Until now, the use of cosmetics is increasingly familiar in everyday life. However, you should know what the basic ingredients are in cosmetics, in order to avoid the risk of skin health problems that may be caused.
Cosmetic products are materials used on the outside of the body (skin, hair, and lips) or teeth with the aim of cleaning, scenting, and improving appearance.
Various claims are used by cosmetic manufacturers to attract the interest of their users, ranging from natural, organic, or instant whitening ingredients. However, don't be tempted by these claims, because they are not necessarily true.
In addition, there are many cosmetics on the market without a permit from the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM). Therefore, it is important for consumers to actively seek information on the content of cosmetic ingredients so that they can make a choice on the right product.
Chemicals in Cosmetics to Pay Attention to
Please note that cosmetics cannot be separated from chemicals, but these chemicals are certainly safe to use in certain amounts and limits. Chemicals that can still be used, but must be strictly limited, include mercury, active sunscreen ingredients, and hexachlorophene.
Based on the regulation of the Head of the Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) of the Republic of Indonesia number 18 of 2019 concerning technical requirements for cosmetic ingredients, ingredients that may be used as cosmetic basic ingredients but must be limited in content are as follows:
- Coal tar which contain benzo[a]pyrene on sunscreen.
- Benzalkonium chloride, up to 3% in shampoo and up to 0.1% in other care products.
- Triclosan, up to 0.3% in powder, shampoo, soap, facial cleanser, toothpaste, deodorant, blemish concealers, and conditioner.
- Triclocarban, a maximum of 1.5%.
- Parabens (propyl, isopropyl, butyl, and isobutyl), a maximum of 0.14%.
- DMDM hydantoin, a maximum of 0.6%.
- Bronopol, maximum 0.1%.
- Methylisothiazolinone, a maximum of 0.0015%.
- Oxybenzone, a maximum of 6%.
- Zinc 4-hydroxybenzene sulphonate and Zinc phenolsulfonate, a maximum of 6% in lotions and deodorants.
- Formaldehyde (formalin), a maximum of 0.1% for oral cleaning products. Do not use in cosmetic spray form. All finished products containing formaldehyde with levels greater than 0.05% should be labeled with a 'contains formaldehyde' warning label.
Hazardous Chemicals
Beware of toxic chemicals in various cosmetics that can be harmful to health. The following is a list of prohibited cosmetic ingredients:
- Petroleum refining (petroleum), unless the entire refining process is known and does not produce carcinogenic materials
- Polyethylene
- Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
- Phthalates
- Hydroquinone
- Benzene
- Bitionol
- Chlorine
- Chloroform
- Hydrocarbons
- Naphthalene
In addition to the ingredients above, you are also advised to pay attention to additional ingredients in cosmetics that are potentially harmful, such as fragrances and preservatives, as well as to consider the safety of product packaging.
Fragrance
Fragrance or fragrance contained in cosmetics are actually not the main ingredients. However, many body care products on the market have a certain fragrance or in other words contain fragrance.
In fact, the chemical manufacture fragrance often cause allergic reactions. It's a good idea to consider avoiding products that contain fragrance on the composition list.
Preservative
Additional preservatives in cosmetics should also be of particular concern to consumers. In general, preservatives are used to kill bacteria and prolong the life of the product.
However, preservatives run the risk of irritating the skin or causing an allergic reaction, and often give some people an odor that some people don't like.
Packaging
Choose packaging that is safe and airtight, because packaging like this makes bacteria unable to breed. Meanwhile, packages that are not tightly closed or jars with an open mouth can be contaminated by bacteria.
If it is contaminated with microorganisms, such as bacteria or fungi, cosmetics can be dangerous to use. In addition to poor packaging factors, the product can also be contaminated by microorganisms if it is not used and stored according to the instructions for use.
Tips for Using Cosmetics
In addition to avoiding the basic ingredients of dangerous cosmetics and toxic chemicals, you are advised to follow some tips for using good and safe cosmetics:
- Wash your hands thoroughly before using cosmetics, especially if you need to put your fingers in a cosmetic container.
- Take care of cosmetics, such as mascara, so that they are not contaminated with water or saliva because they can invite bacteria. Therefore, never moisten dry mascara with your saliva.
- Store cosmetics properly in a cool and dry place after use, as places that are too warm and humid can encourage the growth of microorganisms.
- Look for information about your favorite products. Does the product already have a BPOM certificate or is it even included in the list of products that are prohibited and withdrawn from the market?
Choose cosmetics that suit your skin type and condition, don't forget to pay attention to the expiration date and composition. Don't be drawn to products sold online without clarity on ingredients and safety.
You should immediately consult a doctor if you experience a rash, redness, or swelling in the skin area after using cosmetics. The doctor will provide treatment so that the condition does not get worse.