Presence of Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives in Personal Care Products Popular Among Black and Latina Women

Recent research has revealed that many personal care products frequently used by Black and Latina women contain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. This discovery raises significant health concerns, especially considering formaldehyde’s known carcinogenic properties. The study, carried out in South Los Angeles, found that over half of the women surveyed reported regular use of products with these chemicals.

Formaldehyde is commonly added to personal care items like shampoos, lotions, body soaps, and eyelash adhesives to prolong shelf life. Manufacturers often use preservatives such as DMDM hydantoin, which emit formaldehyde gradually over time, mimicking the effects of direct formaldehyde application. These chemicals are present in many products that women apply daily or multiple times weekly.

The investigation involved 70 women who tracked their product usage over several days through a specially developed smartphone app, which also prompted them to photograph product labels. Using optical recognition technology, researchers analyzed over 1,100 products for formaldehyde-related preservatives. The results showed that 53% of participants used products with such preservatives, with DMDM hydantoin being the most prevalent.

This widespread presence of formaldehyde releasers highlights challenges in consumer awareness and regulatory oversight. Many of these preservatives are not explicitly labeled, making it difficult for consumers to identify harmful ingredients. Advocates suggest implementing clear warning labels similar to those in Europe and ultimately banning these chemicals in personal care products.

Experts emphasize that repeated exposure to formaldehyde-releasing preservatives can accumulate, potentially increasing the risk of cancers such as uterine and breast cancer, particularly among Black women who tend to use a higher number of these products due to societal beauty standards. Public health advocates call for increased regulation, consumer education, and legislative actions to shield vulnerable populations from chemical exposures. Resources like the Detox Me app and educational campaigns aim to empower consumers to make safer choices.

In response, organizations advocate for stricter laws requiring transparency and restrictions on formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, as legislative measures are still pending in the United States, despite bans or proposed bans in the European Union and several states. Protecting consumers from hidden chemical hazards remains a critical public health priority.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-05-formaldehyde-common-personal-products-black.html