Makeup for little girls could have dangerous additives warns mum

Several stores across the globe are wooing young girls with their very own kids makeup lines. Their intricate designs, loud colours and variety of product options have made them a hot selling commodity. But have you ever given a thought about the dangers of makeup ingredients in your little girl’s cosmetic products?  

Source: file photo

If you haven’t yet, it’s time you do.

a three-year-old girl from Illinois, U.S., just suffered the most horrific allergic reaction after she used kids makeup on her face. In their innocence, her parents purchased some kids makeup from a nearby store. But that one purchase led to a massive medical disaster and nightmare for both the mum and her daughter. 

Mother shares the dangers of makeup ingredients 

Lydia Cravens’ mother Kylie posted her daughter’s ordeal on the family’s Facebook page, attracting comments and more than 160,000 shares from young parents across the globe. 

Cravens began her post by reminding parents to be careful of every product their children use. 

“I’m making this post because I feel like it is very important to remind parents to be very careful about what we allow our children to have. For Tony and I this was definitely an eye opener and we will be more cautious about acknowledging ingredients and educating ourselves on what is good and bad before purchasing from here on out…” she wrote.

“We never imagined…that our worst nightmare would come true…” 

She then explained exactly what happened to her three-year-old daughter after she used some kids makeup on her face. 

“About 8 days ago we bought this makeup set from the Family Dollar here in town.. Thinking it was harmless ..non toxic .. kids make up set and having bought Lydia this same type of thing .. just different brand …we never imagined after spending the day applying to her eyes and lips that our worst nightmare would come true.. 

Kylie then went on to explain that these products contained six harmful ingredients  that can cause an instant allergic reaction. And Lydia became a victim. 

“There are 6 different chemicals in this makeup that are commonly known to cause an allergic reaction.. Lydia unfortunately was one of those people allergic and for the past week she has been going through a severe allergic reaction,” she wrote. 

“Her eyes swollen and blistered shut…her skin was burning”

Cravens then went on to describe the reaction and how it changed her daughter’s face and body. 

“SO SEVERE she had to be admitted to Carle pediatrics in Champaign…” she wrote.

“In 24 hours our little girl went from 100% healthy to her eyes swollen and blistered shut.. with a rash all over her body that we would have to apply cold packs to every 30 minutes or so because her skin was burning … she was unable to eat much for days because of the blistering and cracking of her lips…” Cravens explained. 

However, the strong mum wrote that she was hopeful and confident that her daughter would recover and sent out a warning to all parents.  

Image courtesy: Facebook/TonyKylie Cravens

“Lydia has been through so much these past few days.. Good news is we are home from the hospital today and she is doing better!!! PLEASE be aware of what you are letting your babies have… ESPECIALLY kids cosmetics…. so this doesn’t happen to your child…” she concluded. 

While the Cravens were forthcoming about their daughter’s ordeal — which in turn may help many other parents — this is not the first case.

Dangers of makeup ingredients no company will share

There have been several cases in the past where the dangers of makeup ingredients were kept hidden. And that led to several medical problems among kids. 

In December 2017, Claire’s Accessories reportedly recalled some of its cosmetics after it was accused of adding asbestos. Time reported that the Florida-based company’s products “allegedly tested positive for tremolite asbestos, which has been associated with mesothelioma and other types of cancer.” 

However, the company was quick to refute the allegations. In their statement they said, “We are pleased to report that test results received to date from two certified independent labs confirm that the products in question are asbestos free, completely safe and meet all government requirements. Any report that suggests that the products are not safe is totally false.”

However, as parents you must be careful of the products you buy for your kids, especially, if they plan to use it on their faces. 

7 harmful makeup ingredients you must look out for 

There are many international and local kids makeup sellers. And while not all of their products will have issues, all you need to be safe is to read the labels.

Look out for the following dangers of makeup ingredients:

1. Lead 

This is common in face paints, as well as lipsticks. The more lead, the more harmful the effects will be.

As per the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), childhood lead poisoning could lead to “damage to the brain and nervous system, slowed growth and development, learning and behaviour problems (e.g., reduced IQ, ADHD, juvenile delinquency, and criminal behaviour), and hearing and speech problems.” 

2. Arsenic 

Many face paints include this harmful substance, and the levels range from 1.1 to 1.9 ppm. As per CDC, this is a cancer-causing heavy metal and can cause nausea, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, and even shock.

Some of the dangers of makeup ingredients include cancer, respiratory diseases and even heart attacks. | Image courtesy: Pixabay

3. Cadmium 

This is often found in Halloween face paints including lip paints.

According to the CDC, “The health effects seen in children from exposure to toxic levels of cadmium are expected to be similar to the effects seen in adults (kidney and lung damage). Harmful effects on child development or behaviour have not generally been seen in populations exposed to cadmium.”   

4. Parabens 

You may have heard of this one before. But a product laced with parabens is an endocrine disruptor.

As per the National Institutes of Health (NIH), this chemical can affect the body’s hormonal system and even affect developmental, reproductive, neurological systems as well as body’s immunity. 

5. Talc

This is a mineral used in cosmetics to make them soft and more absorbent. However, they may be contaminated with asbestos, which is a carcinogen, as explained by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. 

Inhaling talc is also a serious problem as it can cause respiratory diseases, mesothelioma and even inflammation.

6. Fragrance

More than half the cosmetics products worldwide include some kind of fragrance. But artificial fragrances can include several carcinogens such as acetaldehyde, benzophenone, styrene, dichloromethane, and even titanium dioxide. 

These can often lead to skin irritations, and some are often toxic to the liver, lungs, and kidneys. 

7. Silica

This is also used in cosmetic products because it is absorbent, non-surfactant, and thickens the products. However, it is quite dangerous for your lungs. 

It can potentially cause toxicity in your liver, kidney and respiratory system.

Mums and dads, the next time you go out to purchase a kids makeup product or even face paint, make sure these ingredients are not on the list. 

Sources: Facebook, Dr Sears, CDC

Also read: Old makeup you refuse to throw out may be making you sick