Toxic chemicals still found in everyday beauty products

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Experts warn that many common makeup, shampoos, and hair care products still contain potentially harmful chemicals. A 2021 analysis of 231 cosmetics sold in the United States and Canada found that 52% contained PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, a group of compounds associated with hormone disruption and other health concerns. Although regulations have improved, these substances can still be found in widely used products, making it important for consumers to read labels and choose safer alternatives when possible.

Source

Whitehead, Heather & Venier, Marta & Wu, Yan & Eastman, Emi & Urbanik, Shannon & Diamond, Miriam & Shalin, Anna & Schwartz-Narbonne, Heather & Bruton, Thomas & Blum, Arlene & Wang, Zhanyun & Green, Megan & Tighe, Meghanne & Wilkinson, John & McGuinness, Sean & Peaslee, Graham. (2021). Fluorinated Compounds in North American Cosmetics. Environmental Science & Technology Letters. XXXX. 10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00240.

Additional Reading

https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/21/health/toxic-chemical-beauty-products-wellness

https://www.consumerreports.org/product-safety/concerning-ingredients-in-cosmetics-beauty-products-a1142118686/

https://www.npr.org/2025/04/08/nx-s1-4964844/harmful-chemicals-skin-care-cosmetics-personal-care-products

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