WASHINGTON – Black women still face disproportionately higher health risks with the toxicity of personal care products marketed to them,a new Environmental Working Group analysis finds, almost a decade after EWG’s landmark 2016 report, which revealed similar disparities.
The updated analysis, co-authored by Kristian Edwards, DrPH, founder ofBLK + GRN, evaluated more than4,000 products marketed to Black women. Almost 80 percent were rated moderate to high hazard in EWG’sSkin Deep® cosmetics database, underscoring a persistent gap in product safety compared to products marketed without demographic targeting.
"Nearly a decade after our first report, Black women are still being exposed to higher hazards in personal care products," saidAlexa Friedman, Ph.D., EWG senior scientist.
"The cosmetics industry continues to fail consumers by not ensuring safer products. No one should have to worry that their daily beauty routine is putting their health at risk – low-hazard products should be available to everyone,” she said.
Despite some improvements since 2016, Black women still have limited access to low-hazard personal care options.
"After I read the 2016 report, I founded BLK + GRN, an ecosystem with a curated marketplace of toxic-free personal care products by Black women entrepreneurs,” said Dr. Edwards. “The 2025 report makes it clear that consumer awareness is still required to ensure Black women aren't exposed to hazardous chemicals in personal care products."
Health risks linked to hazardous ingredients
The analysis reveals that the use of some hazardous ingredients likeparabens in personal care products has decreased.
But it also found a 6.4 percent increase in the use of undisclosed “fragrance” chemicals in products marketed to Black women from 2016 to 2025. Fragrance mixtures can contain hundreds of chemicals, some of which may trigger allergic reactions, wheezing, headaches and skin irritation. Some of these ingredients mimic estrogen and have been linked to hormone disruption, thyroid issues and other health risks, making nondisclosure a serious concern.
Some disclosed fragrance ingredients, likelilial, have been banned in the European Union because they can harm fertility. TheEU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety found that using multiple products that contain lilial at the same time can harm health, as it can disrupt hormones and affect fetal development.
“Studies show that repeated exposure to mixtures of chemicals can pose far greater health risks than exposure to a single ingredient,” said Friedman. “People are exposed tocomplex mixtures of ingredients that can disrupt hormones, interfere with fertility and increase the risk of cancers and other serious issues.
“The beauty industry has failed to address this toxic burden, leaving women - especially Black women - to bear the brunt of these ongoing, potentially toxic exposures,” she said.
Quaternary ammonium compounds, orquats, found in hair conditioners and other products have been linked to skin irritation, asthma and potential reproductive harm.
Preservatives like isothiazolinones and formaldehyde-releasers used in cosmetics can cause lung toxicity and expose consumers to formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.
Notably, some of the ingredients in products such as hair relaxers and dyes are associated with increased risks of breast and uterine cancers in Black women.
Focus on state cosmetics laws
This report comes amid increasing concerns over the Food and Drug Administration’s continueddelay of a proposed ban on formaldehyde in hair straightening products.
Formaldehyde, a known human carcinogen, has long been used in many chemical hair relaxers disproportionately marketed to Black women. Despite strong evidence linking formaldehyde exposure to severe health risks, including certain cancers and respiratory issues, the FDA has yet to finalize its ban, leaving consumers exposed to unnecessary dangers.
"The federal government has failed to prioritize women’s health – especially Black women’s health – by allowing hazardous chemicals to remain in the beauty products marketed to them," saidMelanie Benesh, EWG vice president for government affairs.
"The FDA has known for more than a decade that formaldehyde in hair straighteners poses serious health risks. Thankfully, states are stepping up to do what the federal government has not, setting a critical precedent of accountability in the beauty industry and protecting consumers from hazardous chemicals,” she said.
California led the way with its2020 Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, banning 24 harmful chemicals, including formaldehyde, from cosmetics starting on January 1, 2025.Maryland followed with a similar law in 2021.Oregon andWashington in 2023 enacted their own bans on ingredients in personal care products, like the“forever chemicals” known as PFAS, mercury and formaldehyde releasers. The laws take effect in 2027 and 2026 respectively.
These state-level efforts mark critical progress in holding the beauty industry accountable and reducing toxic exposure, especially for Black women who are disproportionately affected.
Look for lower hazard products
EWG’s updated report emphasizes the need for increased consumer awareness tobridge the safety gap in personal care products marketed to Black women.
Until federal protections improve, consumers can choose products bearing theEWG Verified® mark, which are free from chemicals of concern and meet EWG’s strictest standards for health. They can also use the Skin Deep database to help make more informed choices.
“Consumers looking to reduce their exposure to harmful ingredients can use the Skin Deep database to find safer alternatives free from chemicals like lilial, quats and undisclosed fragrance,” saidHong Lin, EWG scientist.
“For convenience on the go, shoppers can downloadEWG’s Healthy Living App to easily access product ratings and ingredient safety information at their fingertips,” she said.
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The Environmental Working Group is a nonprofit, non-partisan organization that empowers people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment. Through research, advocacy and unique education tools, EWG drives consumer choice and civic action.
BLK + GRN is an ecosystem dedicated to empowering Black women to live healthier, more intentional lives. Through education, advocacy, and a curated marketplace of toxic-free products by Black artisans, we provide the tools and resources needed for holistic well-being.
