Introduction

Did you know your favourite cosmetics might hide shocking secrets? Many contain harmful materials like lead and cadmium—pretty alarming! Here’s an interesting fact about Ayurveda: One of its branches, "Agada Tantra," focuses on toxicology and teaches us about harmful substances. In Ayurveda, "Visha" means anything that can harm us. This is similar to how modern science defines poison as something that can negatively affect our health.

Interestingly, almost anything can be a poison. In Ayurveda, there are two types of poisons: Gara Visha, from non-poisonous sources, and Dushivisa, from poisonous elements. Understanding these types can help us identify the potential dangers of chemicals used in cosmetics.

Gara Visha and Dushi Visha: Hidden Toxins in Everyday Life

In Ayurveda, Gara Visha and Dushi Visha represent two kinds of hidden toxins we encounter daily without even realising it. Gara Visha comes from sources like animal manure, incompatible drugs, and insects and Dushi Visha, which builds up in us from long-term exposure to everyday environmental toxins through food, water, and air. Think pesticides or insecticides on veggies, chemicals used in cosmetics and adulterants in milk—it all adds up and creates an impact on health over time.

Once inside the body, both Gara Visha and Dushi Visha can't be fully metabolized, leading to improper digestion and assimilation. As a result, they accumulate as toxins

This is especially important when examining cosmetic toxicity. Like Gara Visha and Dushi Visha in Ayurveda—toxins from cosmetics products also accumulate in the body over time, leading to health issues. To avoid this, let’s look into the harmful chemicals used in cosmetic.

Harmful Chemicals Used in Cosmetics and Other Products
 

Let’s find out which cosmetic chemicals can harm our bodies!

1. Diethanolamine (DEA), MEA (Monoethanolamide), and TEA (Triethanolamine) are harmful chemicals in shampoos and moisturizers. Its excessive use may increase the risk of cancer.
2. Parabens are used as preservatives in diaper wipes and body lotions; parabens have been associated with breast and reproductive cancers
3. Lead is found in beauty products like lipsticks and hair dyes and can harm neurological, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and renal systems. Mercury-contained mascaras have adverse effects on developing brains
4. Benzophenones are commonly found in sunscreens; benzophenones may lead to allergic, phototoxic, or photoallergic reactions
5. Cinnamates are sunscreen agents known to cause photoallergic dermatitis, while acetone in nail paint remover may cause headaches and dizziness.
6. Para-aminobenzoic acid (PABA) can cause photoallergic dermatitis.
7. Formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (like quaternium-15 and diazolidinyl urea) can cause skin irritation and allergic reactions.
8. Toluene can cause headaches, dizziness, and irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat. Long-term exposure can cause damage to the liver and kidneys and can harm unborn children during pregnancy.
9. Phethleugenol is found in deodorants and perfumes alike, yet its usage has been linked with possible cancer-causing properties.
10. Then there are alcohols, which can irritate the skin, and elemental carbon particles, a suspected carcinogen found commonly in cosmetics such as eyeliner, mascara, and nail polish.

These are some harmful chemicals used in cosmetics that can seriously impact our health!

How do we identify harmful chemicals in products?

Always check the labels on cosmetics, even if they seem harmless. Harmful chemicals can hide under different names. Buzzwords like “organic” or “natural” can be misleading, so research ingredients, know the brand, and understand their values.

Here is a checklist that will help you identify them before you buy

• Formaldehyde may be found under formalin, glyoxal, or bronopol. Similarly, diethanolamine is referred to as DEA.
• Other petrochemicals include mineral oil, benzene, and paraffin wax; those ending in “-eth” are petroleum products.
• Moreover, parabens may also be referred to as methyl, butyl, or propyl, preservatives used in various products.
• Toluene can be spelt differently as benzene, phenylmethane, toluol, or methylbenzene. While benzophenones are named by "BP" or oxybenzone.
• On artificial colours, look for FD&C or D&C. "F" stands for food, and "D&C" stands for drugs and cosmetics.
• Alcohol can be spotted by name ethanol, methanol, denatured alcohol, and ethyl alcohol.
• Eugenol or Cinnamyl alcohol is named for Phethleugenol.
• Sometimes, the names acetylene black, channel black, furnace black, lamp black, or thermal black are used when referring to carbon black.

Knowing how to read these labels enables you to ensure your choices are better when using such products.

Ayurvedic ProTips to Avoid the Effects of Gara Visha

• Coconut oil is a great natural sunscreen! Apply it before stepping out in the sun so that you don't get tanned and get burnt.
• Massaging with plain or medicated ghee, like Shatadhout, Tikta Ghrit, or Yashtimadhu Ghrit, helps heal burns quickly!
• Reetha, Triphala, Bhringraj, and Hibiscus powder are excellent natural ingredients for washing and hair packs.
• The best thing that the skin can have is to avoid makeup for a long time. Milk will be the best cleanser when removing makeup.
• Curd acts as a natural bleach. Mix banana and curd, gently massage onto your skin for a soft, radiant look.
• Use a natural face pack with Chandan or Multani Mitti for healthy skin.
• Natural remedies are far ahead, and one of them is the Charya Ubtan Face Mask for oily skin, which is made up of only natural ingredients. It has to be mixed with rosewater to tone up your oily skin to make the best out of it.
• Massage with pure ghee or coconut oil to soothe skin irritation from cosmetics. Always prefer ghee-based products in the market.
• Choose Ayurvedic kajal made with pure ghee, almond oil, and Chandan for nourishing eye care.
• To avoid the effects of harmful chemicals used in cosmetics, you can opt for our Charya Ayurvedic face oil! Opt for minimal ingredient fragrances made with Ayurvedic oils like pure sandalwood oil.
• Ubtan with natural, organic ingredients is better than soap. Many brands now offer soaps made from herbal ingredients.
• Massage coconut oil on your nails and hands to deeply nourish them.  Wear cotton-lined rubber gloves while doing dishes to minimize contact with cleansers!

These are some of the best ways to avoid the toxic effects of harmful chemicals used in cosmetics and personal care products.

Conclusion

When it comes to beauty items, one should always be concerned about safety and select the appropriate product. Identify those brands which make all their ingredients clear so you know what you are applying to your skin.  There Is No Such Thing As Too Much Transparency! Not to mention, Going for all-natural and ayurvedic products ensures that they are safe for the body and eco-friendly.

To find effective and safe skincare, always prefer Charya’s Ayurvedic Products, which are made with only natural ingredients. We proudly offer a range of safe products free from harmful chemicals. Be gentle with what you wear on your skin! Take a look at our products!

Additionally, consult Ayurveda practitioners to minimise the adverse effects of Gara Visha and Dushi Visha on your body!