Key Takeaways
- Toxic chemicals have been found in many types of cosmetics, from haircare products to makeup, skincare, and more.
- Historically the FDA has had little control and oversight over the safety of cosmetics in the U.S. However, recent legislation is starting to change that.
- People who have been injured after using toxic cosmetic products may be able to pursue compensation through legal action.
Most people use cosmetics in order to practice self-care, improve their health, protect themselves from issues like acne and aging, and make themselves feel their best. However, when these routines include cosmetic products with toxic chemicals, the results can be devastating.
Toxic cosmetics lawsuits are one way of holding manufacturers accountable for the harm they cause to consumers when they fail to properly label, test, or recall their products. If you believe you may have a potential case, contact the toxic cosmetic lawyers at Chiappetta Trial Lawyers today. Proving the harm done by toxic cosmetics can be an uphill battle, but with our consumer product attorneys by your side, it is not one you have to fight alone.
Harmful Chemicals In Cosmetics
Have you been injured by cosmetic chemicals? If you are experiencing side effects like a chemical burn from cosmetics, painful rashes from makeup, hair loss from shampoos, and more, you may have cause for concern. These kinds of adverse effects are sadly the tip of the iceberg. Certain chemicals found in cosmetics have been linked to various types of cancers, rare blood disorders, endocrine disruptions, hormonal changes, and more. Some chemicals used in cosmetics are safe, stable, and necessary to prevent bacterial growth or decay. But others can cause health risks that can last a lifetime.
Chemicals in cosmetics to avoid include:
Benzene
Why is it harmful?
Benzene in dry shampoo has been linked to life-threatening blood disorders and cancers as well as anemia. It poses an inhalation risk as well as absorption risk to users, with some studies finding that benzene may build up in the packaging around certain benzoyl peroxide products.
Where is it found?
Benzene is commonly found in aerosolized sprays such as dry shampoos, deodorants, and sunscreens. It has also been detected at high levels in benzoyl peroxide creams and soaps used to treat acne, including in those manufactured by brands like Estée Lauder, Clinique, Target and in topicals like Proactiv and Clearasil.
Butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA)
Why is it harmful?
BHA is used as a stabilizer in not only cosmetics, but also certain foods. Butylated compounds like BHA and BHT have been linked to endocrine disruptions. The Environment Canada Domestic Substance List classifies BHA as a high priority to human health risk, and notes that BHT can be cytotoxic even at low doses to the kidneys and dangerous to the lungs in mammals.
Where is it found?
BHA is often used in lipstick and eyeshadows in order to act as a preservative and stabilize fats.
Ethanolamines (including DEA)
Why is it harmful?
The European Commission already prohibits DEA in cosmetics, deeming it a carcinogenic risk. DEA can react with other preservatives that break down nitrogen in order to form the carcinogen N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA), which is absorbed through the skin.
Where is it found?
DEA is found in soaps, shampoos, cleaning agents, eyeliner, mascara, blush, lotions, foundations, sunscreens, and many more household products. Studies show that anywhere from 52-68% of DEA found in hair dyes, shampoos and body lotions remain on the skin after exposure.
Formaldehyde
Why is it harmful?
Allergic reactions to formaldehyde are well-documented, even when formaldehyde is not listed as an ingredient in certain cosmetics. Formaldehyde can also cause cancer, such as nasopharyngeal cancer and leukemia.
Where is it found?
Formaldehyde is used to preserve some foods, paper, plywoods, and even bodies of the recently deceased. In cosmetics, it is used to inhibit the growth of bacteria and lengthen the shelf life of products. Formaldehyde is often found in hair care products, especially in straightening balms and keratin treatments marketed to women of color. The American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology points out that women of color, especially Black women, are disproportionately exposed to toxic chemicals like formaldehyde when compared to white women.
Fragrance
Why is it harmful?
Have you ever wondered just what makes up “fragrance” on a label? If so, you’re not alone. Many of the over 3,000 chemicals that qualify as “fragrance” from the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) have been linked to cancer, reproductive and developmental toxicity, allergies, migraines, and asthma.
Where is it found?
Fragrance is found in almost every cosmetic you can imagine, although not every additive is harmful. More transparent labeling might allow customers to know what they are exposing their bodies to every time they reach for a favorite shampoo, soap, sunscreen, toner, serum, body wash, deodorant, lotion, or perfume.
Heavy Metals (Including Lead, Arsenic, and Mercury)
Why is it harmful?
Lead and heavy metals are toxic to humans, and have been linked to reduced fertility, learning impairments, delayed onset of puberty in children and teens, language and behavioral issues, and other serious side effects. Lead poisoning is cumulative. One particular risk is swallowing small amounts of lipstick containing lead regularly.
Where is it found?
Lead in makeup was common in the 18th century, when Victorian women would use it to lighten their complexions to give them the “tubercular beauty” look. Unfortunately, it is not unheard of today to still find lead in makeup, despite both the World Health Organization and Centers for Disease Control agreeing that there is no safe amount of lead for cosmetics. A study from the Washington State Department of Ecology found lead at concentrations greater than 1 ppm in two powder foundations and one lipstick that they tested in 2023.
Parabens
Why is it harmful?
Parabens are not water soluble, can be absorbed through the skin layer as well as through blood vessels and the digestive system. Parabens have been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, and have been found to affect estrogen and testosterone levels. Parabens have also been associated with the development of malignant melanomas.
Where is it found?
Parabens cover a wide variety of chemicals, including ethylparaben, butylparaben, isobutylparaben, isopropylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. They are most commonly found in shower and bath products such as shampoos, soaps, body washes, bubble baths, and conditioners, as they inhibit the growth of bacteria in a wet environment.
PFAs
Why is it harmful?
The CDC has linked some PFAs to liver and kidney problems as well as developmental and reproductive harm. Because PFAs are applied directly to the skin in cosmetics, the risk for harmful absorption increases.
Where is it found?
PFAs in makeup are especially common in waterproof products, such as eyeliners and mascaras.
P-phenylenediamine
Why is it harmful?
P-phenylenediamine haș a high correlation with allergic reactions as well as with bladder cancer, renal failure, and organ distress. According to a German study, it is the fifth most commonly found skin allergen. It has the capacity to mutate cells and DNA.
Where is it found?
P-phenylenediamine is found in many hair dyes. It reacts with hydrogen peroxide to form a permanent color.
Phthalates
Why is it harmful?
Phthalates have been linked to endocrine disruption as well as reproductive harm. Male infertility is particularly linked to phthalates exposure. Studies have shown a correlation between childhood exposure to phthalates and cancer. Phthalates exposure may also make the treatment of tumors less likely to succeed.
Where is it found?
Despite being banned across the European Union, phthalates are still prevalent in U.S. cosmetics, like scented lotions, hair care, and nail polish. Phthalates can legally be added to fragrance without disclosure to consumers in the United States.
Talc
Why is it harmful?
Talc in makeup is one of the leading causes of asbestos in makeup. Asbestos is carcinogenic and can lead to severe respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and lung cancer.
Where is it found?
Talc is used as an anti-caking agent in many cosmetics, from deodorant to eyeshadows. Feminine hygiene products that contain talc have been linked to ovarian cancer and reproductive harm.
Toluene
Why is it harmful?
Dizziness, skin damage, headaches, and respiratory damage are all associated with repeated exposure to toluene.
Where is it found?
Nail polishes and nail care products often contain toluene. Nail salon workers are especially at risk for side effects.
Triclosan
Why is it harmful?
Triclosan not only leads to proliferation of so-called “super-bacteria” but can also cause endocrine system harm in humans and disruption of healthy thyroid activity.
Where is it found?
Triclosan is an anti-microbial chemical often found in soaps, skincare, wipes, cleaners, and detergent. Unfortunately, in the effort to disinfect, widespread exposure to triclosan has occurred across the US population. A CDC study detected triclosan in the urine of 75% of Americans sampled.
Banned Chemicals in Cosmetics
Even with what scientists know now, very few of the previous chemicals mentioned are banned in United States cosmetics. Cosmetics with toxic chemicals may very well be in your medicine cabinet.
Even with what scientists know now, very few of the previous chemicals mentioned are banned in United States cosmetics. Cosmetics with toxic chemicals may very well be in your medicine cabinet.
FDA cosmetic regulations are still evolving with the passage of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA). MoCRA gives the FDA more authority over cosmetics safety, including recalls and labeling. Previously, the FDA had little authority over cosmetic safety in the United States.
Additionally, some states like California have proposed laws that would ban harmful chemicals from being sold to consumers in cosmetics, or at least require consumers to be warned. One example is the California Safe Cosmetics Act List of Chemicals, which created a database of known dangerous ingredients, as well as requires manufacturers to inform consumers about additives.
How to Check Chemicals in Your Cosmetics
It can be difficult to find cosmetics without harmful chemicals, since not every ingredient has to be listed under current FDA guidelines. Common chemicals in cosmetics can be disguised under the umbrella of “fragrance.” Even some products that claim to be “all natural” may still expose harmful ingredients.
To check chemicals in cosmetics, it is important to look both online as well as at the product label. Some states offer databases of publicly available information, and many publications now offer clean beauty routine suggestions for finding non-toxic makeup.
What to Do if Your Cosmetics Have Toxic Chemicals
If you are concerned about an adverse reaction from a product, immediately stop using it. If you have any health symptoms, contact your doctor first, and consider bringing them the product as well as the packaging. You may also be able to report the issue to the manufacturer as well as the FDA.
If you run into problems doing so, or if you want to follow up on your claim, reach out to a product liability lawyer. At Chiappetta Trial Lawyers, we can advise you about whether or not you may have a defective products case, as well as how to proceed if so.
How to Create a Cleaner Beauty Routine
If you’re trying to avoid the ‘dirty dozen chemicals’ in cosmetics as well as other health risks, this list may be able to help. To create a clean beauty routine, consider the following steps:
- Look for third-party certifications when buying products: A third-party certification is not a guarantee, but some retailers offer additional scrutiny for the brands that they carry that can save you time and headaches—sometimes literally. One example to look for is the Clean certification at Sephora.
- Look at the ingredients list when purchasing products: Don’t purchase toxic makeup in the first place whenever you can avoid it. Keep a list on your phone of common safety risks, and review the packaging before you buy to see if you spot any forever chemicals or other concerns.
- Review cosmetic safety databases: Resources like EWG’s Skin Deep database can help you check chemicals in cosmetics.
- Be careful of where you put harmful chemicals on your body: Some areas of the body are more at risk for adverse health consequences than others. For instance, applying talc to the pelvic area is never recommended, even with “asbestos-free” products. The underarms and other areas close to lymph nodes also pose a greater risk for absorption.
- Remember that less is more: Makeup chemicals are simply not regulated the way that they should be in order to ensure consumer safety. Because of this, the fewer products you use on your skin, the better off you may be. While you should never skip options like sunscreen when outdoors, you may be able to reduce the steps in your skin care routine and actually create a healthier pattern for yourself and your family.
- Support clean beauty companies: When you can, try to purchase ethically made cosmetics that certify they do not use certain toxic chemicals, like PFAs and phthalates.
Injured from Cosmetic Chemicals? Contact a Toxic Chemicals Lawyers
Harmful chemicals found in cosmetics can create a very serious danger for consumers. If you believe your illness or injury was caused by an unsafe cosmetic product, contact a toxic cosmetics lawyer at Chiappetta Trial Lawyers. No one should have to suffer the consequences of an unsafe product alone. If your circumstances qualify for a lawsuit, our consumer protection attorneys can fight for your rights by helping you file a product liability lawsuit. Find out how we may be able to help you today by scheduling a free legal consultation.
