A new study reveals that personal care products used daily by many Black and Latina women contain formaldehyde, a known cancer-causing chemical. Conducted by the Silent Spring Institute, the research found that 53% of participants used at least one product with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
The study, based in Los Angeles, tracked 70 women who documented their use of shampoos, lotions, body soaps, and even eyelash glue. Researchers discovered formaldehyde in 47% of skin care products and 58% of hair products reported. “We found that this isn’t just about hair straighteners,” said lead author Robin Dodson, ScD. “These chemicals are in products we use all the time, all over our bodies.”
Formaldehyde, a colorless gas, has been linked to breathing problems, allergic reactions, and cancers such as myeloid leukemia and uterine cancer. Despite its dangers, it remains present in many beauty products, including 12 lotions from Bath & Body Works cited in the study.
The issue is compounded by the difficulty consumers face in identifying harmful ingredients. “They have long, weird, funny names, and they typically don’t have the word formaldehyde in them,” Dodson explained. This makes it harder for women to avoid exposure, especially when these products are marketed specifically to communities of color.
While the FDA proposed a ban on formaldehyde in hair products in 2023, it has yet to be enacted. In the meantime, advocates urge better labeling and safer alternatives to protect vulnerable populations.
See: “Black and Latina Women Use Personal Care Products With Cancer-Causing Formaldehyde” (May 21, 2025)