Many beauty products sold to African-American women contain dangerous chemicals.
(Mirror Daily, United States) – Scientists from the Environmental Working Group conducted a study during which they discovered that one in twelve beauty products sold to African-American women across the country contains dangerous ingredients.
The team analyzed over 1,100 products manufactured for black women. The products were also sold in the areas of the Caribbean. Less than 25 percent of these products scored “low” on the hazard scale.
On the other hand, 40 percent of products sold to all women were classified as low-risk. Based on the report, the most dangerous beauty products were hair colors, bleaching products, and hair relaxers.
The scientists said that the toxic ingredients could cause allergies, reproductive and developmental damage, hormone disruption, and cancer. According to Nneka Leiba, research deputy director at the Environmental Working Group, black women have just a few healthy options when it comes to choosing beauty products.
Leiba explains that hair dyes contain formaldehyde, a toxic chemical which increases the risk of cancer. Also, this ingredient is used in various beauty products. This is the first time when scientists focus on finding out how dangerous beauty products can be.
The study findings were added to the Skin Deep database which includes info on the potential harms and safety of over 64,000 beauty products. According to the statistics, products designed for African-American women make up for roughly 22 percent of all cosmetic products on the market.
Paul Pestano, one of the co-authors of the survey, says that the organization received many emails related to information on beauty products designed for black women, meaning that people are concerned about the effects of these personal care products.
During the study, researchers analyzed 1,177 products, including moisturizers, sunscreens, hair products, makeup, bar soaps, and deodorants. In addition, some baby and men’s products were included too, such as shaving creams, baby lotions, and styling gels.
Plus, scientists found that sun-protective makeup, foundations, concealers, lipsticks, bleaching products, hair colors, and hair relaxers were very toxic as well. As the hazard scale runs from one to ten based on the ingredients, fifteen hair relaxers scored a median of 8.1. Experts stress that these beauty products should be avoided as much as possible.
The team hopes that customers will check their Skin Deep database to find out more about these personal care products before purchasing them.
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