Mahalingaiah Lab
A dynamic team of students and researchers led by Shruthi Mahalingaiah
using digital platforms to understand environmental, reproductive, and women’s health.
677 Huntington Avenue
Boston, MA 02115
The Beauty Edit Study
Digital storytelling aiming to reduce the personal care product associated endocrine disrupting chemical ( EDC) exposure and disease risk for women.
About the Research
Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are environmental chemicals that can disrupt normal bodily processes. EDCs enter the body through breathing in fumes or skin contact with EDC- containing products. EDCs are often found in personal care products. Specifically, chemicals in hair products have been linked to endocrine diseases that are more prevalent among Black, Hispanic, and Asian women and girls.
Our research aims to:
- Characterize the understanding of the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) on the reproductive and endocrine system.
- Assess the use of personal care products containing EDCs via a website.
- Characterize knowledge and attitudes about personal care product use, EDCs, and EDCs’ impact on health.
Why is this important?
Recent studies show a racial/ethnic difference in hair and personal care product use with Black women who tend to use more hair oils, lotions, chemical relaxers, leave-in conditioners, and placenta containing products.
The chemicals in personal care products have been linked to endocrine diseases. These diseases include early puberty, preterm–birth, obesity, and diabetes. Other new research has shown that menstrual cycle irregularity, ovulation disorders, risk of earlier menopause, and uterine fibroids are also some of the hormonal diseases that can result from endocrine disruption.
Increasing research, education, and policy on the ingredients in personal care products is important to reducing these differences in health in women in of color.
You can contact the research team by emailing mlab@hsph.harvard.edu.
Phthalates
Phthalates are chemical additives used to stabilize other products. However, they are linked to endocrine disruption, developmental and reproductive toxicity, and cancer. Phthalates have been banned from cosmetics in the European Union, but are commonly found in U.S. products. A federal law loophole allows phthalates (and other chemicals) to be added to fragrances (see fragrance Page) without disclosure.
Color cosmetics, Fragranced lotions, Body washes and hair care products and Nail polish and treatment
On cosmetic product labels Look for: Phthalate, DEP, DBP, DEHP and Fragrance
Parabens
Shampoos, Conditioners, Lotions, Facial and shower cleansers and scrubs
On Cosmetic Labels look for: Ethylparaben, Butylparaben, Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Isobutylparaben, Isopropylparaben, and any other ingredients ending in –paraben
Talc
Talc is a naturally occurring mineral, which is used in numerous products. You may have seen bottles of talcum powder at a Salon or in Barber shops. It is also found in a variety of products including baby powder and eyeshadow. In personal care products it is added to absorb moisture, smooth and soften products, prevent caking, and increase opacity of makeup. Talc alone poses little to no risk, however talc powders can contain asbestos, which is a known carcinogen. Talc should be avoided unless it is labelled as asbestos free. Feminine Hygiene products that contain talc are widely sold across the United States.
Baby powder, Body and shower products, lotions, feminine hygiene products, eyeshadow, foundation, lipstick, deodorants, face masks.
Talcum powder and Cosmetic talc.
PFAS
Otherwise known as per- or poly-fluoroalkyl substances are a class of chemicals used to make products that are water-repellent, grease-repellant, heat resistant, and/or non-stick. PFAs don’t break down in the body or in the environment. They are found across the planet in Humans, plants, animals, and in our food supply. Certain PFAs are suspected of being possible carcinogens and Endocrine disruptors, and several have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer. While research is ongoing, avoiding products that contain these chemicals is recommended.
Some PFAs are added as preservatives, and often companies don’t need to add anything on the label stating that the product contains PFAs. They are often found in lotions, cleansers, nail polish, shaving cream, foundation, lipstick, eyeliner, eyeshadow, and mascara.
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, although PFAs are not always listed in ingredient lists.
BHA
BHA (Butylated Hydroxy Anisole) is used in a variety of products as a preservative. In addition to presence in personal care products, it is also found in foods. BHA is linked to a number of health concerns including endocrine disruption and toxicity to certain organ systems.
Lip products, Hair products, Makeup, Sunscreen, Antiperspirant/deodorant, Fragrance, Creams
On labels look for BHA, BHT, Butylated Hydroxy Anisole, and Butylated Hydroxytoluene.
Mercury
Mercury is a heavy metal and is a common contaminant during the production of personal care products, however it is almost never included as a direct ingredient. Mercury is easily absorbed by the skin, and is linked to effects on the Nervous system, reproductive system, immune system, and respiratory system. Additionally, it is problematic during fetal development. The dangers posed by mercury are known and recognized, however, because it is a contaminant and not a direct ingredient it can be difficult to avoid.
Lip products, Whitening toothpaste, Eyeliner, Nail color, Foundations, Sunscreens, Eye shadows, Blush, Concealer, Moisturizers, Eye drops
Products that contain contaminant metals will not list them on ingredient labels. Other heavy metals to look for include Lead acetate, Chromium, Thimerosal. Hydrogenated cotton seed oil. Sodium hexametaphosphate.
Fragrances
Fragrances are defined as a collection of chemicals that give a perfume or product its scent. The international Fragrance Association lists 3000+ chemicals and materials reported in fragrance compounds. On this list are chemicals that have been linked to allergies, cancer, and reproductive system toxicity. (IFRA Transparency List: https://ifrafragrance.org/priorities/ingredients/ifra-transparency-list)
Since Manufacturers are not required to list chemicals used in their fragrances, it is difficult to know which products are safe and which contain potentials dangerous compounds.
Fragrances are found in Most personal care products including sunscreen, shampoo, soap, body wash, deodorant, body lotion, makeup, facial cream, skin toner, serums, exfoliating scrubs and perfume.
Fragrance, Perfume, Parfum, Essential oil blend, Aroma.
Diethanolamine (DEA)
DEA is used as an emulsifier in shampoos and cleansers, however it can react with other chemicals in cosmetics to form a dangerous carcinogen which is absorbed through the skin known as Nitroso Diethanolamine (NDEA). No Data is available on the effects of DEA in humans, however, it has been shown to cause cancer in Hamsters and Rats, along with effects in the liver and kidneys.
DEA is found in many types of personal care products including Soaps, Shampoos, Hair conditioners and dyes, Lotions, Shaving creams, Paraffin and waxes, Household cleaning products, Pharmaceutical ointments, Eyeliners, Mascara, Eye shadows, Blush, Make-up bases, Foundations, Fragrances, Sunscreen.
On labels Look for Diethanolamine,DEA, Cocamide DEA, DEA-cetyl phosphate, DEA oleth-3 phosphate, Lauramide DEA, Myristamide DEA Oleamide DEA
How can we approach beauty products safely? What do we recommend?
The best way to avoid any possible risks would be to avoid all products, but that is unrealistic. So instead, the best practice is to look at the labels of your products, and examine them for keywords that are associated with potentially dangerous chemicals.
It is important to remember that even if a product is labeled as organic, that doesn’t necessarily mean it is safe or doesn’t contain some forms of dangerous chemicals.
We know that product use can be difficult to change, often they become intertwined with our morning routines, however, we can make adjustments to reduce the risk of exposure. Using resources like the IFRA Transparency List and the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. It Is possible to approach personal Care Safely, by examining labels and using the resources available, potentially hazardous chemicals can be avoided.
All information on this page comes from the Campaign For Safe Cosmetics Webpage (https://www.safecosmetics.org/products/body/), the IFRA Transparency List (https://ifrafragrance.org/priorities/ingredients/ifra-transparency-list), and the Breast Cancer Prevention Center (https://www.bcpp.org/resource/pfas-forever-chemicals-pfoa-pfos/#_ftn1)