Surprising Ingredients Found In Your Mascara

According to Fox News, there are 10 specific chemicals found in mascara that are said to be toxic. Among the chemicals are carbon black, heavy metals, titanium dioxide, and ethanolamines, all of which reportedly have links to cancer. "The problem with ethanolamines is that they can be contaminated with cancer-causing chemicals called nitrosamines," Janet Nudelman, director of program and policy at the Breast Cancer Fund and director of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, told Fox News. The outlet also lists benzalkonium chloride (BAK), prime yellow carnauba wax, formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, and parabens as potentially harmful chemicals that could cause problems, such as allergic reactions, dryness, and irritation.

To avoid such chemicals and potential irritation, stay away from waterproof mascara and always read the label, researching certain ingredients if you don't know what they are. "One simple word can hide dozens and dozens of ingredients, some of which can be toxic," Nudelman advised. That's one mascara mistake you don't want to make.