Beauty products and cancer: Are you at risk? | MD Anderson Cancer Center
Let’s be real — most of us don’t think twice when we reach for our favorite lotion, shampoo, or eyeliner. After all, if it’s on store shelves, it has to be safe… right?
Unfortunately, a new study says otherwise. In fact, more than half of the Black and Latina women who participated in a recent study in Los Angeles were using beauty products that contain formaldehyde — a chemical the government classifies as a human carcinogen.
What’s going on with formaldehyde in beauty products?
Formaldehyde is often used in personal care products like shampoos, conditioners, lotions, and even eyelash glue — not because it’s good for us, but because it’s a strong preservative. Yes, the same stuff used in embalming fluid to preserve bodies.
According to Robin Dodson from the Silent Spring Institute, “It’s really concerning that we are intentionally putting chemicals that release a carcinogen into our products that we apply to ourselves every day.”
Formaldehyde is a known carcinogen, and it doesn’t always appear on labels under its own name. Often, it’s disguised behind complex chemical names like DMDM hydantoin, which makes it nearly impossible for the average consumer to spot.
Quick Tip: Want to avoid formaldehyde? Look out for ingredients like DMDM hydantoin, quaternium-15, and imidazolidinyl urea. These are formaldehyde releasers.
Why this study matters — especially for Black and Latina women
The research, published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters, found that 53% of the 64 women studied used products containing formaldehyde or its releasing agents over just one week.
The study focused on Black and Latina women because earlier research shows these groups are more likely to use chemical hair straighteners and other products with harmful additives. Tragically, Black women suffer higher rates of breast, ovarian, and uterine cancers — a disparity some experts link to increased exposure to these toxic ingredients.
“It’s a reflection of societal pressure to conform to Eurocentric beauty standards,” says Janette Robinson Flint of Black Women for Wellness. “We shouldn’t have to be chemists to protect ourselves.”
What’s the government doing about this?
Here’s where things get frustrating. The FDA talked about banning formaldehyde in hair products back in 2023. But two years later, we’re still waiting. Meanwhile, the European Union banned formaldehyde in cosmetics back in 2009.
Some U.S. states like California and Washington have introduced their own laws to regulate these chemicals, and that’s a step in the right direction. In California, for instance, there’s been a tenfold drop in products with formaldehyde since 2009 — proof that regulation works.
What can YOU do right now?
Until the U.S. has stronger nationwide regulations, it’s up to consumers to stay informed. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Read the labels – Even if it means Googling some ingredients.
Use fewer products – The average woman in the study used 17 products per day (!).
Choose cleaner brands – Look for ones that disclose full ingredient lists and commit to non-toxic formulations.
Push for change – Support policies that demand transparency and safety in cosmetics.
Final thoughts: Beauty shouldn’t come with a hidden health cost
Everyone deserves to feel confident and beautiful — without sacrificing their health. This study is a wake-up call, especially for communities that are already carrying a heavier burden. It’s time for more than just consumer awareness; we need serious, science-backed regulation to protect all of us.
#ToxicBeauty #CleanCosmetics #BeautyWithoutHarm #HealthEquity #BanFormaldehyde