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Is Your Beauty Killing You?
Nearly 80% of beauty products for Black women contain toxic ingredients. From beauty aisles to healthcare, systemic change is needed for true safety.
Dale Harris
March 04, 2025
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Happy Fat Tuesday, BFA Fam! The Oscars are over, and while Hollywood celebrates its winners, we’re still wondering how Allies got snubbed. Fat Tuesday is here, so let’s indulge in something even better—award-worthy drama, no tux required. Watch Episode 1 now and judge for yourself.
MAIN STORY
Why Are Black Women’s Beauty Products More Toxic?
Beauty should empower, not endanger. But for Black women, the personal care industry has long been a double-edged sword—offering products that cater to their unique needs while exposing them to harmful chemicals at alarming rates.
A new study by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) and BLK + GRN found that nearly 80% of beauty and personal care products marketed to Black women contain at least one toxic ingredient. These aren’t just minor irritants—many of these chemicals have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and other long-term health risks.
From hair relaxers to lotions and sunscreens, the study revealed a troubling list of ingredients found in products heavily marketed to Black women:
Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives – Known carcinogens that can trigger skin irritation.
Isothiazolinones – Chemicals linked to severe allergic reactions.
Undisclosed fragrance chemicals – A vague label that can include over 300 potentially harmful ingredients, some tied to cancer and hormone disruption.
Hair relaxers and semi-permanent dyes were among the worst offenders, raising concerns about long-term exposure and its connection to serious health disparities.
These findings echo a larger pattern of health disparities that disproportionately impact Black women—one that extends beyond beauty products and into life-or-death medical outcomes.
Take breast cancer, for example. Black women are dying at a rate 41% higher than white women for the same diagnosis. Ricki Fairley, CEO of Touch, The Black Breast Cancer Alliance, is fighting to change that. Through the When We Tri(al) initiative, she’s advocating for increased Black participation in breast cancer clinical trials, ensuring life-saving treatments are tested on and accessible to those most at risk.
“We cannot afford to sit back,” Fairley said during a recent panel discussion moderated by journalist April Ryan. Lack of representation in clinical trials has real, devastating consequences. Just like in beauty, the products and treatments designed for the masses often don’t account for the unique needs of Black women.
What Needs to Change?
Whether in beauty aisles or hospitals, Black women deserve better. Safer products, stricter regulations, and greater transparency from manufacturers and medical institutions alike are crucial to closing these gaps.
In the meantime, here’s what you can do:
✅ Check ingredient labels
✅ Advocate for change
✅ Get involved
The beauty industry must do better, but real change requires both consumer action and systemic reform. Until then, the fight for beauty justice continues.
CAST YOUR VOTE
What do you think is the biggest barrier to safer beauty products for Black women? |
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ARTIST SPOTLIGHT
Allies, Ep. 1 ‘Times Up’
If you're a fan of intense drama, captivating stories, and crime thrillers with substance, this show is your next binge-worthy pick. The first episode kicks off with a bang, introducing a world filled with betrayal, strategic power plays, and tough decisions. This isn't just any crime series—it's a true cinematic journey. Tune in now to discover why everyone can't stop talking about it!
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