Congress Targets Toxic Beauty Products Marketed to Black Women

For decades, Black women have used hair care products that promised beauty—but concealed the dangers of toxic beauty products. Now, lawmakers are taking action.

Last Wednesday, federal legislators introduced the Safe Beauty Bill Package, a suite of four bills aimed at banning or regulating harmful chemicals in personal care products disproportionately marketed to Black women. The proposed legislation targets ingredients linked to cancer and other serious health issues, especially among women of color and salon workers who face daily exposure.

“Consumers deserve accountability when it comes to what we put on our bodies,” said Rep. Jan Schakowsky (D-Ill.), who authored the bills. “It’s time to close the loopholes that allow toxic chemicals in the products we use every day.”

Hidden hazards in Black hair care

A growing body of research reveals how these products have quietly contributed to health disparities. In March, Consumer Reports found that ten synthetic hair products commonly used for braids, weaves, and extensions contained dangerous chemicals—including lead, a known neurotoxin that can cause lasting developmental and reproductive harm.

“These [chemicals] don’t operate in isolation—they’re operating together,” said Tamarra James-Todd, Associate Professor of Environmental Reproductive Epidemiology at Harvard. “When people wear synthetic braids, the chemicals are sitting on your scalp, can be inhaled, or even ingested through hand-to-mouth contact.”

Compounding the problem, ingredient labels often don’t tell the full story. “It is possible some chemicals might not appear on the label,” noted Bhavna Shamasunder, an associate professor at Occidental College.

A pattern of neglect

According to Consumer Reports’ Oriene Shin, the industry’s continued failure to prioritize safety for Black consumers is no accident. “Harmful ingredients in products marketed to Black women continue to go unaddressed,” she said. “This inaction has failed Black women for too long.”

Scientific evidence backs that up. Data from the Black Women’s Health Study shows higher rates of breast and uterine cancer in frequent hair relaxer users. These products often contain hazardous ingredients like formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, sodium hydroxide, and calcium hydroxide.

The risks are even greater for postmenopausal Black women, yet the products remain largely unregulated.

Closing the gap

Lawmakers say previous attempts to regulate cosmetics haven’t gone far enough. The 2022 Modernization of Cosmetics Regulations Act gave the FDA oversight of hair products—but left many dangerous ingredients unchecked.

That’s what the new Safe Beauty Bill Package seeks to change.

“It’s past time that we regulate these hazardous products and affirm our right to safer alternatives,” said Rep. Ayanna Pressley (D-Mass.). “This isn’t a coincidence—this is exploitation. Black women, girls, and salon workers should be able to show up every day as our beautiful, authentic selves without fear for our health and safety.”