Oils, anti-frizz products, lotions, relaxers … Black women use specialized products to tame their hair. Researchers from Silent Spring Institute (United States) wanted to analyze the composition of those most used by these women in order to measure the concentrations of endocrine disruptors (substances interfering with the hormonal system). Following a questionnaire, they selected 18 hair products in which they tested for the presence of 66 endocrine disruptors. The results of this study were published in the journal Environmental Research.
At the start of their study, the authors explain that black women have been shown to go through puberty at an earlier age, have more hormonal problems, uterine fibroids, had rates ofinfertility, of breast cancer and higher endometrium and early births were also more numerous. It has already been shown that cosmetics used by women of color were loaded with endocrine disruptors, and so would the hair products they use.
45 out of 66 endocrine disruptors
The tests revealed the presence of 45 endocrine disruptors out of the 66 sought. These disruptors are associated with reproductive disorders, birth defects, promote asthma and the development of cancer. In total, each product contained between 6 and 30 of these chemicals. They all contained chemical fragrances and 78% contained parabens and phthalates. However, looking at the composition of your product before buying it is not enough since 84% of the substances detected were not on the packaging …
Favor organic products
According to the researchers, their findings are consistent with national biomonitoring data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which highlights higher levels of phthalates and parabens in black women. They hope this study will provide greater transparency on the composition of hair products and encourage manufacturers to develop safer cosmetics. In the meantime, they advise to choose products with the mention “paraben-free” or “fragrance-free”, and to favor those based on plants or organic ingredients.
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