IF you apply makeup every day, you are absorbing almost 5lb (2.2kg) of chemicals a year into your body, it is claimed.
Mr Richard Bence, a biochemist, told British paper The Telegraph that this is more dangerous than swallowing the chemicals as they get absorbed straight into the bloodstream.
Mr Bence, who spent three years researching conventional products, said: 'We have no idea what these chemicals do when they are mixed together, the effect could be much greater than the sum of the individual parts.'
Many women were found to use more than 20 beauty products a day in the process of dolling up, while nine out of 10 put on expired makeup.
Some synthetic compounds involved have been linked to side effects ranging from skin irritation to premature ageing and cancer.
Warnings over using out-of-date lipstick and mascara have also been issued by the Royal College of Optometrists, which believes such items are a 'hothouse' for harmful bacteria.
Among chemicals under scrutiny are parabens (para-hydroxybenzoic acids), which are preservatives used in products including soap, shampoo, deodorant and baby lotion.
Traces of parabens have been found in breast tumour samples, although its link to the development of the cancer is disputed.
Sodium lauryl sulphate, used to help create lather in soaps, shampoo, shaving foam, toothpaste and bubble bath, can cause skin irritation.
SAFETY CLAIMS
However, the Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association claimed there was no reason for worry because the products were covered by European Union rules requiring them to be safe.
A spokesman said: 'The cocktail effect is an urban myth.
'We do know how different chemicals react individually and can predict how they interact with each other and this is taken into account when the safety of products is assessed.'
