March 1, 2025 Story by: Editor
A recent analysis has revealed that 80% of over 4,000 beauty products marketed toward Black women contain at least one moderately hazardous ingredient, with many containing multiple harmful substances.
This finding follows a 2016 study with similar results, leading researchers to believe that chemicals found in products such as hair straighteners and skin-lightening creams may contribute to higher rates of certain diseases among Black women, including uterine and breast cancers.
The study’s authors expressed disappointment over the lack of significant progress since 2016. While the Biden administration took steps to regulate some harmful substances, experts fear that the Trump administration could roll backthese efforts. They emphasized that responsibility now lies with state governments and the beauty industry to address the issue.
“The cosmetics industry continues to fail consumers by not ensuring safer products,” said Alexa Friedman, a senior scientist and study co-author with the Environmental Working Group (EWG), a public health advocacy nonprofit. “No one should have to worry that their daily beauty routine is putting their health at risk.”
Dangerous Ingredients in Beauty Products
The EWG conducted the study by comparing product ingredient lists with its database, which assesses the health risks of tens of thousands of chemicals. The concern is heightened because many women use multiple beauty products, each potentially containing various harmful chemicals, Friedman noted.
Among the most dangerous ingredients identified in the analysis is formaldehyde, a chemical commonly used in embalming but also found in hair straighteners frequently used by Black women. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had begun implementing a ban on its use in hair products last year, but the Trump administration has since taken steps to overturn it.
Another problematic ingredient is quats, a toxic compound found in hair conditioners to help distribute the product evenly. These chemicals, also used in household disinfectant wipes, have been linked to reproductive harm and cancer. Additionally, isothiazolinones, a type of preservative used in cosmetics, have been found to damage the respiratory system.
The study also noted an increase in the use of “fragrance”—a broad term encompassing thousands of chemicals, including approximately 1,600 that are linked to serious health issues, including death.
Certain fragrance ingredients, such as lilial, have been banned in the European Union due to their potential to harm fertility. The EU’s consumer safety commission found that exposure to multiple products containing lilial could disrupt hormones and negatively impact fetal development.
Some Progress, but More Action Needed
Despite the alarming findings, there was some positive news: the use of eight out of the nine most dangerous chemicals identified by EWG decreased between 2016 and 2025. For instance, the presence of parabens, a preservative known to cause reproductive harm, declined by 6%.
Several states have been leading efforts to push manufacturers toward safer cosmetic formulations. In 2020, California’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act banned 24 hazardous chemicals, including formaldehyde, and Maryland enacted a similar law in 2021. Additionally, several states have implemented bans on commonly used toxic ingredients such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
State-level bans put pressure on manufacturers to reformulate their products nationwide, as producing different formulas for different regions is logistically challenging.
Consumer Awareness Is Key
Until stronger regulations are implemented, consumers must remain proactive in protecting themselves from harmful ingredients. The EWG provides a database evaluating the safety of over 120,000 personal care products, many of which include direct links to purchase safer alternatives.
“Although we have seen some improvements, it’s still really, really important for consumers to be intentional users,” said Kristin Edwards, a study co-author and founder of Blk + Grn, a company dedicated to selling non-toxic beauty products. Edwards started the business after the 2016 report shed light on the issue.
While some progress has been made, experts stress that much work remains to ensure that beauty products marketed toward Black women are free from harmful chemicals.
Source: The Guardian
