Progress in Beauty Industry: Reduction of Harmful Chemicals in 50,000 Analyzed Products
A groundbreaking new report from nonprofit ChemFORWARD brings encouraging news for beauty consumers. Manufacturers are progressively distancing themselves from harmful chemicals. The 2025 Beauty & Personal Care Ingredient Intelligence Report scrutinized nearly 50,000 products. The findings reveal that verified safety is on the rise, with chemicals of concern appearing in fewer products and down 2% overall.
The analysis incorporated products from major retailers such as Sephora, Ulta Beauty, and The Honest Company. It identified alarming ingredients that are still present in cosmetics. For instance, D&C Red 27, 28 or Acid Red 92 dyes, commonly found in long-lasting lip stains, received D ratings for disrupting reproductive, hormonal and immune systems. Another ingredient of concern, Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), is used as a preservative in lotions, creams, deodorants, and lipsticks but acts as an endocrine disruptor.
On a positive note, more than 71% of the 1.25 million ingredients analyzed were found to be safe or of low concern for both human health and the environment. This includes beneficial ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E derivatives. However, the report particularly highlighted ongoing concerns with products marketed to Black women. Alarmingly, 50% of hair straighteners still contain formaldehyde, a substance linked to cancer.
Source: https://www.cnn.com/2025/10/21/health/toxic-chemical-beauty-products-wellness