Widespread Use of Banned Chemicals in U.S. Products

A recent investigation has revealed that many personal care products sold in the United States, including shampoos, sunscreens, and tampons, contain chemicals linked to cancer, infertility, and hormone disruption. These ingredients are banned or restricted in the European Union and other countries due to their potential health risks. Despite these alarming associations, there is no federal law in the U.S. mandating companies to disclose potentially harmful ingredients. Only California requires limited transparency, leaving most Americans unaware of the substances they are applying to their bodies.

Personal Impact and Advocacy for Change

Tiah Tomlin-Harris, a two-time survivor of triple-negative breast cancer, discovered the lack of transparency in product labeling after her diagnosis at a young age with no genetic predisposition. Her background as a chemist prompted her to scrutinize product labels more closely. She removed all conventional products from her home and turned to natural alternatives like baking soda and vinegar. Her research highlighted the prevalence of harmful chemicals in widely used beauty and hygiene products.

Regulatory Challenges and Consumer Tools

While Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has advocated for removing toxic additives from processed foods, he has not yet addressed the personal care industry. FDA Commissioner Marty Makary acknowledges the agency’s “deregulatory mindset,” which has led to consumer-driven tools like Yuka and Clearya that use AI to analyze ingredient safety. These apps have revealed that many consumers mistakenly equate green packaging with safety.

Disproportionate Impact on Women of Color

Tomlin-Harris emphasizes that women of color, particularly Black women, are disproportionately affected by these harmful chemicals. They spend significantly more on beauty products than other demographics, yet these products often contain the most dangerous ingredients such as parabens and phthalates. A Consumer Reports investigation found carcinogens in several braiding hair brands marketed to Black women and girls.

Calls for Legislative Action

The federal government is beginning to respond with initiatives like the Safer Beauty Bill package, which aims to ban toxic ingredients and increase ingredient disclosure. However, advocacy groups argue that the U.S. lags behind the EU in regulating cosmetic safety. Industry representatives claim commitment to safety standards, but advocates like Tomlin-Harris demand more transparency and accountability from companies producing these products.