What you apply to enhance your beauty may be doing more harm than good. A recent study has revealed that many everyday makeup products contain “high hazard” toxins, posing serious health risks to users.
Key Findings: A Toxic Beauty Industry
A groundbreaking analysis by ChemForward has unveiled a disturbing reality within the cosmetic industry. The study found that approximately one-third of the 318,000 ingredients used in beauty and personal care products lack public toxicological profiles. Moreover, an alarming 45 chemicals categorized as “high hazard” are commonly added to these products.
The research revealed that common toxic substances, linked to hormone disruption, cancer, lung irritation, and other health issues, are prevalent in the 8,500 products examined. Among the most frequently used dangerous ingredients are cyclopentasiloxane, red 30, and butylated hydroxytoluene. These chemicals serve various purposes, including preservation, coloration, emulsification, and fragrance. Some are used to enhance product spreadability, drying time, or skin absorption.
The study also highlighted the widespread use of mineral mica (found in 63% of assessed products), trimethylsiloxysilicate (21%), and nylon-12 (20%). While these ingredients are common in cosmetics, concerns have been raised about their safety. Mica mining practices can lead to contamination with harmful substances. Synthetic compounds like trimethylsiloxysilicate and nylon-12, although generally considered safe in small amounts, may cause irritation or accumulate in the body over time. Further research is needed to fully assess their long-term effects.
A New Era of Transparency and Safety in the Beauty Industry
The study aims to revolutionize the beauty industry by addressing the pressing issue of chemical safety. The research will be used as the foundation for a new industry-wide initiative aimed at filling information gaps around the chemicals it uses, eliminating hazardous substances, and promoting the adoption of safer alternatives.
The report, which drew data from various chemical databases, including the European Chemicals Agency, will be transformed into a centralized repository of hazard data accessible to beauty and personal care producers. Additionally, a chemical grading system has been developed by ChemForward, with toxicologists rating the safety of each chemical.
The study’s revelation of a staggering number of chemicals with unknown toxicological profiles underscores the significant challenge of avoiding dangerous substances in cosmetics and personal care products. However, there is a glimmer of hope. The actual number of essential chemicals required for product functionality is far fewer than the 318,000 identified.
“You can really winnow down the number of chemicals that are required for the essential function of products to a manageable level and that’s why there’s optimism,” said Bill Walsh, director of the Safer Chemistry Impact Fund that is helping fund the initiative.
Moreover, personal care and cosmetic companies are proactively seeking to address regulatory concerns and industry standards. Not to mention that public health advocates have also long called for stricter regulations on toxic chemicals in personal care products. While federal regulations remain limited, several states have taken the initiative to impose stricter regulations on products containing PFAS, phthalates, and other harmful compounds.
One of the major obstacles in addressing chemical safety is industry secrecy, as many companies claim chemical profiles as confidential business information. The new program will circumvent this issue by assessing health risks without revealing specific formulations.
While the initiative is non-binding, companies are encouraged to phase out high-hazard chemicals, contribute chemical information to the database, and transition to safer alternatives. Major industry players such as Ulta Beauty and Sephora are actively participating in the program.
“There’s a moment now where industry in many cases is searching for safer alternatives, and by sharing data and collaborating we can make the process of identifying safe chemicals easier, faster, and less expensive,” Walsh said.