There are some ingredients you won't believe are in your makeup. Most of us wear makeup regularly, some wear it every single day. But have you ever considered what it's made of? Here are seven strange ingredients you won't believe are in your makeup.
1. Fish Scales
Labeled as guanine, fish scales can be used in a variety of cosmetics like lipstick and eyeshadow to create a shimmery, shiny effect. And that's just one of the weird ingredients you won't believe are in your makeup.
2. Crushed Beetles
The Cochineal beetle is used in many products to give it a red color, from nail polish to lipstick to hair dye and more. It’ll be listed as carmine on the ingredients. The first known use of these beetles cosmetically was with Cleopatra in Egypt.
3. Sheep Grease
The same stuff that builds up on sheep’s wool to help them keep water off and protect their skin, known as lanolin, is used in a lot of lipsticks to give it the right texture and the ability to spread evenly.
4. Rust
Pink-tinted products sometimes get their coloring from rust. This goes by a number of different names on labels, one of which being ferrous oxide. The rust used in makeup is chemically synthesized in laboratory conditions to avoid contamination.
"Enhancing your beauty doesn't always mean going for the glossy look. More ladies now see the allure of a shine-free finish. With the right tools and techniques, you can also achieve a flawless, subtle glow. Learn how to master this trend by following these incredible matte makeup tutorials. Enhance your natural complexion without the unnecessary flash."
5. Pepper Spray
Or at least the main component of it, oleoresin capsicum. This is used in lip-plumping glosses or anything that gives off a warm, tingly feeling.
Gallery Spotlight
Save and share the images that inspire you. Tag @allwomenstalk to get featured.
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
Save
6. Formaldehyde
Also known as DMDM hydantoin Diazolidinyl urea, this is used in cosmetics for the same reason it’s used in corpses: to preserve it for longer.
7. Gluten
This is used as a binding agent in things like mascara, lipstick, hairspray, shampoos, as it is believed to strengthen hair. Don’t worry celiacs - researchers say gluten particles are too large to be absorbed through skin contact.
EST 2005
Evolve. Empower. Elevate.
- Creators on the platform
- 3,000+
- Total social reach
- 12M+
- Features published
- 100K+
New Earn badges & level up while you read
Create your profile. Earn badges. Level up your reading.
Join Allwomenstalk to track your streaks, collect badges, and earn XP for the things you already do—reading, sharing, and taking quizzes.
- 🔥Daily streaks with gentle boosts for 3, 7, and 30 days.
- 🏅Collect badges like Reader I–III, Socialite, and Quiz Ace.
- ⚡️Earn XP for reads, deep reads, likes, comments, and shares.
It’s free. Takes 30 seconds. Already have an account? Sign in.
