Makeup, in general, enhances the beauty of individuals using it and a lipstick is a makeup staple. It enhances the shape and color of the wearer and can instantly brighten up an outfit. Lipsticks are available in a variety of colors and shades and going from a light pink shade to a bold red at night can transform one from collected working professional to ready-for-a-night-out. But, for a product as widely used as lipsticks, how many of us have ever actually paid attention to its ingredients?

Ingredients to avoid while hunting for your favorite lipstick

• Parabens: Parabens present in lipsticks can lead to toxicity and may also lead to cancer. It can result in skin irritation and has also shown signs of disturbing the endocrine system. The next point talks about one type of paraben widely found in lipsticks.
• Methylparaben: Although methylparaben is widely used in cosmetics because of its preservative properties, high levels of this ingredient can cause harm to the endocrine system, as it gets quickly absorbed through the skin. So one should avoid buying lipsticks with methylparaben in them and opt for natural alternatives like essential oils, vitamins, and herbal extracts.
• Lead: Lead, a neurotoxin, can lead to serious health issues and is found in a number of lipsticks. It is not an actual ingredient but it makes it way through pigments used during the manufacturing process. Neurotoxin present in lead can damage the nervous system, cardiovascular system, and cause cognitive dysfunction. It can also cause harm to the reproductive organs. Regular exposure to lipsticks with lead and can be extremely hazardous to your health. Children should not be allowed to play with lipsticks as they are more vulnerable to the effects of lead and can cause damage to their overall development.
• Dyes: The different colors and shades obtained in lipsticks are through the use of dyes. Dyes are a by-product of coal tar which is commonly used in synthetic colors. This ingredient found in lipsticks can cause skin irritation and is also associated with the causes of cancer. So it is better to opt for natural or organic lipsticks with neutral shades.
• Retinyl palmitate: A synthetic form of vitamin A, retinyl palmitate works as an antioxidant in lipsticks. Women who are pregnant are advised to avoid the use of this ingredient as it might cause harmful effects. Retinyl palmitate found in lipsticks can be easily absorbed in the skin and is linked to cancer-causing symptoms and reproductive problems.
• Tocopheryl acetate: Although this ingredient used in lipsticks contains vitamin E, it can cause itching and burning sensation on the skin. One of the 6 ingredients to look out for in a lipstick, regular use of lip products with this can even cause dizziness, headaches, nausea.