Cancer-linked chemicals found in shampoos and lotions used by women of colour, study reveals

A recent study has raised serious health alarms after finding that everyday beauty products used by Black and Latina women in the US may contain formaldehyde — a chemical long recognised as a carcinogen. 

From shampoos and body soaps to lotions and eyelash glues, the research reveals that products widely marketed to women of colour are exposing them to toxic substances without their knowledge.

The study, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, found that 53% of participating women were using at least one personal care product containing formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.

Even more concerning, many of these products were used daily or several times a week, resulting in repeated and potentially harmful exposure. Formaldehyde, commonly used as a preservative, isn’t always listed outright on ingredient labels. Instead, it often appears under complex chemical names such as DMDM hydantoin — making it difficult for consumers to identify and avoid.

“Our findings show that these toxic chemicals are not limited to hair straighteners, which have already come under scrutiny,” said Dr Robin Dodson, lead author of the study. “They are present in a much wider range of products that women use all over their bodies, and often multiple times a day. This kind of repeated exposure adds up.”

Using a smartphone app, 70 Black and Latina women in Los Angeles scanned and submitted images of the ingredients in the personal care products they used. The results showed formaldehyde-releasing agents in 58% of hair care items, along with a worrying presence in lotions, soaps, and cosmetics.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has previously warned that formaldehyde poses an “unreasonable risk” to human health, especially with long-term exposure. While several US states and the European Union have moved towards regulating its use, there is currently no nationwide ban. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed one in 2023, but implementation remains pending.

What’s particularly concerning is that women of colour are disproportionately affected. This is partly due to targeted marketing and social norms that influence product choices. Products aimed at Black and Latina consumers have historically been found to contain more harmful ingredients — a trend this study highlights once again.

Health experts are calling for stronger regulations and more transparent labelling. “It shouldn't be the responsibility of women to become chemists in order to protect themselves,” said Dr Dodson. “Manufacturers need to be held accountable for what they put in these products.”

Until clearer labelling and safer formulations are enforced, experts recommend that consumers use apps or databases that can scan and flag potentially harmful ingredients. But for many, the solution lies beyond individual vigilance — in pushing for policies that put health before profit.