The organisation “Consumer Reports” recently tested 23 hair dyes and chalks sold on the U.S market. They tested for harmful substances, including phthalates and heavy metals, with concerning results.

21 box dyes and two temporary hair chalks from popular U.S brands were tested. Box dyes are store-bought kits which are applied at home.

All 23 samples tested positive for methylene chloride, (also known as dichloromethane) a volatile chemical which is classed by the International Agency for Research on Cancer as a probable cancer-causing chemical to humans. 

4 of the products contained a phthalate which has been linked to harmful health impacts, such as high blood pressure, early menopause, and reproductive issues. 

Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are commonly used in plastics to increase flexibility and durability. They can be found in many consumer products, including detergents, solvents, shampoos, and soaps. Certain phthalates are classified as toxic for reproduction or as endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), which are chemicals that can interfere with our sensitive hormone system. 

However, there is good news, 7 products contained no detectable phthalates, and over half were free from heavy metals.

To limit your exposure to harmful chemicals in cosmetics, cut down on your use of cosmetics generally and use mobile apps such as Yuka to help you choose safer alternatives. You can learn more about how to reduce your risk of exposure to harmful chemicals in cosmetics here. 

However, individuals shouldn’t have to bear the burden of avoiding harmful chemicals, stronger regulations are needed to protect us. 

In the EU, chemical regulation of cosmetics tends to be stricter than in the U.S. However, some EU decision-makers are currently trying to weaken the ban on cancer-causing chemicals in cosmetics through the Chemicals Omnibus. The European Parliament have recently pushed back on this proposed deregulation but there is still a risk that deadlines to remove cancer-causing substances from cosmetics could be delayed. CHEM Trust is working with other EU NGOs to ensure the most harmful chemicals are removed from consumer products.

Find the full test results here.

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