Personal care products including makeup, shampoos, and hair care items persistently contain toxic chemicals that pose significant health risks, according to recent expert analyses. Consumers are urged to check labels for hazardous ingredients while advocates push for stronger regulatory measures.
A 2021 analysis of cosmetics in the U.S. and Canada found that 52% of products contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFAS), which are known hormone disruptors linked to various health concerns. High levels were detected in foundations (63%), waterproof mascara (82%), and long-lasting lipstick (62%). Alarmingly, 88% of these products failed to disclose PFAS on labels, leaving consumers unaware of potential exposures.
The issue is particularly severe for beauty products marketed to Black women, with about half of hair straighteners containing formaldehyde, a carcinogen. However, the 2025 Beauty & Personal Care Ingredient Intelligence Report by ChemFORWARD shows a 2% decrease in chemicals of concern, indicating that industry cooperation can reduce toxic exposures.
Despite this progress, nearly 4% of products continue to use high-hazard chemicals, especially in lip colors, moisturizers, concealers, shampoos, and conditioners. David Andrews of the Environmental Working Group (EWG) notes that even as some companies reformulate, not all products are safe, emphasizing the need for comprehensive market changes.
Common toxic ingredients include cyclopentasiloxane and cyclomethicone, silicones used for a silky feel that are restricted in the EU due to environmental concerns. Methylparaben, a preservative that mimics estrogen, and D&C Red dyes, suspected endocrine disruptors, are also frequently found. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), another preservative, is easily absorbed and toxic to aquatic life.
Additional hazardous chemicals, as reported by Fortune Well, include undisclosed fragrances that may contain hundreds of chemicals, formaldehyde-releasing agents like quaternium-15, and phthalates that disrupt hormonal systems. Parabens, used as preservatives, are linked to obesity, infertility, and cancer, while PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ bioaccumulate and affect glucose metabolism, thyroid function, and reproductive health.
Health risks from these chemicals encompass endocrine disruption, cancer, and allergic reactions. The cumulative ‘body burden’ from multiple exposures exacerbates these effects, as highlighted by EWG experts. Consumers can mitigate risks by scrutinizing labels for harmful ingredients and utilizing resources like the EWG’s Skin Deep database for product safety assessments.
Regulatory initiatives are underway, with states such as California banning certain ingredients, and the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulations Act (MoCRA) imposing new safety requirements. Nonetheless, experts stress that manufacturers must prioritize safer substitutions and transparency to effectively safeguard public health.