Although cosmetics became very popular in the 1900s, tombs dating back to 3100 BC have revealed that makeup originated in the first Egyptian dynasty ("The history of makeup", 1). Researchers found that these cosmetic products contained ingredients ranging from lead to cat dung; both of which are toxic. The use of toxic chemicals in cosmetics, such as coal tar, has a negative impact on health. Cosmetic companies are putting consumers' health at risk through the use of toxic chemicals, marketing ploys, and failure to properly regulate their own products and the chemicals they contain. While cosmetics pose dangerous risks to the human body in general, pregnant women and their fetuses are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of exposure to these toxins. While some women do not want to give up their cosmetics during pregnancy, makeup ingredients can be fatal for the fetus. Nail polish and hairspray contain substances called phthalates, more commonly known as plasticizers and found in materials used to make raincoats and garden hoses. Its objective is to make plastic more flexible while remaining resistant (“Controversy Over Phthalates in cosmetics” by 1). When phthalates are absorbed through the skin, they could harm the fetus, and in baby boys, they could cause irregular genitalia. Another ingredient, methylisothiazoline (or MIT for short), can be found in daily shampoos and body washes such as Head and Shoulders, Suave and Pantene Hair conditioner, products that a pregnant woman may well use, and Tests have shown that exposure to this ingredient could cause abnormal brain development in the fetus (“Popular Shampoos Contain Toxic Chemicals Linked to Nerve Damage” by 2). However, these chemicals can cause health problems...... middle of article ......rench, Christy T. "History of Makeup" (2004): Authors Den. September 20, 2011. Web.Mercola, Joseph. “How dangerous are your cosmetics?” » (2011): Mercola.com: Take control of your health. Internet. February 2, 2015. Reid, Brian. “Phthalates in cosmetics controversy” (2011): Our future stolen. Internet. February 2, 2015. Rudow, Barbara. Going Green (2008): California: Scobre Press Corporation. Pages 3, 14, 33. Print. The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics (2011): Environmental Working Group. Internet. February 2, 2015. “Coal Tar Hair Dyes: Hair Care Precautions” (2011): Hairfinder: Hair Styles, Hair Care & Fashion. Internet. February 2, 2015. “Cosmetic and personal care products may pose cancer risks” (2011): Cancer Prevention Coalition. Internet. February 2, 2015. “Natural and organic beauty products: behind the facade” (2011): Article database: Free online article directory. Internet. February 2. 2015.