Jolaade Ifeoluwayimika

In today’s world, where looks seem to matter more than ever, beauty has transformed into a big and a high-selling industry. From radiant skin to shiny lips, sleek hairstyles to perfectly manicured or painted nails, we are constantly nudged to enhance our appearance with a wide range of products that we know little or nothing about. However, beneath or beyond the sparkle and shine of our everyday beauty routines lies a truth that often gets overlooked and ignored: unfortunately, many of these products come with hidden dangers that could be taking a toll on our skin and overall health over time without our knowledge.

Yes, wanting to look good is completely natural. But it is very important to be aware of what we are putting on our bodies, especially since many of these products are used almost everyday. Whether you are applying a full face of makeup, getting your nails done every couple of weeks, or grabbing your go-to lip gloss on the fly, you might be unknowingly layering on chemicals that can weaken your skin, block your pores, or even mess with your hormones.

Here is a quick look at some common beauty products that many of us use and the potential harm they might cause if we are not careful.

1. Nail Polish & Nail Fixing Products: A fresh manicure can definitely lift your spirits, but the chemicals found in most nail polishes like formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP (dibutyl phthalate) formerly used, but now banned are known irritants. Over time, regular polishing and the use of harsh removers can lead to brittle, discolored, or peeling nails, and may even trigger allergic reactions.

2. Makeup (Foundation, Powder, Eyeshadow, etc.): Makeup can help you achieve that very flawless look, but many products are loaded with parabens, synthetic fragrances, talc, and heavy metals. Using these daily, especially without proper cleansing, can lead to breakouts, dry skin, or allergic dermatitis. Some studies even suggest that long-term use might contribute to premature aging.

3. Lip Gloss & Lipstick: Glossy lips are definitely in style, but have you ever checked what is actually in your favourite lip products? Many of them can contain petroleum derivatives, dyes, parabens, and even tiny amounts of lead. Instead of keeping your lips hydrated, some glosses can actually lock out moisture, which might leave you with cracked or chapped lips. Plus, using cheap or low-quality lipsticks regularly can lead to permanent staining or even trigger allergic reactions.

4. Skin-Lightening Creams and Lotions: A lot of popular whitening or toning creams have ingredients like hydroquinone, mercury, or corticosteroids. While they might show quick results, the long-term effects can be pretty serious, including stretch marks, increased sun sensitivity, or even organ damage from mercury absorption.

5. Soaps & Body Washes (Especially Whitening Brands): Many strong soaps that promise quick results often contain harsh detergents like Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) or mercury compounds. These can strip your skin of its natural oils, leaving it dry, irritated, and more susceptible to rashes or peeling. Over time, this can weaken your skin barrier, making it easier for infections to take hold.

6. Hair Relaxers & Dyes: Relaxers, particularly those used to straighten natural hair, often have sodium hydroxide in them, while many hair dyes rely on ammonia and paraphenylenediamine (PPD). These ingredients can lead to scalp burns, hair breakage, allergic reactions, and may even pose long-term health risks if they get absorbed into your bloodstream.

7. Perfumes & Body Sprays: Who does not love smelling good? However, many body sprays and perfumes are packed with phthalates and synthetic fragrance blends. These can cause skin irritation, hormonal imbalances, and in some cases, respiratory issues, especially for those with asthma or sensitive sinuses.

8. Laliz (Henna/Body Art Paste): Common in some Muslim communities, laliz is usually made from natural henna, which is safe to use. But the black henna version often contains paraphenylenediamine (PPD), a chemical that can lead to blistering, burns, and long-term skin damage. Users might end up with scars or allergic reactions that can last for weeks or even longer.

9. Face Masks & Peels: While many masks and peels promise deep cleansing or brightening effects, some can be a bit too intense. Ingredients like high levels of alcohol or glycolic acid might lead to burning, peeling, and over-exfoliation, especially if you use them too often or leave them on for too long.

10. Tattoo Inks & Temporary Dyes: Tattoos and temporary body art can sometimes contain nickel, mercury, or other heavy metals. These substances can trigger serious allergic reactions, scarring, or infections. Over time, certain ingredients in inks might even raise concerns about toxicity, particularly when applied to large areas of skin.

So, What Can You Do?

The goal is not to ditch or abandon all beauty products, but to use them more thoughtfully and carefully. Take the time to read ingredient labels, perform patch tests and opt for products that have natural or organic certifications and most importantly, let your skin take regular breaks to breathe and rejuvenate.

Beauty might be skin deep, but its effects can go much deeper. Whether it is a lip gloss that leaves your lips broken, makeup that allows for the blockage of the cavities on your skin, or nail polish that softens your nails in order to weaken it, the price of looking good can be more than just monetary; it can also impact your health.

It is high time we started asking not just, “Does this make me look good?” but also, “Is this good for my health?”