This article explores the growing concern over the presence of harmful chemicals in American-made beauty and personal care products. FDA’s regulatory approach has been criticized for allowing the continued use of these chemicals in products like shampoo, sunscreen, and tampons, which are banned or restricted in many countries. Although federal law does not require companies to disclose potentially harmful ingredients, California has implemented limited transparency rules. This lack of oversight has led to an increasing number of consumers using applications to identify harmful ingredients in their products.
Tiah Tomlin-Harris, a two-time survivor of triple-negative breast cancer, began questioning the safety of personal care products after her diagnosis. She started researching and discovered the widespread use of harmful chemicals in commonly used products. Her experience led to a broader awareness about the dangers of these products, particularly affecting women of color.
Advocacy groups and health experts have pointed out that the current regulatory framework in the U.S. falls short compared to the stricter regulations in places like the European Union. The FDA has recently announced plans to review the chemical inventory in the food supply to potentially improve safety, but this has not addressed the gaps in cosmetic safety regulations. These efforts suggest a shift but do not yet match the level of vigilance seen in other regions. The issue is significant, as it affects not only individual health but also societal and public health outcomes.