Everyday beauty products may pose health risks due to toxic ingredients, raising concerns about their safety for consumers.

A recent study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters has brought attention to the prevalence of formaldehyde in a range of personal care products, particularly those frequently used by Black and Latina women. While much of the recent focus has been on the health implications of formaldehyde in hair straighteners and nail treatments, this new research underscores the extensive presence of this carcinogen in other everyday beauty items such as lotions, body washes, conditioners, and face creams.

The study monitored the usage patterns of 70 participants, revealing that over half of them utilized products containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives on a daily basis. On average, the women incorporated approximately 17 beauty products into their routines, with roughly 53% using items that contained these harmful preservatives. Alarmingly, more than 70% of the identified formaldehyde-releasing products were used at least twice during the study period, indicating a substantial cumulative exposure.

Robin Dodson, the associate director of research operations at the Silent Spring Institute and lead author of the study, emphasized the need for increased scrutiny regarding daily-use products. Researchers suggest that the intentional inclusion of such carcinogenic chemicals in widely used personal care items poses significant health risks. Despite the long-standing presence of formaldehyde-releasing agents in the beauty industry, the distinction between these agents and pure formaldehyde remains a topic of debate. Industry representatives argue that these agents are essential for preserving product integrity against microbial contamination and have been deemed safe for consumer use.

However, the findings are part of an evolving discussion about the safety of chemical ingredients in beauty products marketed to women of color. Research has previously linked the use of hair straightening products containing hazardous chemicals to various health risks, including uterine cancer. David Andrews, acting chief science officer at the Environmental Working Group, associates formaldehyde exposure with adverse health effects, including skin allergies.

In response to mounting health concerns, several states have begun to implement bans against formaldehyde in cosmetics. California’s prohibition took effect at the beginning of 2023, while Washington is contemplating similar restrictions. The European Union has also enacted a ban on the use of formaldehyde in cosmetics since 2009.

Experts assert that the findings underscore the urgent need for comprehensive regulation of personal care products in the United States, particularly concerning the health implications for women of color. Advocacy groups call for increased transparency in ingredients labeling and for the introduction of consumer-friendly warning labels to help individuals make informed choices. As the dialogue around ingredient safety continues, it remains critical to safeguard consumer health and ensure that all beauty products are free from harmful substances.

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