Study Overview

A recent study has highlighted that over half of the Black and Latina women surveyed in Los Angeles regularly use personal-care products containing formaldehyde or its derivatives, known carcinogens.

The research, published in the journal Environmental Science & Technology Letters, involved participants documenting the beauty products they used over a week.

Key Findings

Out of the 64 women who participated, it was discovered that 53% were using various products—including soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and eye makeup—that contained formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.

Lead author Robin Dodson from the Silent Spring Institute emphasized the concern: “It’s distressing that we are intentionally using products containing chemicals that release carcinogens on our bodies daily.”

Focus on Disproportionate Exposure

The study specifically examined Black and Latina women because previous research indicated that these groups are more frequently exposed to formaldehyde in beauty products compared to their white counterparts. This exposure raises questions about the potential link to higher rates of breast, uterine, and ovarian cancers in these populations.

Regulatory Environment

Despite formaldehyde being classified as a human carcinogen over a decade ago, regulatory action has been slow. In 2023, plans to propose a ban on formaldehyde in hair straighteners by the FDA remained unfulfilled.

The presence of formaldehyde was documented in a variety of products, not just hair relaxers. For instance, one participant reported using a leave-in conditioner, a rinse-off conditioner, and a body wash, all containing formaldehyde.

Participant Product Usage Trends

The study noted the extensive use of beauty products among participants, with an average of 17 different products applied daily. This pattern underscores societal pressures on women to conform to certain beauty standards, often resulting in the use of potentially harmful products.

• Products used included soaps with formaldehyde-releasing agents.
• Some women reported using multiple formaldehyde-containing products simultaneously.

Call for Action

Experts, including Tracey Woodruff from UCSF, advocate for government oversight on personal-care products, stating, “We shouldn’t have to be chemists to discern which products may harm our health.”

Janette Robinson Flint from Black Women for Wellness echoed the need for regulation, insisting that the cosmetic industry must be held accountable for consumer safety.

Global Comparison and Regulatory Actions

While formaldehyde remains permitted in cosmetic products in the United States, the European Union banned its use in cosmetics in 2009. Additionally, several U.S. states, including California, have proposed regulations to limit formaldehyde usage in cosmetics.

Recent reports indicate a significant decline in products containing formaldehyde available in California, suggesting that regulatory measures can lead to positive changes.