Although cosmetics became very popular in the 1900s, tombs dating back to 3100 BC have revealed that makeup originated during the First Dynasty of Egypt ("The History of Makeup", 1) . Researchers found that these cosmetics contained ingredients ranging from lead to cat dung; both are toxic. The use of toxic chemicals in cosmetics, such as coal tar, has a negative impact on a person's health. Cosmetic companies put consumers' health at risk through their use of toxic chemicals, marketing strategies, and failure to properly regulate their products and the chemicals they contain. Although cosmetics pose dangerous risks to the human body in general, pregnant women and their fetus are particularly vulnerable to the consequences of exposure to these toxins. If some women are not willing to give up cosmetics during pregnancy, makeup ingredients can be lethal to the fetus. Nail polish and hairspray contain substances called phthalates, which are more commonly known as plasticizers and can be found in the material used to make raincoats and garden hoses, and their purpose is to make the plastic more flexible but still strong (“Controversy Over Phthalates in Cosmetics” par 1). When phthalates are absorbed through the skin, they could harm the fetus and, in newborns, could cause genital irregularities. Another ingredient, methylisothiazoline (or MIT for short), can be found in everyday shampoos and body washes such as Head and Shoulders, Suave and Pantene Hair Conditioner, products that a pregnant woman may very well use and tests have demonstrated that exposure to this ingredient could cause abnormal brain development in the fetus ("Popular shampoos contain toxic chemicals linked to nerve damage" par 2). However, these chemicals can cause health problems...... middle of paper ......rench, Christy T. "History of Makeup" (2004): Authors Den. 20, September 2011. Web.Mercola, Joseph. “How dangerous are your cosmetics?” (2011): Mercola.com: Take Control of Your Health. Network. February 2, 2015. Reid, Brian. “Phthalates in Cosmetics Controversy” (2011): Our Stolen Future. Network. 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. Network. February 2, 2015. "Coal Tar Hair Dye: Hair Care Precautions" (2011): Hairfinder: Hairstyles, Hair Care, and Fashion. Network. February 2, 2015."Cosmetics and personal care products may pose a cancer risk" (2011): Cancer Prevention Coalition. Network. February 2, 2015. "Natural and Organic Beauty Products: Behind the Facade" (2011): Article Base: Free online article directory. Network. February 2. 2015.