Writer: Srinwanti Sen
Editor: Bipasha
Illustrator: Nainika Addanki
As people become more aware of the impact that cosmetics can have on their health and the environment, the evolution of makeup has gone through several stages, with a shift towards using more natural and organic ingredients. Cosmetics or makeup products are something which we all have been using for a very long time now and none of us would like to associate terms like ‘harmful’, ‘dangerous’ or ‘deadly’ to it. All the eyeshadows, lip balms, contours, blushes and other products are something which some of us tend to use on a daily basis. I'm sure none of us want to get rashes and acne or feel irritated, uncomfortable and itchy the entire day for applying makeup (oops).
To trace the past of toxic cosmetics, let’s go back to the time of Cleopatra. Now, when we come to think of her, we mostly imagine her and people during her time wearing very heavy and elaborate makeup - dark eyes, bold lips, highlighted faces. The makeup items would also probably have both rich and neutral shades too to balance out the final look. However, studies have found that the Egyptians believed in using colourful powders as eye makeup to protect themselves from the harsh sunlight. These makeup items usually contain lead in them and long exposure to the sun can lead to lead poisoning which can cause serious and long-term health issues such as brain and nervous system damage, eye infections, fatigue, nausea, etc.
Next, let’s travel to the 18th and 19th centuries when American and British women used Arsenic as a major makeup item (yes, you read that right, they used ARSENIC). Women often swallowed arsenic as it apparently helped people to get rid of facial marks like acne and freckles and gave a glowing, clear and pale skin. Arsenic can cause very serious problems like cancer, abdominal pain and vomiting, diabetes and early death. Funny thing is, even if people were aware of these consequences, it still didn't stop them from using arsenic as a cosmetic.
Some women also believed in using opium as a face mask and washing it away the next morning with ammonia as it kept their faces fresh and their skin tight and uplifted. Both these products are known for causing severe skin infections, blindness and corroding the mouth and stomach.
There are many more harmful chemicals and cosmetics used back in the days which are not put into the modern day cosmetics. However, there are many more harmful elements used nowadays which pose a threat to our health. Some of these chemicals are parabens, triclosan, toluene, formaldehyde and more. These are often found in nail polishes, hairsprays and gels, deodorants, eyeliners, lotions, kajals and the list goes on. All these ingredients can cause dizziness, skin irritation and allergies, headaches, eye infections, numbness of hands and feet, hair loss, burns and more.
Talk about using risqué - free makeup (*disappointed sighs*).
However, people are nowadays becoming more conscious and aware about these things and are slowly shifting to using more organic and natural makeup products. People really pay more attention to see what are the ingredients in their products and focus on those items which are sustainable to the environment and good for their health in the long run. People started asking for more natural and organic options as their health and environmental knowledge grew. As a result, many cosmetics businesses started to revamp their products, substituting organic products such as plant and fruit extracts, essential oils like lavender and tea tree, and mineral pigments for harsh chemicals. Natural makeup has really become a popular trend today as everyone wants to have a more healthy skin and get that natural glow. It is also something which helps people to express themselves more easily and comfortably and build up that self-esteem and impress our own selves first rather than others. These new ingredients were not only better for the skin and healthier for the environment, as they were often derived from sustainable and organic sources. Today, the natural and organic makeup industry is booming and shoppers have a plethora of options. Many companies have taken up the trend and now offer cruelty-free and eco-friendly and sustainable products made with organic ingredients. Furthermore, technological advancements have enabled the development of natural cosmetics that offer the same coverage levels and effectiveness as traditional makeup products.
Thus, we can conclude by saying that makeup has always been a very essential part of our lifestyles. It is now all about personal self-care and confidence and spreading the message of positive vibes and healthy, sustainable routines.
Comments