The History of Makeup and Cosmetics: From Ancient Rituals to Modern Health Risks

Once a symbol of spiritual significance and status, makeup has become extrinsically linked with beauty culture and identity and has amassed to contribute to a multi-billion dollar cosmetic industry. Since its ancient inception, various toxic ingredients, such as mercury, lead, and arsenic were prominently used in makeup formulations without formal FDA regulation until the 1900s. With much public demand due to severe adverse reactions, and in some cases fatalities and blindness as with the use of LashLure mascara in 1933, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetics Act (FDCA) of 1938 aimed to prioritize safety and misbranding of cosmetics. While many scientific research innovations have since given rise to safer products, advancements have also brought to light the dangerous chemicals still used in cosmetics. At the same time, formal safety regulations have evolved little since the enactment of the FDCA with the U.S. banning or restricting only 11 dangerous cosmetic ingredients compared to 1,300 ingredients in Europe.

Although women are primary cosmetics consumers, the market reach is beyond one group. In a 2017 study, 2 out of 3 men reported using skin care products, and 80% of girls from 9 to 11 years old used some beauty products. A report by the CA Dept. of Health highlighted cosmetics, including beauty, shaving, and baby care products were reported to contain carcinogenic ingredients or those linked to reproductive developmental harm. While the cosmetic industry was once seen as insignificant, it is now projected to exceed revenues of over $716 billion in 2025 and affects much more than just women who wear makeup. The health effects of cosmetics can lead to serious physical health and mental health complications, prompting the current demand for “cleaner” and safer products for all.

Source: 

Isabelle M. Carbajales (2023), Cosmetic Crisis: The Obsolete Regulatory Framework of the Ever-Evolving Cosmetic Industry