Carcinogenic Chemicals Found in Popular Female Shampoos, Lotions and Body Soaps

Widespread Use of Carcinogenic Chemicals in Personal Care Products Raises Health Alarms

Even though the carcinogenic chemical has been connected to cancer it is frequently added to shampoos, lotions and body soaps, eyelash glue and preservatives that release it to extend the shelf life of cosmetics. 

According to a recent study formaldehyde is a known carcinogen that is present in an alarming number of personal care products. 

More than half of Latina and Black women use personal care products that contain formaldehyde-releasing chemicals according to a recent study published in Environmental Science and Toxicology Letters. The disturbing discovery that chemicals that cause cancer can be found in cosmetics other than hair straighteners is highlighted by this study. 

What did the Research Conclude?

Concerning results regarding the personal care products used by 70 Black and Latina women in Los Angeles were found in the study. Participants uploaded pictures of ingredient labels using a specialized app and the findings revealed that 53% of them had used at least one product with formaldehyde-releasing chemicals, many of which they used daily or frequently. 58 percent of the haircare products surveyed contained the carcinogen along with different types of body soaps, lotions, shampoos and eyelash glues. 

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According to the study which was published in the peer-reviewed Environmental Science & Technology Letters formaldehyde and preservatives that release formaldehyde are alarmingly common in cosmetics sold to these groups. These chemicals are known carcinogens which pose serious health risks. 

In the past formaldehyde has been identified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as having an unreasonable risk of injury to human health. Prior studies have concentrated on the presence of formaldehyde in hair straightening products which disproportionately affect women of color and Black women. However this most recent study expands the scope by identifying formaldehyde in a broader range of personal care products. 

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What are the Recommendations of Health Experts?

The study’s lead author who said These chemicals are in products we use all the time all over our bodies voiced grave concerns about the health risks. Such exposures over time can accumulate and result in major damage. She also acknowledged that many preservatives are listed under complicated names that don’t specifically mention formaldehyde, making it difficult for consumers to identify products that contain this chemical. One such preservative to be aware of is DMDM hydantoin. 

Even though a number of U.A. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommended a nationwide ban on formaldehyde in 2023 but no real action has been taken as of yet. States and the European Union have already implemented or proposed bans on the chemical. Ideally companies shouldnt be putting these chemicals in products in the first place, doctors say who support a more all-encompassing approach.

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