Cancer-Causing Chemicals Found in Many Common Beauty Products, Study Reveals

A new study has revealed alarming findings about the ingredients in everyday beauty products, especially those commonly used by Black and Latina women in Los Angeles. According to the research, more than half of the women surveyed regularly used products containing formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen.

Formaldehyde in Everyday Products

Researchers analyzed ingredient list photos provided by 64 women and found that 53% of them used beauty items—such as soap, lotion, shampoo, and makeup—that either contained formaldehyde directly or included formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. These preservatives are commonly used to extend shelf life but can emit toxic gases that pose long-term health risks.

The use of formaldehyde in consumer products is deeply concerning given its toxicity. Although it is an effective preservative, formaldehyde is also a key ingredient in embalming fluid, highlighting the severe risks associated with prolonged exposure.

A Disproportionate Impact on Women of Color

The study focused on Black and Latina women due to existing evidence that these groups are disproportionately exposed to harmful chemicals in beauty products compared to white women. Previous research has linked frequent use of chemical hair straighteners and other beauty products containing toxic ingredients to higher mortality rates from breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers, especially among Black women.

Regulatory Inaction Despite Longstanding Warnings

Despite the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifying formaldehyde as a carcinogen over a decade ago, the agency has not yet banned its use in beauty products, particularly in chemical hair straighteners. The continued presence of these chemicals in everyday items underscores the lack of regulation in the personal care industry.

Call for Urgent Action

The study’s findings have reignited calls for stronger safety regulations and greater transparency in the cosmetics industry. Public health advocates are urging the FDA to ban formaldehyde and its derivatives in personal care products and to prioritize the protection of communities most at risk.

Looking Ahead

This research sheds light on the hidden health risks many consumers face daily, often without knowing. As the conversation around toxic ingredients in beauty products gains momentum, experts stress the importance of awareness, education, and regulation to ensure the safety of all consumers—especially those who have historically borne the brunt of environmental and chemical exposure.