Whenever you scroll through social media, turn on the TV, or flip through a magazine you’re bombarded by several different ads promoting makeup. Makeup has been around for centuries, having roots in ancient Egypt. According to Lumina Pro, 39% of women wear makeup daily. Several women wear makeup for various reasons whether it be for self-expression, boosting attraction, boosting confidence, or something else. Whatever the reason, makeup is a powerful tool and it’s here to stay. Even though you might use makeup on a regular basis or a couple of times a week, there’s a lot the makeup industry doesn’t tell you. We’ll be bringing light to these facts as we explore six things you might not know about the makeup industry below. 

Makeup is one of the biggest and most profitable industries in the world. The beauty industry is worth around $500 billion dollars, and the success seems like it’s on track to staying consistent. The makeup industry is shifting towards more eco-friendly, cruelty-free, and sustainable products such as vegan makeup, especially with climate change. According to Lucintel, women spend about $15,000 in their lifetime on cosmetics. Popular brands such as L’oreal, Dior, and Chanel appeal to people’s desire to look attractive and are bringing in millions of dollars every year. 

The practice of applying makeup can be traced all the way back to ancient Egypt. Men and women from all social classes used copious amounts of makeup. Makeup was used daily and had both symbolic and health-based functions in society. They even had professional makeup artists who applied makeup on people with natural ingredients such as red ochre, beeswax, and malachite powder. Lip paints were a symbol of social status, representing sophistication and prominence. Some Egyptian makeup may be considered a precursor to vegan makeup since it’s mainly composed of natural ingredients. 

A lot of makeup on the market seems safe, but many people have no idea about the lack of regulation when it comes to cosmetic products. According to wellandgood.com, the U.S. only has 11 ingredients banned while in Europe a whopping 1,300 ingredients are banned from beauty products. To make matters worse, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has no legal authority to approve cosmetic ingredients and products before going to market. Keep in mind that your skin is absorbing a lot of these harmful ingredients. Consider making the switch to vegan makeup if you want a better chance of healthy ingredients. 

Many makeup brands claim to be anti-aging if you consistently use their products, but this is a myth. Aging is a natural process and simply using makeup won’t stop this inevitable fact. Nonetheless, makeup brands still promote several products such as blush, foundation, concealer, and lip products meant to reduce wrinkles. Anti-aging is a clever marketing scheme, which preys on people’s insecurities and self-esteem. Even vegan makeup won’t prevent aging. 

Many labels and terms slapped on makeup are misleading, vague, and inaccurate. Several beauty companies will put terms such as natural, organic, or pure on the packaging, but their makeup could still contain a mixture of chemicals. Thanks to a lack of regulation in the beauty industry, you have to go the extra mile and read the label to see what’s truly inside. People expect products that say natural to be safe and healthy, but this isn’t always the case. In fact, this practice is referred to as “greenwashing.” Here's a helpful list of makeup brands that have a reputation of greenwashing. 

Several different makeup brands claim to be healthy and natural, but many of these contain a toxic mix of chemicals that could have a negative impact on our health. Skin is the largest organ in the human body and absorbs everything we put on it including makeup. These toxic chemicals found in makeup can lead to skin issues such as acne, rashes, rosacea, inflammation, and other skin issues. Studies have shown that makeup could have long-term health effects such as cancer, asthma, birth defects, infertility, disease, and other concerning issues. Many of these toxins weigh down on the immune systems, which opens us up to sickness, disease, and a plethora of health problems. 

The beauty industry is booming and spending millions of dollars every year on ads in an effort to appeal to both men and women. It tends to work since the industry is worth billions, but the marketing ploys may be misleading and inaccurate. The makeup industry, rooted in ancient Egypt, has a severe lack of regulation on ingredients and promotes anti-aging products that can’t achieve this feat. The makeup industry also pushes products that claim to be natural, when they still contain toxins inside. This is known as greenwashing. Lastly, it’s important to do your research on makeup, even vegan makeup because a lot of these products have long-term health effects which are negative. These are six things you might not about the health industry and might make you think twice about what you’re applying to your skin.