Popular Hair Care Products For Black Women Contain Harmful Chemicals, Are Less Regulated

A study published in Environmental Research  said there are toxic chemicals in 18 commonly used hair care products for black women in the U.S. that can cause cancer and other illnesses.

The study found 66 toxic chemicals in products like hair relaxers, anti-frizz products, and root stimulators.

The 2016 study  said toxic chemicals found in certain hair care products cause cancer, hormonal imbalances, and low fertility.

They can cause other issues like early puberty, pre-term birth, obesity, and heart problems. The body absorbs the chemicals by inhaling or direct contact with the skin.

Black women and children have a higher concentration of the listed chemicals in their bodies, more than white or hispanic women.

Companies that make the hair products may not list the toxic ingredients on the labels. They use vague terms like “fragrances” which can mislead consumers.

Some of the more frequent toxic chemicals found in hair products are cyclosiloxanes, parabens, and the fragrance marker diethyl phthalate (DEP) at the highest levels.

The study found five chemicals regulated in California’s Proposition 65 or prohibited by EU cosmetics regulation in children’s hair relaxers. These chemicals cause asthma.

Educating consumers on the risks associated with using products that contain harmful chemicals is the goal of the study. Better testing and labeling is needed to ensure companies list all ingredients in the products.

The study did not list the hair products tested.

Here is the link to read the full article. ScienceDirect.com

Knowledge is power and health is wealth.