instead of plastics. Consumers can play a crucial role by choosing brands committed to sustainability, reducing single-use products, and opting for refillable or plastic-free alternatives.

While some companies are taking sustainability initiatives, challenges remain in reducing plastic waste. The cost of sustainable packaging and ingredients can be a barrier for consumers and smaller brands. Additionally, consumer behaviour often prioritises convenience over sustainability, with single-use and travel-sized products still in high demand. Greenwashing, where brands make misleading sustainability claims, further complicates the issue, confusing consumers and undermining genuine efforts.

Health implications: skin irritation and serious health issues

The impact of the beauty industry and cosmetic ingredients on the planet and human health is immense and far-reaching. While makeup can have a positive impact on mental health, it can also cause skin irritation and other serious health issues.

The use of synthetic products has been associated with chronic diseases, including cancer, respiratory conditions, neurological disorders, endocrine disruption, and developmental delays. The formulation of cosmetics, their application, and the disposal of their containers can adversely affect environmental and human health.

Cosmetics can enter the body through the skin, inhalation, ingestion, and internal use, and certain ingredients can compromise the natural protective barrier of the skin, allowing pathogens to enter. This can lead to skin irritation, breakouts, whiteheads, blackheads, bumps, and other skin issues. Makeup can also worsen existing breakouts and trigger more frequent ones, especially if the skin is not properly cleansed.

Some cosmetic ingredients, such as butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), sodium lauryl sulfate, and butylated hydroxy anisole (BHA), have been found to significantly alter the biochemistry of aquatic life, leading to the death of fish and a reduction in the animal plankton population. These pollutants can remain in the water supply, even after sewage treatment, and have been linked to skin irritation and other adverse health effects in humans.

Additionally, the presence of microplastics in the marine environment is a growing concern, as it can harm animals and pose risks to the health of marine ecosystems and, subsequently, human health.

The FDA has limited authority to regulate the cosmetics industry, and personal care product companies are not required to register with the FDA or provide ingredient statements. As a result, many harmful chemicals and contaminants are present in cosmetics, with little oversight or consequence.

To reduce the possibility of skin irritation and other health issues, individuals can carefully choose their makeup products, opting for those with gentle, non-comedogenic ingredients that suit their skin type. It is also important to replace mascara and eyeliners every three months, as these are prone to bacterial and fungal contamination, and to properly cleanse the skin to remove makeup, especially before workouts when pores can become clogged with sweat.

Regulation and oversight: FDA authority and consumer awareness

The cosmetics industry has long fought against meaningful oversight, defeating attempts by Congress to modernise cosmetics law since the 1950s. However, some companies have supported giving the FDA more authority to regulate chemicals and contaminants in cosmetics. The FDA has broad authority to regulate cosmetics and personal care products, and its regulatory program ensures the safety of cosmetics.

The FDA's legal authority over cosmetics differs from its authority over other products, such as drugs, biologics, and medical devices. Cosmetic products and ingredients do not need FDA premarket approval, except for colour additives. The FDA requires a list of ingredients for cosmetics marketed to consumers, and failure to comply is considered misbranding. The FDA can take action against companies that violate these laws.

The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) authorises the FDA to require ingredient labelling of cosmetics and personal care products sold to consumers. The FDA can ban or restrict cosmetic ingredients for safety reasons, and it can collect samples during inspections and research products to address safety concerns.

The FDA also monitors contaminant levels in foods and provides guidance to manufacturers on how to meet legal obligations to implement preventative controls to minimise chemical hazards in foods. The FDA works to reduce consumer exposure to harmful elements, especially in children's products, through initiatives like the Closer to Zero campaign.

While the FDA has some oversight over cosmetics, consumers believe that chemicals in cosmetics are already reviewed by the agency. The cosmetics industry invests in scientific research and development to ensure product safety, and companies employ experts to evaluate and substantiate product safety. However, the impact of the beauty industry on the planet is immense, and the environmental impact of cosmetic ingredients and packaging waste cannot be ignored.

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