During COVID a lot of people stopped wearing make-up or wore much less. But now make-up is on the rise, especially fun colors. The cosmetic pigment market is increasing based on consumers’ preferences for multiple colors in products such as lipstick and eye shadow. Special effect pigments are used to enhance skin tone and are offered with glitter and an array of colors.
According to the report “Cosmetic Pigments Market by Composition (Organic, Inorganic), Type (Special Effect, Surface treated, Nano), Application (Facial Makeup, Eye Makeup, Lip Products, Nail Products, Hair Color Products), and Region – Global Forecast to 2026″, the size of cosmetic pigments is estimated at $645 million in 2021 and projected to reach $960 million by 2026, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8.3%.
Are pigments safe for your skin?
Cosmetics products were traditionally made of chemical compounds; however, recently, there has been a significant demand for cosmetic products derived from natural sources.
The application of cosmetic pigments includes nail products, lip products, eye makeup, facial makeup, hair color products, special effect & special purpose, and others (toothpaste, hair shampoo & conditioner, and sunless tabbing products). Facial makeup accounts for the largest application of the cosmetic pigment market.
For safety, look for natural sources and try to stay clear of ingredients such as lead, heavy metals, petroleum, and endocrine-disrupting plastics. Look for clean brands that provide an ingredient list and encourage consumers to wear alternatives to chemical compounds that are not safe. Unfortunately, however, it is possible that not all harmful ingredients may be listed on cosmetic products.
PFAS are a group of chemicals whose properties can make products resistant to water, oil, or temperature changes or reduce friction. They are found in a wide range of everyday items, from non-adhesive kitchen utensils and stain-resistant fabrics to flame-retardant foams. In cosmetics and personal care products, they are used to make products smooth, foamy, and water-repellent.
A study involving a University of Montreal (UdeM) researcher has found that many cosmetic and personal care products available in Canada contain high levels of PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) that, in at least one case, far exceed Canadian regulations.
The research team from Carleton University and the UdeM also found that these substances may not be listed in the ingredients of some cosmetics and personal care products, even though they are labeled as containing fluoride components. A study found that cosmetics sold in the U.S. and Canada still contained PFAS.
The Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a great resource and keeps a database of personal care products that contain toxins. It has shined a spotlight on outdated legislation, harmful agricultural practices, and industry loopholes that pose a risk to our health and the health of our environment. EWG educates consumers with actionable information and inspires demand for safer products.
For more information visit: ewg.org
California has signed the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, Assembly Bill 2762, into law. This is the nation’s first state-level ban of 24 toxic ingredients, including mercury and formaldehyde, from the beauty and personal care products Californians use every day.
These ingredients are already prohibited from cosmetics and other personal care products sold in the European Union and some other countries but are still used in personal care products sold throughout the U.S. The banned chemicals are linked to harmful impacts on health, such as cancer, birth defects, damage to the reproductive system, organ system toxicity, and endocrine disruption.
This is such a great article. I didn’t know about all the harmful ingredients in make-up and beauty products. From now on, I’m going to look at the ingredients carefully