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Links Between Beauty & Cancer


Communities of Color are targeted in a variety of ways when it comes to the 84 billion dollar Beauty/Cosmetic industry. There is the potential of being exposed to 168 toxic chemicals with links to a variety of disease states.


Hair Relaxers (both lye and no lye), contain formaldehyde releasing preservatives, endocrine distributors and or other carcinogens. Even those that claim to be "natural" and "organic". Hair extensions and processed hair pieces are often dyed and/or chemically treated.


Fade Creams and skin lighteners, these products more often then not contain hydroquinone (a known endocrine distributor), or worse mercury. Mercury has also been linked to a host of health problems including nervous system, reproductive, immune and respiratory toxicity.


Acrylic Nails - "Acrylic nail treatments are of concern for both those administering and receiving nail treatments". Women of color make up a large percentage of those frequenting nail salons regularly. The carcinogens and endocrine distributors in nail polishes, primers, and glues are not limited to: formaldehyde, hydroquinone, dibutyl phthalate, toluene, and ethyl/methyl methacrylate.


Fragrance - A commonly used ingredient in fragrance is diethyl phthalate (DEP). Phthalates are linked to breast cancer, developmental issues, decreased fertility, obesity and asthma.


Read the labels, get the facts and learn more on purchasing safer cosmetics at //www.safecosmetics.org/black-beauty-project/



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