By Adetayo Adetokun
Beauty and self-care products are an integral part of daily life for millions of women, offering confidence, self-expression, and a sense of well-being. However, behind the attractive packaging and soothing fragrances, many of these products contain harmful chemicals that pose significant health risks. Ingredients like phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde, commonly found in cosmetics, shampoos, lotions, and even feminine hygiene products, have been linked to hormone disruption, skin irritation, and long-term health issues, including reproductive problems and cancer. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) reports that 75% of personal care products contain at least one ingredient associated with adverse health effects, yet many consumers remain unaware of these dangers.
The widespread use of toxic chemicals in beauty and personal care products not only threatens individual health but also undermines global efforts to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, these chemicals are barriers to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production). Women are often disproportionately affected by the harmful effects of these chemicals, making it even more crucial to raise awareness and push for safer, more sustainable alternatives. By understanding the risks and choosing healthier products, we can protect both our health and contribute to a more sustainable and equitable world.
Why These Chemicals Matter for Women’s Health
As a physician, it is crucial to understand the profound impact that everyday products can have on women’s health, particularly when these products contain harmful chemicals. Many personal care and beauty items—such as hair relaxers, cosmetics, and hygiene products—are laden with endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) that interfere with the body’s hormonal systems. This disruption can lead to a range of health issues, from fertility problems to an increased risk of cancers, particularly breast and ovarian cancer. As women are often more frequent consumers of these products, they are disproportionately impacted by these hidden dangers.
Research has shown that chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, and bisphenol A (BPA) are not just contaminants but are actively linked to health risks. For instance, a study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that phthalates, which are commonly used in fragrances and hair products, can interfere with estrogen and other hormones, leading to reproductive health problems in women, including reduced fertility and an increased risk of miscarriage (Environmental Health Perspectives, 2008, Phthalates and Reproductive Health). Similarly, parabens, which are used as preservatives in cosmetics, have been shown to accumulate in the body and are linked to breast cancer (National Institutes of Health, 2011, Parabens and Breast Cancer). Additionally, a 2020 study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism highlighted the role of BPA, commonly found in plastic containers and certain cosmetics, in disrupting endocrine functions and increasing the risk of metabolic diseases, obesity, and reproductive issues in women (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2020, BPA and Metabolic Disorders).
Formaldehyde, another chemical found in hair straightening treatments and some cosmetics, has been classified as a human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), with long-term exposure increasing the risk of leukemia and nasal cancer (National Cancer Institute, 2017, Formaldehyde and Cancer Risks). Lastly, mercury, found in some skin-lightening creams, is not only toxic to the skin but can also damage the kidneys and nervous system, especially with prolonged exposure (National Institutes of Health, 2012, Mercury in Skin-Lightening Creams).
These studies emphasize the need for increased awareness and caution when selecting personal care products. Women, as primary consumers of these items, must be aware of the potential long-term effects these chemicals may have on their health and well-being. By prioritizing safer, chemical-free alternatives, we can take proactive steps to protect women’s health and reduce the incidence of hormone-related diseases.
Impact on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The harmful chemicals found in everyday products have far-reaching consequences that extend beyond individual health, impacting broader global goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, the following SDGs are directly affected:
SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
Chemicals like phthalates, parabens, and formaldehyde contribute to health issues such as hormonal imbalances, reproductive health problems, and cancers, undermining efforts to ensure healthy lives for all. Exposure to these toxins also increases the burden of chronic diseases, putting additional strain on healthcare systems.
SDG 5: Gender Equality
Women are disproportionately affected by these harmful chemicals, as they tend to use personal care and beauty products more frequently. The reproductive and hormonal health issues associated with these chemicals exacerbate gender inequalities by limiting women’s access to health, employment, and educational opportunities due to illness or disability.
SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
Some of these chemicals, like mercury, are not only harmful to humans but also contaminate water sources. When they enter waterways through waste products, they pose significant risks to aquatic life and disrupt ecosystems, jeopardizing access to clean and safe water.
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
The widespread use of harmful chemicals in personal care products contributes to unsustainable consumption patterns. By using products with toxic ingredients, consumers unknowingly perpetuate a cycle of environmental harm. This highlights the need for a shift toward safer, more sustainable products and responsible consumption practices.
SDG 13: Climate Action
The production of many of these chemicals contributes to pollution, which can exacerbate climate change. Chemicals like BPA and phthalates are produced through processes that often release greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, further contributing to global warming.
Addressing these harmful chemicals is crucial not only for improving individual health but also for advancing the SDGs, particularly in promoting public health, environmental sustainability, and gender equality. By making informed choices and advocating for safer products, we can help foster a more sustainable and healthy future for all.
Holding People Accountable
Advocating for safer, sustainable products for women involves a multifaceted approach that centers around raising awareness, demanding transparency, and holding manufacturers, governments, and regulatory bodies accountable. Here are key strategies to achieve this:
Educating Consumers and Empowering Choices
One of the most powerful tools in advocating for safer products is consumer education. By raising awareness about the harmful chemicals present in common products and their effects on women’s health, we can encourage consumers to make more informed choices. Supporting organizations and campaigns that promote eco-friendly, non-toxic alternatives helps shift demand toward safer products.
Demanding Transparency from Manufacturers
We can push companies to be transparent about the ingredients in their products. Regulatory bodies should require clear labeling, so consumers are well-informed about what they are using. Transparency also involves companies publishing their supply chain practices and providing evidence of safer, more sustainable sourcing.
Supporting Regulatory Changes
Advocacy groups and concerned citizens should lobby for stricter regulations and enforcement around the use of toxic chemicals in consumer products. Governments can be urged to implement and enforce bans or restrictions on hazardous ingredients, as well as incentivize the development of safer alternatives. This includes advocating for regulations like the European Union’s REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals) legislation that holds companies accountable for the safety of their products.
Holding Corporations Legally Accountable
Holding companies legally accountable for harmful products is essential. Consumers can demand justice through collective action such as lawsuits, petitions, and even organizing boycotts of companies that continue to use toxic chemicals in their products. Additionally, supporting and amplifying consumer lawsuits that challenge companies on unsafe practices creates a precedent for future legal actions.
Collaborating with Advocacy Organizations
Working alongside environmental and public health advocacy groups can amplify our voices. Organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, and Women’s Voices for the Earth are already leading the charge in advocating for safer beauty and personal care products. By supporting these organizations, volunteering, or amplifying their messages, individuals can contribute to larger campaigns focused on product safety.
Leveraging Social Media and Public Awareness Campaigns
Social media is a powerful tool for spreading awareness about harmful chemicals in women’s products. By sharing information, participating in awareness campaigns, and calling out brands that use unsafe chemicals, we can amplify pressure on companies to reformulate their products. Public advocacy can influence companies’ reputation, forcing them to reconsider their practices in order to retain consumer trust.
Promoting Sustainable Business Models
Advocate for companies that prioritize sustainability and safety in their product development. By supporting businesses that are committed to using natural, non-toxic ingredients and eco-friendly packaging, we can create a market shift that values safety and sustainability over profit margins. Encouraging innovation in safer production methods can also lead to industry-wide changes.
By holding manufacturers accountable, demanding better regulatory oversight, and fostering public awareness, we can work toward a future where women’s health is prioritized and safer, more sustainable products become the norm. Advocating for change, while challenging harmful practices, is essential in ensuring a healthier world for women and future generations.
Empowering Change for a Healthier Future
The toxic chemicals hidden in everyday products not only jeopardize women’s health but also pose broader environmental and societal risks. From hormone disruption to cancer, the impact of these harmful substances extends far beyond personal well-being, threatening the achievement of key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) such as good health, gender equality, and responsible consumption. However, by educating consumers, demanding transparency, and holding both manufacturers and governments accountable, we can pave the way for safer, more sustainable products.
At Shades of Us, we are dedicated to advocating for the health and well-being of marginalized communities, particularly women. As we work toward a world where every woman has access to safe, non-toxic products, we recognize the importance of addressing the harmful chemicals that disproportionately affect women of color and those from low-income backgrounds. These communities often face greater exposure to unsafe products due to limited access to healthier alternatives, making this advocacy even more vital.
The power lies in collective action. As we advocate for regulatory reforms, support safer alternatives, and raise awareness, we can drive a shift toward a future where products enhance, rather than harm, women’s health and the environment. This is not just an individual responsibility but a societal one, requiring collaboration across industries, policymakers, and communities. By making informed choices and advocating for change, we can ensure that future generations of women live in a world that values their health, well-being, and the planet. Together, we can demand a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future.
