Personal care products (PCPs) are widely used and represent a significant source of chemical exposure, with some chemicals linked to adverse health effects like cancer and endocrine disruption. Exposure occurs through dermal absorption, inhalation, and ingestion, and potentially indirectly through environmental contamination. Studies have shown a correlation between frequent PCP use and higher body burdens of chemicals like phthalates and parabens. Furthermore, research indicates racial and ethnic disparities in chemical exposure from PCPs, with African American and Mexican American women exhibiting higher urinary phthalate and paraben levels compared to White women. Black women also show higher incidences of hormone-mediated health issues. These disparities are potentially linked to Eurocentric beauty standards and discrimination, influencing product choices and usage patterns. While some research exists on PCP chemicals, much remains unknown about the extent of CoCs in products used by women of color and their subsequent exposure levels. This study addresses this gap by combining targeted analysis with suspect screening to identify both declared and undeclared chemicals in PCPs.

Existing literature highlights the potential health risks associated with chemicals found in personal care products, particularly endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and carcinogens. Studies have shown correlations between product use frequency and chemical concentrations in urine, for instance, phthalates, parabens, and benzophenone-3. Racial/ethnic differences in exposure have been noted, with African American and Mexican American women having higher levels of certain chemicals compared to White women. Black women report higher usage of scented intimate care products, linked to elevated urinary metabolites of diethyl phthalate and higher blood levels of fragrance additives. Hair product use, more prevalent among African Americans, is associated with earlier menarche. Hair dye and relaxer use are linked to breast cancer incidence, especially in Black women. While research on Latina and Asian women's product use is limited, occupational exposure studies among Vietnamese nail salon workers exist. Previous studies focusing on chemicals in PCPs are limited, particularly those examining specific products used by various racial/ethnic groups. Prior research revealed that African American and African Caribbean women use more hair products, and these products more frequently contain EDCs. Other studies uncovered numerous undisclosed chemicals, primarily fragrance ingredients, in various PCPs. The authors' prior work showed racial/ethnic differences in product types and frequency of use, informing the selection of products in this study. This current study aimed to comprehensively assess potentially hazardous chemicals in PCPs specifically used by women of color.

This community-based study partnered with organizations representing Black/African American, Latina, and Vietnamese communities in California. Product selection prioritized products identified through community surveys, store inventories, and knowledge of common use. Community partners visited 39 stores, documenting products marketed to their respective racial/ethnic groups. 546 unique PCPs (hair, skin, makeup, nail, deodorant/perfume, and intimate care) were selected for ingredient label review. A compiled list of chemicals and synonyms was used to identify CoCs on labels. 31 products were selected for laboratory analysis using two-dimensional gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC-TOFMS) to detect undisclosed chemicals. CoCs were defined based on several lists, including the California Safe Cosmetics Program Reportable Ingredients List, Silent Spring Institute Mammary Gland Carcinogen Database, and lists from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, among others. Formaldehyde-releasing preservatives were also included. The analysis included a targeted approach for specific chemicals and a suspect screening approach for chemicals not listed on labels. The resulting data were analyzed to identify frequency of occurrence of chemicals of concern.

The analysis of 546 product labels revealed that 65% contained at least one CoC, and 74% listed "fragrance" or "parfum" without specifying individual ingredients. The most frequent CoCs on labels were parabens, cyclosiloxanes, and formaldehyde releasers. GCxGC-TOFMS analysis of 31 products identified an additional 29 CoCs, 22 of which were not listed on labels. These additional CoCs included fragrance ingredients, preservatives, solvents, plasticizers, and contaminants. The laboratory analysis found that 23% of the chemicals detected were listed on the labels. CoC prevalence varied by product category, with hair products having the greatest number of unique CoCs. Among all products, 74% had undisclosed fragrance ingredients; a higher percentage was found in products used by Black women. Products with labels in languages other than English were also present, highlighting labeling compliance challenges. The laboratory analysis detected various phthalates, parabens, and fragrance ingredients in several products. Unexpected contaminants like benzyl chloride and 1,4-dioxane were also found. The body wash marketed as "natural" and "safe" contained four CoCs, including the carcinogen benzyl chloride, highlighting the discrepancy between marketing and actual chemical content. Concentrations of various chemicals, such as methylparaben and DEHP were noted, some being very high.

This study demonstrates a high prevalence of CoCs in PCPs used by women of color in California. The frequent presence of undisclosed fragrance ingredients is especially concerning, given the potential for these mixtures to contain harmful chemicals. The laboratory analysis revealed additional CoCs not declared on labels, emphasizing the limitations of relying solely on ingredient lists for assessing product safety. The findings highlight existing disparities in chemical exposure among different racial/ethnic groups. The study's findings can be integrated with product use frequency data to improve risk assessments by considering cumulative exposure from multiple products and various exposure routes. Furthermore, the results underscore the need for more complete ingredient disclosure and greater public awareness of potential hazards to encourage the market to shift towards safer alternatives. The lack of complete ingredient transparency prevents informed consumer choice.

This study revealed a high prevalence of chemicals of concern in personal care products used by women of color in California. Undisclosed fragrance ingredients were particularly prevalent. Laboratory analysis showed additional unlisted harmful chemicals. These findings emphasize the need for improved ingredient disclosure, increased consumer awareness, and further research to assess the health implications of cumulative exposures from multiple product use and to compare targeted products to mainstream products.

The study's limitations include the relatively small number of products analyzed compared to the vast number of PCPs available. The product selection was influenced by availability in surveyed stores and reliance on online ingredient labels, which may not always be entirely accurate. The number of non-English labels was also limited due to translation availability. Different product types were selected across community groups, limiting the ability to compare the same product type across different demographics. The laboratory analysis was limited to GCxGC-TOFMS detectable chemicals, potentially underestimating the total number of CoCs. The study also did not examine products not specifically targeted at women of color or investigate the sources of undisclosed chemicals.