While some people assume that cosmetic products are a recent invention, the use of cosmetics can be traced back to thousands of years. Cosmetics are substances or products applied to the body for the purpose of beautifying or altering the appearance. Designed to enhance one’s appearance, cosmetics can also be used to conceal blemishes. Cosmetics can also be used during performances to change the appearance of the face entirely and resemble a different person.
Currently, the beauty industry in Africa is fast growing with several makeup and skincare lines being opened. In Zimbabwe, there has been a significant increase in beauty spas and saloons and this shows an increased recognition of makeup use by society. However, only a few know about the negative impacts that come from the production and use of cosmetic products on the environment and human health.
Cosmetic products are composed of different materials including heavy metals such as mercury copper, nickel, chromium and other elements. Constant exposure to these heavy metals may result in numerous health problems including skin allergies, DNA damage and memory loss.
These elements become part of the product intentionally as they are used for pigmentation, preservation. Ultra Violet filters are important in cosmetics because human exposure to UV radiation can cause chronic health effects. However, the elements can be circulated in the blood after they bind with plasma proteins which can cause health issues in the long run.
Cosmetics come in different packaging materials. Packaging is usually made from plastics which take hundreds of years to break down in landfills while leaching toxins into the soil and waterways. While it may be tempting to get into bed with makeup on, completely removing it before bed is advised by the specialists. Makeup removing wipes are mostly flushed out into the sewer system. These clog up sewage systems as they are not biodegrade. They persist in the environment and by the time they get to the lakes, oceans or any other water bodies, they get ingested by different creatures which eventually die. Despite the method of disposal used, all toxic chemicals eventually find their way into water ways and soils destroying natural habitats.
In the making of beauty products, palm oil is sometimes used. The farming of palm oil has been argued by environmentalists as harmful to the environment as it requires the clearing of large pieces of land. Palm oil production is said to have been responsible for about 8% of world’s deforestation through burning of forests to clear farmlands. With cosmetic products being increasingly used around the globe, more land is being cleared to meet palm oil demand, therefore worsening the already existing deforestation. This has significant impacts on the local ecosystems leading to biodiversity loss.
It is important to consider organic make up products and cosmetics packaged in biodegradable or recyclable material, as this will silently advocate for the production of environmentally safe products.
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