Formaldehyde in Beauty Products Raises Red Flags for Women of Color
A new study reveals harmful formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives in over half the personal care products used daily by Black and Latina women. This carcinogenic chemical—often unlabeled—was found in lotions, body washes, and makeup items specifically marketed to women of color. Researchers warn that repeated exposure raises risks of serious health issues, including certain cancers and reproductive harm. While formaldehyde has been banned from cosmetics in places like the European Union, regulations in the US remain piecemeal. Activists say this gap disproportionately affects communities of color, where these products target specific hair or skin needs.
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Key Entities
- • Formaldehyde: A known carcinogen used as a preservative; banned in cosmetics in parts of the world but not fully in the US.
- • Black and Latina Women Consumers: Marketed specialized beauty products often containing suspect preservatives.
- • Food and Drug Administration (FDA): The US agency with limited oversight over cosmetics and labeling.
- • Environmental Working Group: A nonprofit advocating for ingredient transparency in personal care products.
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