Cancer-Causing Chemicals in Your Shampoo? Here’s What This New Study Found
Ellebrow Microblading & Permanent Makeup Studio NYC
Breaking News — May 8 2025: A new study published in Environmental Science & Technology Letters sampled the weekly beauty routines of 64 Black and Latina women in Los Angeles. More than 53 % of the products they logged — from shampoos and body lotions to eyelash glue — contained formaldehyde or formaldehyde-releasing preservatives (FRPs).
Why does it matter? Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen and has been banned from European cosmetics since 2009, yet it remains legal in the U.S. Repeated, low-level exposure can build up over time, raising risks for cancers as well as skin and respiratory irritation.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- 47 % of skincare and 58 % of hair-care items in the study carried FRPs.
- Participants used an average of 17 different products a day — one woman logged 43!
- Common “hidden” ingredient names: DMDM hydantoin, imidazolidinyl urea, quaternium-15.
“We shouldn’t have to be chemists to stay healthy.” — Janette Robinson Flint, study co-author
Disproportionate Impact on Women of Color
The researchers focused on Black and Latina communities because previous investigations found higher formaldehyde exposures linked to hair-straightening products and colorism-driven beauty standards. Social pressure to conform to Eurocentric hair norms means systemic racism literally shows up on the ingredient label.
What This Means for Your Brow or PMU After-Care
Freshly microbladed skin is especially vulnerable to irritants. Formaldehyde-releasing cleansers or lotions can:
- Prolong redness or swelling
- Interfere with pigment retention
- Increase overall toxic burden during healing
Good news: Safe swaps exist. We keep every Ellebrow after-care kit formaldehyde-free, and our studio carries vetted products you can trust.
If you care about hidden toxins, check your SPF too.
Next Step → Dive Deeper
Feeling overwhelmed by label lingo? Read our in-depth guide to spotting formaldehyde and choosing safer products →
Is formaldehyde always listed by name?
No. Most products hide it behind longer chemical names (see list above). That’s why the new guide includes a printable cheat sheet for your next shopping trip.
Share!
Give the gift of lasting beauty this Mother's Day with Nano Brows and Microshading from Ellebrow NYC. Perfect for moms with sensitive or mature skin, these treatments enhance natural beauty with minimal maintenance. Explore our Mother's Day special offers today!
Ready for a beauty refresh? Discover why Spring 2025 is the perfect season to get Nano Brows at Ellebrow NYC. Natural, effortless, and made just for you.
Are You Considering Nano Brows for Your Wedding? Your wedding day is one of the most important days of your life, and every detail matters—including your eyebrows! If you want a naturally full, polished look without worrying about smudging or filling in your brows, nano brows might be the perfect choice for you.
Looking refreshed—but no one knows why? Discover NYC’s secret to effortless beauty this spring: Nano Brows at Ellebrow. Natural, subtle, transformative.
Considering Nano Brows over existing microblading? Wondering if getting Nano Brows over old Microblading is possible? Ellebrow NYC provides expert advice on if, when and how you can make the switch for enhanced eyebrow aesthetics.
Discover the best lipstick shades and formulas for mature lips, plus how lip blushing can enhance color and definition for a youthful, effortless look. Find your perfect lip solution today!
Celebrate St. Patrick's Day with a sparkle in your eye! Discover how permanent eyeliner can enhance your festive look, ensuring your Irish eyes keep smiling all year round.
While nano brows offer a long-lasting and effortless beauty solution, they aren’t for everyone. So, who should—and who shouldn’t—get nano brows? Ellebrow in NYC breaks it down.
Wondering if you need microblading removal before getting Nano Brows? Learn how Ellebrow NYC guides clients through laser tattoo removal for natural, lasting results.
Enhance your natural beauty this Valentine’s Day with lip blushing. Discover how this semi-permanent treatment can give you effortlessly kissable, vibrant lips that last.
Told you need a microblading touch-up every 6 to 12 months? Think again. Ellebrow in NYC reveals why this advice can be harmful to your brows and skin—and what you should do instead for long-lasting results.
The start of a new year is a time for fresh beginnings. If you’ve been thinking about simplifying your beauty routine or enhancing your natural features, 2025 might just be the year to take the leap into the world of permanent makeup.
Discover the top 6 eyebrow trends of 2025 that are shaping the future of beauty. From natural, bushy brows to the artistry of nano brows, explore styles where authenticity meets innovation. Unravel elegance and step into a world where each stroke of artistry is a testament to individual expression and grace.
Unwrap the beauty this holiday season with Ellebrow's microblading, permanent eyeliner, and lip blushing services. Perfect your festive look or give a unique gift!
Get holiday-ready with Ellebrow's microblading, nano brows, and more! Embrace the season with confidence and a festive glow that lasts beyond the holidays. Book now and let your beauty shine bright all winter long!
Feeling the early darkness? Don't let it get you down! Discover why fall and winter are perfect for microblading or nano brows to keep you glowing all season long. Book your consultation now and let your brows shine brighter, even on the darkest days.
Ready to impress this holiday season? Discover Ellebrow's professional eyebrow services in NYC. Achieve flawless, natural-looking brows with our microblading, nano, and powder brow treatments. Book now for a festive beauty boost!
Discover when is the best time for microblading, nano brows or permanent makeup and why Fall may be ideal. Learn how cooler weather, reduced sun exposure, and holiday timing make autumn ideal for PMU.
Step into the eerie night of Halloween with captivating brow-centric costume ideas inspired by iconic figures. Discover how your brows can be the centerpiece of your spooky ensemble with Ellebrow's imaginative guide. Contact us for elegant brow transformations beyond Halloween.
Discover the enchanting tradition of Day of the Dead and the pivotal role of eyeliner in crafting the iconic sugar skull makeup. Explore how eyeliner artistry helps celebrate life, memories, and cultural beauty in this captivating Ellebrow blog post.
