Is Mineral Makeup Bad for Your Lungs?

Photo: ZenShui / Michele Constantini / Getty Images

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Cosmetics can be a minefield of chemicals and mile-long ingredient lists. Want simple answers to your biggest natural beauty problems? Natural makeup artist Jessa Blades answers your questions.

Q: Is mineral makeup bad for your lungs (inhalation)? Lesser evil — breathing mineral makeup or chemicals in liquid formulas? @M_Shelton

A: It is unsafe to inhale certain minerals, like Titanium Dioxide, when they are so small in the nanoparticle form. But not all mineral companies do not use nanoparticles. One of the benefits to powders is that they contain a natural SPF, choose a pressed one if you are afraid of inhaling it. Liquid formulas can be good as well but you have to be careful because liquids contain more ingredients that you need to look out for and avoid — like parabens, fragrance, petrochemicals. Use the Skin Deep Database to see the safety of your products.

This is from the Campaign for Safe Cosemetics:
"Avoid personal care products that advertise use of nanotechnology or nano ingredients. Because no labeling laws exist for nanotechnology in any type of consumer product anywhere in the world, nanotech may be difficult to avoid completely. One thing you can do: contact the customer service department of cosmetics companies whose products you use, and ask if they use nanotech. If so, let them know that you won't be buying their products until they remove the nanoparticles."

Jessa Blades founded Blades Natural Beauty in 2008 and was named one of Glamour Magazine's 70 Eco-Heroes in 2009. She was trained at the Makeup Artistry School in Toronto and later worked for MAC Cosmetics before switching to natural beauty products. Jessa lives in New York City and works for various fashion, beauty and bridal clients. She believes women can have it both ways — live healthfully and look beautiful.

Jessa answers more of your beauty questions:
How Bad in Nail Polish?
Is There Natural Makeup for People with Rosacea?
What's a Great Natural Mascara?
How Do Natural Cosmetics Keep from "Going Bad"?
What's a Great Natural Lipstick?
Are There Affordable Natural Beauty Products?

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