A new peer-reviewed study has revealed that 85% of common personal care products contain unlabeled toxic chemicals, including carcinogens and hormone disruptors. The research, which tested 113 items from major retailers, found that even products marketed as 'eco', 'green', or 'natural' were not exempt, with 26% of such items containing at least one dangerous compound.
Study findings and shocking results
Jenna Hua, a lead author with Million Marker, a San Francisco-based company offering at-home toxic chemical exposure testing, said researchers anticipated finding some unlabeled chemicals but were 'shocked' by the results. 'I spend my money, and I want to get a good product – why am I being lied to?' Hua asked.
The products averaged more than three times as many chemicals as were listed on their labels. Among the detected substances were phthalates, parabens, PFAS, and formaldehyde – all linked to cancer, neurological disease, reproductive harm, and damage to developing children. The study's authors noted that personal care product chemicals can be absorbed into the body, a finding supported by decades of research.
Scope of testing and product types
The 113 items tested were purchased at major retailers such as Target and Amazon, and included baby products, moisturizers, soaps, shampoos, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, body washes, and cleaning products. The researchers used a non-targeted chemical analysis, which searches for thousands of substances rather than a limited list, netting 303 chemicals confirmed present, though the true number could be higher. These were cross-referenced with the Environmental Protection Agency's database of hazardous chemicals.
The authors suggested that undisclosed ingredients may be added illegally, form from unintended chemical reactions among ingredients, or leach from plastic packaging. The most widespread undisclosed toxicants fell under the umbrella term 'fragrance' or 'parfum' on ingredient lists, which can legally include any of 1,200 hazardous chemicals without further disclosure.
Marketing claims contradicted
Among the 26% of products that contradicted their marketing claims, synthetic chemicals were found in items labeled '100% natural', phthalates in goods marked 'phthalate-free', and known allergens in products advertised as 'hypoallergenic'.
Kristen Knox, a research scientist with the Silent Spring public health non-profit, which has independently tested personal care products but was not involved in this study, commented, 'It’s very hard for the individual consumer to know what’s in the products, even if they are super-conscientious and reading the labels. Consumers don’t have access to a lab.'
Regulatory gaps and consumer advice
Knox highlighted a fundamental flaw in the US regulatory system: 'The US approach to chemical regulation is to assume everything is safe unless there is evidence of harm, instead of testing beforehand to ensure it’s safe.' Previous Silent Spring research estimated that listed ingredients in personal care products release 5,000 tons of volatile organic compounds into US homes annually, and found many products marketed toward women of color.
In 2022, a public health group discovered benzene, a highly carcinogenic chemical, in 27% of 663 products tested, including some at life-threatening levels, leading to major recalls by Procter & Gamble, Bayer, CVS, and others for brands like Old Spice and Pantene.
To reduce exposure, experts suggest avoiding products listing 'fragrance' or 'parfum', choosing items with less plastic packaging to lower contamination risk from plasticizers like BPA or phthalates, and opting for products with fewer ingredients. The Environmental Working Group's Skin Deep database rates ingredient lists for thousands of products, though it does not cover unlabeled ingredients. Hua also recommended reducing the amount of personal care products used and avoiding the worst offenders, such as nail products.
