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As if it wasn't already a challenge that makeup brands rarely provide a sufficient range of shades for women of color, a recent review revealed that these women also face the highest risks of harmful chemical exposure from beauty products.
The study, titled The Environmental Injustice of Beauty, highlights a familiar method of assessing chemical exposure based on location—such as proximity to a polluting factory or a busy road. However, people of color are often in these high-risk areas and are also the primary consumers of beauty products containing potentially hazardous ingredients. These are the worst offenders:
Mercury-Containing Face Creams
Skin lightening creams, which are often marketed as solutions for 'spot correction' or 'blemishes', may contain mercury. While the FDA regulates mercury levels in domestic products, creams imported from abroad (whether smuggled or sold illegally) may contain dangerously high mercury concentrations.
For instance, a study traced a woman's high mercury exposure in California to a face cream purchased in Mexico. Similarly, a mercury exposure study in New York City found that Dominicans who used face lightening creams had the highest mercury levels in their urine. The researchers also discovered 12 imported products being sold illegally in local stores despite their high mercury content.
Indeed, mercury poisoning is linked to beauty products containing mercury. This exposure can harm the kidneys and nervous system, and if you're pregnant, mercury in your body can interfere with your baby's development, particularly brain development.
These mercury-laden creams are often marketed directly to women with darker skin, using advertising that promotes the idea that lighter skin makes one more attractive and professional. Not only do these products place women of color at risk because of their skin color, but they also propagate a colorist and racist narrative.
Hair Relaxers Containing Endocrine Disruptors
Hair relaxers, straighteners, and other similar products often contain ingredients that either mimic or are composed of estrogen. For example, animal placenta, which is said to nourish skin and hair, also contains estrogen and other hormones. Parabens, commonly used as preservatives, can also act as estrogen mimics in the body.
While there is no conclusive proof linking these ingredients to health issues, the FDA currently deems parabens in cosmetics as safe, albeit under continued surveillance for emerging research. Nevertheless, there is some suggestive evidence—though not definitive—that associates breast cancer with African-American women's use of hair products, particularly those containing estrogen.
Black women tend to use hair straighteners more frequently than white women and also use a greater variety of hair products. This pattern is partly influenced by societal norms and expectations that smooth, straight hair is seen as more professional or attractive.
Feminine hygiene products such as douches have been a subject of concern.
This issue also disproportionately impacts black women, primarily due to harmful stereotypes and advertising campaigns that painted them as unhygienic. Even now, black women continue to use douches, wipes, and talcum powder more often than white women, especially in genital areas.
These products may be linked to cancer and other health issues. While studies on the connection between talc use and ovarian cancer are inconclusive, research suggests that women who use douches have higher levels of phthalates in their system, though there is no clear evidence linking phthalates to cancer or other health concerns.
Beyond the chemical concerns, douching isn't beneficial for your health. It disrupts the natural bacteria that reside in your vagina, potentially causing irritation or infections.
It's easier said than done to stop using these products, especially if you've grown accustomed to them. The chemicals that may be harmful are not always listed clearly on labels, making it difficult to figure out what's safe. In the grand scheme, the risks might simply be tied to the quantity and variety of products used, particularly among women of color.
On a broader scale, these products are commonly used by women of color due to ingrained racist perceptions of what is considered beautiful, professional, or acceptable. For instance, skin lightening creams will persist as long as the preference for lighter skin continues.
