Unfortunately, the ubiquitous use of cosmetics in our every-day lives is not without risk to your health and well-being. Depending on the brand and type, cosmetics can contain several potentially dangerous ingredients, including forever chemicals, asbestos, microplastics and other contaminants that pose a direct threat to the human hormone systems and increase the risk for the development of various cancers.
One potential cosmetic contaminant that has come into focus through recent research is a compound called benzopherone. Benzophenone can be found in products such as lip balm, nail polish, foundation, fragrance, shampoo, conditioner, hair spray, moisturizers, and other products. Derivatives of benzophenone, such as benzophenone-2 (BP2) and oxybenzone (benzophenone-3 or BP3) are commonly found in sunscreens -- including baby sunscreens. Benzopherone is often used to protect these products from UV light degradation. But such product protection comes at a potentially lethal cost. Like forever chemicals, benzophenone is persistent,bioaccumulative and toxic. These chemicals are linked to cancer, endocrine disruption and organ system toxicity.
One way to potentially avoid exposure to these products is to carefully read product labels and avoid products with ingredients that contain the word benzophenone (i.e. “benzophenone-2”), BP# (i.e. “BP2”), oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, and/or sulisobenzone sodium. When choosing safer sunscreens, look for those that rely on “non-nanoized zinc oxide” or “titanium dioxide” as a UV protectant. More information about ways to best protect yourself can be found can be found through the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. In the meantime, if you believe you have been injured by your use of contaminated cosmetic products, you should contact an experienced law firm right away to explore your rights.
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