Avoiding Toxic Chemicals in Salon Products
Women working in salons are exposed to these chemicals for many hours at a time on a daily basis. Disturbingly, salon workers are at an increased risk of cancer, miscarriages, neurological disorders, immune disorders, asthma, dermatitis and more. Check out the report and fact sheets for recommendations for making salons safer, and new tips for reducing exposure.
Coronavirus resources:
Reducing Exposures + Safer Disinfectants EPA Certified for COVID-19
Research continues to connect chronic illness — included those linked to exposures from toxic chemicals — with increased risk of both contracting, and being harmed by, coronavirus. Fortunately, best practices can significantly decrease the chance of adverse health impacts of salon work. Learn more.
Additional Resources
Beauty and Its Beast: Unmaking the impact of toxic chemicals on salon workers
Ground-breaking report that analyzes the unique chemical exposures that salon workers experience, the health impacts they suffer, and the need for greater research, regulation, and innovation to ensure improved health and safety in the salon industry. Read report.
Report: Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR)
Ensuring the safety and health of cosmetic products is vitally important. From personal health impacts to down-the-drain effects on our environment, citizens are increasingly concerned about the products they use. Currently, the responsibility for the safety of these products is in the hands of the cosmetics manufacturers themselves via the CIR. Read more.
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The Blow-up on Blowouts
Brazilian Blowout and several other leading brands of hair straightening products have been found to contain high levels of formaldehyde (also referred to as methylene glycol). Formaldehyde gas can be severely irritating to the eyes, nose, and throat, and long term exposure to formaldehyde in the workplace has been linked to increased risk of cancer. Learn more.
Español – La explosión de las explosiones Brazilian Blowout y otros productos para alisar el cabello
Hair Straightening Products Containing Formaldehyde
There has been limited testing conducted on these products in recent years, but greater attention on enforcing compliance with safety data sheet laws. In response manufacturers are more frequently admitting both the presence and hazards caused by the formaldehyde contained in their products. Click here.
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Cosmetics ‘regulations’ continue to fail public health & manufacturers
The Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, does not give the FDA the authority to require ingredients used in cosmetics and salon products to be tested for safety. As a result, today it is perfectly legal for cosmetics to contain harmful ingredients linked to cancer, allergens, reproductive harm and more. Learn more.
Toxic Chemicals in Salon Products
Due to a lack of government oversight, many products used in hair and nail salons contain a number of hazardous chemicals that may harm your health. This table contains some particularly toxic chemicals to avoid in salon products, along with the health problems these chemicals are linked to. Learn more.
