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Ensuring Skin Care Safety: Addressing Risks and Protecting Vulnerable Groups
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Ensuring Skin Care Safety: Addressing Risks and Protecting Vulnerable Groups

27 May 2025


Unveiling Cosmetic Safety Risks: Regulatory Gaps and Vulnerable Groups

In the vibrant and often glamorous world of cosmetics, the allure of beauty products masks an underlying and potentially serious issue: the safety of these products is not as strictly regulated as many consumers might assume.

Cosmetic companies are allowed to use a vast array of ingredients in their formulations, but the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only limited authority to oversee, regulate, or intervene when these products pose risks to consumer health.

This regulatory gap exposes consumers to potential harms, especially those belonging to vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, economically disadvantaged individuals,

people living in environmentally at-risk locations, those with limited English proficiency, and various racial and ethnic communities who face disproportionate exposure to harmful chemicals.

In this article, we explore the inherent dangers of an under-regulated cosmetics market and examine how new legislation, particularly the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA),

promises to reshape this landscape, improve safety, and protect these at-risk populations.

The Hidden Risks in Cosmetics: Why Regulation Matters

Cosmetics are products applied to the skin, hair, or nails to enhance appearance, but their ingredients can sometimes pose health risks.

The current U.S. regulatory framework relies heavily on companies to self-regulate, with the FDA playing a reactive role rather than a proactive one.

For decades, the FDA has lacked the authority to require pre-market safety testing, mandate ingredient disclosures beyond basic labeling, or enforce mandatory recalls when harmful products enter the market.

This regulatory shortfall is concerning because many cosmetic ingredients have been linked to neurotoxicity, hormonal disruption, reproductive harm, and carcinogenic effects.

Without stringent oversight, harmful substances can persist in everyday products—from shampoos and makeup to lotions and sunscreens—posing dangers that accumulate over time.

Vulnerable Populations: Who Bears the Greatest Risk?

While everyone using cosmetics is potentially at risk, some groups face heightened vulnerabilities due to physiological sensitivity, social and economic factors, or environmental exposures.

These groups include:

1. Pregnant Women: Protecting Maternal and Fetal Health

Pregnancy represents a period of increased biological sensitivity, where exposure to toxic chemicals can have lasting effects on both the mother and the developing fetus.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) warns that certain chemicals found in personal care products may disrupt reproductive health or cause developmental issues.

Specific ingredients to avoid include:

Aluminum: A known neurotoxin with potential developmental toxicity.

Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHAs): Including salicylic acid, which has been associated with embryo malformations.

Diethanolamine (DEA): Common in hair and body products, linked to sperm abnormalities.

These risks underscore the importance of careful ingredient scrutiny and cautious product selection during pregnancy, as even low-level exposures can have significant effects.

2. Children: Guardians of Innocence and Health

Children’s smaller body size, developing organs, and immature immune systems make them particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of chemicals found in cosmetics.

Studies have linked exposure to harmful ingredients in children’s makeup and body products to neurodevelopmental disorders and poisoning risks from accidental ingestion.

A stark example occurred in 2019 when Claire’s, a popular retailer targeting young girls, voluntarily recalled a makeup set after the FDA detected asbestos—a carcinogen—in the products.

This alarming incident highlights the urgent need for stricter regulations and vigilant consumer awareness to protect children from such dangers.

3. Racial Disparities: Chemical Exposure and Health Inequities

Cosmetic formulations vary based on targeted demographics, often leading to significant disparities in chemical exposure across racial groups.

For instance, hair products designed for Black women frequently contain a range of hazardous chemicals, including endocrine disruptors that interfere with hormonal balance.

Comprehensive studies involving over 38,000 U.S. women reveal troubling patterns:

Non-Hispanic Black, Mexican American, Other Hispanic, and Multi-Racial women face disproportionately high exposure to harmful substances such as pesticides, parabens, and heavy metals.

Alarmingly, a focused study on women of color found that about 65% of their product labels included warnings about cancer risks, reproductive harm, or endocrine disruption.

 

These disparities point to systemic inequities in cosmetic safety and call for targeted regulatory actions to protect these populations.

4. Economically At-Risk Individuals: Affordability vs. Safety

Economic vulnerability directly affects access to safer cosmetic products.

Individuals with limited financial means often resort to cheaper alternatives, which may contain lower-quality ingredients or higher levels of potentially toxic substances.

This economic constraint places disadvantaged consumers at greater risk of chemical exposure and adverse health outcomes.

Addressing this intersection requires industry and regulatory initiatives focused on making safer products affordable and accessible.

Public awareness campaigns, subsidies, and improved labeling can empower economically at-risk groups to make safer choices within their budget constraints.

5. Geographic Risk Factors: The Environment Matters

Where a person lives can significantly influence their risk related to cosmetic chemical exposure.

Residents of highly polluted urban areas, communities near industrial facilities, or places with contaminated water supplies face cumulative exposure from multiple environmental sources.

When combined with chemicals from cosmetics, these environmental pollutants can have a synergistic effect, increasing the overall toxic burden on the body.

Regulatory approaches must therefore account for geographic disparities and include community-based interventions that address environmental justice alongside product safety.

6. Limited English Proficiency: The Language Barrier in Safety

Consumers with limited English proficiency face challenges understanding product labels, ingredient lists, and safety warnings.

This communication gap can lead to inadvertent use of harmful products, as complex chemical names and instructions are often not available in accessible languages.

To protect these consumers, cosmetic companies and regulators should implement multilingual labeling and educational outreach.

Providing clear, culturally sensitive information empowers all consumers to make informed, safer choices.

The Promise of MoCRA: Transforming Cosmetic Safety

The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) represents a landmark legislative effort to address long-standing regulatory gaps in cosmetic safety.

MoCRA enhances the FDA’s authority in several critical ways:

Mandatory Registration: Cosmetic facilities must register with the FDA, allowing greater oversight of manufacturing practices.

Ingredient Disclosure: Companies are required to submit detailed ingredient information, enabling the FDA to identify and assess potentially harmful substances.

Mandatory Recalls: The FDA gains the power to order recalls of unsafe products, rather than relying on voluntary company actions.

Label Transparency: Full ingredient lists must be disclosed on product labels, improving consumer awareness and informed choice.

These reforms aim to create a more transparent and accountable cosmetic industry, directly benefiting consumers—especially vulnerable populations who have historically borne disproportionate risks.

Empowering Consumers: Knowledge as Protection

While regulatory improvements like MoCRA are vital, consumer awareness remains a key defense against cosmetic hazards. Vulnerable groups should actively engage in:

Researching Ingredients: Understanding common harmful chemicals and how to identify them.

Consulting Experts: Seeking advice from healthcare providers and dermatologists regarding safe products.

Advocacy: Supporting policies and organizations that promote cosmetic safety and equity.

Using Tools: Participating in skin assessments like the Baumann Skin Type quiz to tailor skincare routines safely and effectively.

Empowered consumers are better equipped to navigate the complex cosmetic marketplace and make choices that safeguard their health.

A Collective Call for Safer Cosmetics

The journey toward safer cosmetics is a shared responsibility.

Regulatory bodies must enforce robust safety standards, manufacturers should prioritize transparency and safety in product development, and consumers must stay informed and vigilant.

Advocacy organizations, public health initiatives, and community leaders play essential roles in bridging knowledge gaps and promoting equity.

Together, these efforts can reshape the cosmetic industry into one that truly protects and respects the health of all individuals, regardless of age, race, economic status, or geography.

Conclusion

The cosmetic industry today stands at a crossroads.

On one side lies a future where products are safer, regulations more stringent, and consumers empowered; on the other, the status quo of regulatory gaps and unchecked chemical exposures that disproportionately affect society’s most vulnerable members.

Legislation like MoCRA signals hope, offering a comprehensive framework to close loopholes and strengthen oversight.

However, the full realization of safer cosmetics depends on collective action—from lawmakers and industry players to consumers and communities.

By shining a light on cosmetic safety risks, recognizing vulnerable groups, and embracing both regulation and education, we can move toward a world where beauty and health coexist harmoniously—where every individual has the right to use personal care products without fear.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
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