Cosmetics is a substance used to improve appearance and maintain health, including skin care products, color makeup, perfume, hair care and lipstick. With the increasing attention paid to appearance and health, the cosmetics industry has developed rapidly worldwide. According to a report by market research company Grand View Research, the global cosmetics market reached US $51.11 billion in 2019 and is expected to reach US $80.56 billion by 2025, with a CAGR of 7.14%. Europe and North America are the main markets in the global cosmetics market, accounting for over 40% of the global market share. The Asia Pacific region is one of the fastest growing markets, with a market share expected to reach over 40% by 2025.
The consumer group of cosmetics is very broad, including men, women, children, and the elderly. According to a report by market research company Mintel, women are the main consumers in the cosmetics market, accounting for over 70% of the market share. However, the proportion of male consumers is increasing, and it is expected that by 2025, the market share of male consumers will reach more than 10%. The sales channels of cosmetics include professional stores, department stores, supermarkets, pharmacies, and e-commerce platforms. According to a report by market research company Euromonitor, specialty stores are the main sales channel for cosmetics, accounting for over 40% of the market share. However, the share of e-commerce platforms is constantly increasing, and it is expected that by 2025, its share will reach over 20%. There are many well-known brands in the cosmetics market, such as L’Oreal, Estee Lauder, Procter&Gamble, Unilever, and Shiseido. These brands produce various types of cosmetics, such as skin care products, color makeup, perfume, hair care and men’s care.
Cosmetics are a part of our daily lives, used to enhance our appearance and boost our confidence. However, there has been growing concern about the potential harm that cosmetics may cause to our health and the environment. In this article, we will explore the potential risks associated with cosmetics and the scientific evidence behind these concerns.
Potential Risks of Cosmetics
Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions. One of the most common risks associated with cosmetics is skin irritation and allergic reactions. This is especially true for people with sensitive skin or allergies to certain ingredients. Some common ingredients that can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions include fragrances, preservatives, and certain dyes.Relatively speaking, the limitations of plant extracts in cosmetics are relatively large, and their efficacy is usually not prominent. Remove a small amount of special plants and special extraction methods, and there are very few truly effective plant extracts. “Many of these proteins exist in our skin and are important for the structure and function of the skin. However, supplementing these ingredients is not just adding them to skin care products. Proteins have large molecules that are difficult to easily penetrate into the skin. Therefore, under the banner of protein, ultimately we use skin care products to obtain layer after layer of protein film on the surface of the skin. In a better situation, the skin will feel somewhat smooth and appear white, tender and tender, but if applied too much, it will be like an extra layer of paste on the face, making it uncomfortable and embarrassing for the person using it. In addition, when the skin is damaged, we eat some high-protein foods. Through internal digestion, the absorption of protein will be better. At this time, these protein molecules are effective, but in skin care products, the effect is more chicken ribs. But these flowers and plants have beautiful names and look beautiful, natural and atmospheric.”. But to be honest, its active ingredients are too low, and the skin barrier effect is even more difficult to take effect.
Hormone Disruption. Many cosmetics contain chemicals that can disrupt the hormonal balance in our bodies. These chemicals, known as endocrine disruptors, can interfere with the production, release, transport, metabolism, binding, action, or elimination of hormones in the body. This can lead to a range of health problems, including reproductive and developmental issues, thyroid dysfunction, and cancer.
Environmental Pollution. The production and disposal of cosmetics can have a significant impact on the environment. Many cosmetics contain ingredients that are harmful to aquatic life, such as microbeads and certain preservatives. In addition, the packaging and disposal of cosmetics can contribute to plastic pollution and other environmental problems.
Scientific Evidence of the Risks.Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions. There is a significant body of scientific evidence linking cosmetics to skin irritation and allergic reactions. For example, a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found that fragrances were the most common cause of contact dermatitis, a type of skin irritation caused by an allergic reaction.
Hormone Disruption. There is also scientific evidence linking cosmetics to hormone disruption. For example, a study published in the journal Environmental Health Perspectives found that certain phthalates, a common ingredient in cosmetics, were associated with reduced testosterone levels in men. Another study published in the journal Reproductive Toxicology found that certain parabens, another common ingredient in cosmetics, were associated with reduced sperm quality in men.
Environmental Pollution. There is also scientific evidence linking cosmetics to environmental pollution. For example, a study published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology found that microbeads, a common ingredient in exfoliating products, were present in high concentrations in the Great Lakes. Another study published in the journal Marine Pollution Bulletin found that certain preservatives commonly found in cosmetics were toxic to marine life.
In conclusion. While cosmetics can enhance our appearance and boost our confidence, there are potential risks associated with their use. These risks include skin irritation and allergic reactions, hormone disruption, and environmental pollution. The scientific evidence suggests that these risks are real and should be taken seriously. As consumers, it is important that we educate ourselves about the potential risks of cosmetics and make informed choices about the products we use. It is also important that the cosmetics industry takes steps to reduce the potential harm of their products and prioritize the health and safety of their customers and the environment.
