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Cancer-linked chemicals found in widely used skincare, haircare products
Titled 'Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasing Preservatives in Personal Care Products Used by Black Women and Latinas,' the study found that over half the women involved had used at least one product with these harmful ingredients, often daily.
What exactly did the study find?
The study was conducted with 70 Black and Latina women in South Los Angeles. The participants used a dedicated app to log over 1,100 personal care products they used during a one-week period.
Key findings include:
Why is formaldehyde in beauty products a concern?
Formaldehyde is classified as a known human carcinogen by global health authorities, including the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It's associated with cancers of the nasopharynx, sinuses, and certain types of blood cancers.
Beyond cancer, exposure can also trigger skin irritation and allergic reactions, with studies suggesting about 8–9 per cent of people may be sensitive to formaldehyde-releasing chemicals.
Which types of products are most affected?
The study found formaldehyde or FRPs in a wide range of products:
Lotions (including many from major brands like Bath & Body Works)
Shampoos and hair conditioners
Body soaps and gels
Leave-in hair products
Eyelash glues and cosmetics
While previous concerns focused mostly on hair-straightening treatments, this study shows the threat extends to everyday essentials, many of which are applied on large areas of the body or near sensitive areas like the eyes and scalp.
How to identify these chemicals
Consumers face difficulty in identifying these chemicals, as they often appear under complex names that don't include 'formaldehyde.' Look out for terms like:
DMDM hydantoin
Diazolidinyl urea
Imidazolidinyl urea
How can you protect yourself?
Here's what you can do:
Read ingredient lists carefully, even if those are hard to decipher
Prefer brands that transparently disclose all ingredients and avoid known carcinogens
The study showed that formaldehyde and its chemical cousins are not just in niche or salon-grade treatments—they are in the everyday personal care items many of us use without a second thought. As consumers, we can start by reading labels and supporting brands committed to safer formulations. But the real change must come from stronger regulations and transparency from manufacturers. Because everyone deserves access to personal care products that are truly safe.
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