Many make-up brands feel the need to put dangerous chemicals into their products and say that it’s not harmful in low 
quantities. Some make-up brands test on animals to make sure the product is safe to use. Although many make-up brands have hidden (sometimes in plain sight), people are still buying the products. But, there are brands out there that are safe and don’t test on animals.
As of this moment, make-up brands “have no legal obligation to report health problems from their products to the FDA” (Sifferlin). The article also states that in a 12-year period, at least “5,144 health-related complaints submitted due to cosmetic products” (Sifferlin). Many brands that are using chemicals and testing on animals, are the ones that are issued budget cuts so they uses cheap chemicals instead of higher priced natural ingredients.
Examples of the chemicals you want to avoid are: Sodium lauryl sulfate which is found in shampoo, body wash, face wash and mouthwash. “SLS has been shown to cause or contribute to: skin irritation, canker sores, disruption of skin’s natural oil balance and eye damage” (Raidt). It’s also said to be a main contributor to acne.
Dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde are found in nail products. They have been “linked to birth defects, endocrine disruption, headaches and respiratory problems” (Raidt). These problems are mainly faced by nail salon workers and people who get manis and pedis frequently.
Parabens are another example that is found in makeup, shaving gel, personal lubricant, spray tan products, and shampoo. “The FDA acknowledges several studies linking parabens, which mimic estrogen, to breast cancer, skin cancer and decreased sperm count, but has not ruled that it is harmful” (Raidt). If something is linked to causing all 
sort of cancers, then I would stay away from that.
So, there are many chemicals that are found in all makeup products. What can you use then? Luckily, there are more safe products now more than ever. A few brands that claim to be ‘pure’ and ‘natural’ are: “Afterglow Cosmetics, Lotus Bio-Mineral, 100% Pure, and ILIA Beauty” (12 Natural & Organic). They also claim to not test on animals and use recycled packaging or packaging that can be recycled.
Testing on animals has always been frowned upon in industries like this, but there are some brands that continue to do so. “Avon, Chanel, Estee Lauder, Maybelline, MAC, Cetaphil, Clearasil” and many, many others are testing on animals for their products (Cruelty-Free Kitty). Testing on animals is not only immoral, but dangerous. They suffer more than ever when they are being tested. It can cause balding, irritation, eye problems, and many other issues.
Given these points, I would suggest looking at more natural products that say they don’t test on animals. It’s easier than it seems to get these safe products, you will just have to read the packing more. The more we buy products with better ingredients, then the more the other brands will see what they are doing wrong and change to better ingredients.
References
Cruelty-Free Kitty. “Companies That Test On Animals 2017.” Cruelty-Free Kitty, 10 Dec. 2017, www.crueltyfreekitty.com/companies-that-test-on-animals/.
Sifferlin, Alexandra. “Toxins: The Hidden Dangers of Makeup, Shampoo and Cosmetics.” Time, Time, 26 June 2017, time.com/4832688/makeup-shampoo-toxic/.
Raidt, Dana. “12 Ingredients to Avoid in Makeup and Skincare Products.” Hello Glow, 14 May 2015, helloglow.co/ingredients-to-avoid-in-makeup-and-skincare-products/.
“12 Natural & Organic Makeup Brands Your Face Will Love You For.” The Good Trade, www.thegoodtrade.com/features/18-natural-organic-makeup-brands-your-face-will-love-you-for.
