STOP using your lipstick if it has these two ingredients in it

A lipstick is one of the most commonly used cosmetics and is a staple in almost every woman’s vanity. Not just one, most women prefer collecting multiple shades to suit their skin tone and texture.

But here’s the catch: many of our favourite lipsticks may contain harsh chemicals and synthetic dyes that can be harmful with long-term use. In fact, several lipsticks on the market are known to have heavy metals like lead and chromium, which are used to make the colour last longer.Other questionable ingredients include shark liver oil (squalene) and fish scales (guanine), which are added to boost shine and moisture.

While they may sound harmless, they aren’t exactly good for the delicate skin on our lips. What’s more, lipstick doesn’t just sit on your lips, it’s absorbed into your body and, over time, a fair amount is ingested too.

Other nasty ingredients like shark liver oil, which is known as squalene, and fish scales, aka guanine, are used to add moisture and shine, which are not good for the epidermis of our lip skin. However, one needs to understand that lipstick is absorbed into our body via the skin, and a significant amount of it is also consumed via our mouth.

For these reasons, it's highly important to opt for lipsticks that are free from such harsh chemicals. But do you know there are two such ingredients that can create a deadly effect on our skin? Many dermatologists and surgeons have recommended throwing away such lipsticks that have these ingredients in them. Let’s find out what they are and under what names they’re usually listed on our lipstick’s pack.

Run if you see these 2 ingredients!One of the biggest culprits is BPA, aka bisphenol A, which is found in plastic packaging and is also a heavily used ingredient in our lipsticks.

This chemical mimics oestrogen and confuses our body’s hormonal system. So, always look for two words before making your next purchase, i.e., 'methylparaben' and 'propylparaben'. These two ingredients are types of BPA, which are named PPA and Paraben Free. So, if your lipstick has these two marks with a ‘FREE’ tag on the label, then only go ahead.

Orthopedic surgeon Dr Manan Vora recently spoke about the bad effects of lipstick in a video.

He said, "Your lipstick could be the reason your periods are late. If you see these two words on the packaging, throw it away immediately. Many lipsticks, especially cheap or unregulated ones, contain chemicals that can mess with your hormones." He further added, "The biggest culprit is BPA (Bisphenol A), which is found in plastic packaging.

This chemical mimics estrogen and can confuse your body's hormonal system.

So, here are two words that you should look for and avoid completely: Methyl Paraben and Propyl Paraben. Instead, look for "PPA Free" or "Paraben Free" on the label."He also provided a list of certifications you may find on the label of your favourite lipstick that you can trust in India. These include “Ecocert, Cosmos Organic/Natural, USDA organic and Peta India Cruelty Free. Therefore, before you buy your next lipstick, turn it around, read the label, and make sure it's safe.

You are encouraged to send this information to your girlfriends who need to know this,” he said in his video.What other commonfactors should we look at?Heavy metalsMany lipsticks have a strong essence of lead, which can cause high blood pressure and kidney damage. Around 61 per cent of the lipstick industry, big and small, includes this deadly metal in small quantities. Some other metals, such as manganese, chromium, arsenic, aluminium, and cadmium, are also found in small amounts to give a certain texture and effect.

Avoid such lipsticks and opt for natural or organic labels with clean minerals.Artificial coloursMany lipstick kits use artificial dyes such as green, yellow, red, and pink, which have been linked to larger health issues of immunity, hyperactivity, and cancer. The solution remains to check the label twice and make sure that the brand you’re opting for promises to use natural colours instead of artificial hues.

FatsOpt for lip products containing wholesome oils extracted from fruits, plants, and vegetables.

Do not try eco-unfriendly petroleum jelly or mineral oil products that can dry out your lips and skin. By a simple switch to natural and organic lipsticks, you will immediately see the difference for yourself as your lip health and look will improve.We always take a look at the exciting shade of the lipstick, apply it on our hand to check the texture and smudge-free effect, and opt for a fresh piece. But start taking a few steps back, read the details on the label carefully, and then add the lipstick to your cart.