When young girls enter the exciting world of makeup, they often misuse the products to cover up their natural beauty instead of emphasize it. Cosmetic companies continue to use unsafe ingredients in makeup products without properly warning consumers.  A recent study by Environmental Defense revealed that trace amounts of lead, arsenic and cadmium were present in 49 of the most popular cosmetic items, but were not listed in the ingredients. Makeup companies must take responsibility by educating the public of the potential dangers in their products.

Primarily, cosmetic companies must be required to post trace ingredients as toxic metals, which can lead to serious and permanent health effects even when used in small amounts.  For instance, arsenic, which has been found in 20 percent of the products listed in the study, can become concentrated in the body over time, and it can even cause cancer.  Scientists have not yet discovered the minimum safe exposure level for these toxic metals, and the long term effects of daily exposure are serious.

“Developing girls must be informed of the toxins they are using because these toxins could affect their bodies for the rest of their lives,” said nutrition specialist Ivan Kissevan.  “Girls should be using natural products to eliminate any risk of accidently applying toxic chemicals.”

Cosmetic companies are also infringing on the consumers’ right to be informed, and endangering their lives when they neglect to include toxic chemicals on their lists of ingredients.  Young girls often begin using makeup at an early age, and the lack of information they possess prevents them from making safe and informed decisions.  According to the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, the dangerous metals within the products can drastically affect neurological development in teenagers.

“I was surprised to learn that the makeup I have been using for years has toxic chemicals in it,” said senior Melody Rabbani.  “It is wrong for companies to conceal the use of these chemicals because I could suffer serious consequences.”

For the sake of consumers, the U.S. government must regulate cosmetic products to protect consumer safety.  Although these products are a staple in most teenage girls’ lives, longer lashes or fuller-looking lips are not worth the dangers associated with modern makeup products.