In the past, during the Elizabethan Era, royalty painted their faces with white paint to achieve the 'look' of the day. Unfortunately, this make-up contained high quantities of lead, a likely cause of their tendency towards early death, and definitely the catalyst behind the havoc wreaked on their skin.
Today, use of cosmetics is not reserved for royalty. Far from it - the cosmetic industry is a multi-billion dollar cash cow, and the application of make-up and use of cosmetics is a daily part of most peoples beauty regimen. Not surprisingly then, there has been a growing demand for regulations to monitor the inclusion of potentially toxic chemicals that could have adverse long-term effects on the human reproductive systems, or that could contain potential cancer-causing agents.
Up until now, the cosmetics industry has been largely self-regulated. Current laws require the safety of make-up before it's allowed to be sold to the public. However, 'safety' is mostly determined by whether the products create skin irritation. The call for studies on the long-term effects and disclosure of potentially harmful components is now requested.
Harmful Chemicals in Make-Up
Long-Term Effects More Than Skin Deep
Trend Themes
1. Non-toxic Make-up - The trend towards non-toxic make-up options is disrupting the traditional cosmetic industry and providing opportunities for new companies to emerge and cater to health-conscious consumers.
2. Transparency in Ingredients - The trend towards transparency in disclosing potentially harmful ingredients is creating opportunities for existing cosmetic companies to revamp their products and regain consumer trust.
3. Natural and Organic Cosmetics - The trend towards natural and organic cosmetic ingredients is disrupting the traditional cosmetic industry and providing opportunities for eco-friendly and health-conscious companies to emerge and cater to consumers seeking alternative options.
Industry Implications
1. Cosmetics - The cosmetics industry is facing disruption and innovation opportunities as demands for non-toxic, natural, and transparent cosmetic products increase.
2. Health and Wellness - The emergence of non-toxic and natural cosmetic products is disrupting the health and wellness industry and providing opportunities for companies to expand their offerings and cater to consumers' holistic well-being.
3. Ecological Sustainability - The trend towards eco-friendly and natural cosmetic products is disrupting the traditional cosmetic industry and creating opportunities for sustainable and environmentally-conscious companies to enter the market.