Are Hair Products Safe? New Report Finds Cancer-Linked Ingredients

A new report raises serious concerns about cancer-linked ingredients in some hair products sold in stores like Sally Beauty. Researchers found that many of these products—especially those marketed to Black women and other women of color—may contain chemicals linked to cancer and other health problems.

What Did the Researchers Find?

An image of a scientist wearing blue rubber gloves placing hair strands in a test tube with forceps. The purpose is to test hair samples for cancer-linked ingredients. — Image: Forensic scientist working with testing hair sample. Credit: microgen, iStock

Scientists tested hundreds of hair products made for curly, coily, and textured hair. These included things like hair relaxers, straightening creams, conditioners, and styling products.

They discovered that many of these products contain toxic chemicals that can release formaldehyde, a substance known to cause cancer. Even when formaldehyde isn’t listed on the label, some ingredients can turn into it when the product is used—especially when heat is involved.

Scientists found other harmful chemicals, including ingredients linked to hormone disruption, breathing problems, and skin irritation.

Why Does This Matter?

We care about everyone, regardless of race, religion, wealth, education, and more. Beauty standards and hair care needs often lead Black and brown women to use these products more often. As a result, these communities may face higher exposure to harmful, cancer-linked chemicals over time.

This isn’t just about personal choice—it’s about unequal exposure to risk.

Scientists and health experts are increasingly concerned that long-term use of these products could raise the risk of serious health issues, including:

Certain types of cancer
Reproductive health problems
Hormone-related conditions

A Bigger Issue: Environmental Justice

This situation highlights a larger problem called environmental injustice. Some groups of people experience higher exposure to pollution or cancer-linked chemicals than others.

In this case, products marketed to women of color appear more likely to contain risky ingredients. That raises important questions:

Why are these products less safe?
Why aren’t companies required to do more testing?
Who is being protected—and who isn’t?

What Can Be Done About Cancer-Causing Chemicals?

A man wearing a blue shirt in a hardware store. He has a shopping basket and is looking at the label on a chemical spray to see if it contains cancer-linked chemicals. — Image: Man looking at chemical product label Credit: sergeyryzhov, Pixabay

While bigger changes are needed, there are steps people can take right now:

Read product labels carefully
Look for safer options and support brands that avoid harmful chemicals
Spread awareness so more people understand the risks

When it comes to hormone-disrupting chemicals, the Natural Resources Defense Council offers helpful tips for reducing exposure.

It’s also important to know that these chemicals aren’t just in hair products. Formaldehyde and similar toxic chemicals are common in everyday life. They can be found in:

Furniture made with pressed or composite wood
Glues, paints, and finishes
“Wrinkle-free” or permanent press fabrics
Paper products
Some cosmetics, cleaning products, and even medicines

Add in things like pesticides, fertilizers, gas stoves, and cigarette smoke, and it can start to feel like we’re surrounded by a mix of harmful and cancer-linked chemicals.

That’s why personal choices alone aren’t enough.

We also need to speak up and push for stronger government rules that protect everyone’s health—no matter where they live or what products they use.

No one should have to choose between looking good and staying healthy. This report is a wake-up call that we need safer products—and fair treatment—for everyone.

Looking to keep your family safer? Don’t miss all of the great information in my Pollution section!