Rutgers study links social media beauty content to increased chemical exposure in students

A study led by Rutgers researchers indicates that high school students who engage heavily with social media beauty content use significantly more personal care products that may contain hormone-disrupting or carcinogenic chemicals.

Published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology, the study surveyed 143 students at Princeton High School in New Jersey. Findings revealed that students following influencers with their own product lines reported using 30% more products in a 24-hour period compared to others. Additionally, those watching hair or beauty tutorials used 40% more products.

Lead author Emily Barrett noted that while social media's impact on mental health is well-documented, this research highlights a physical health concern: the potential for increased exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals during a period of rapid hormonal development in teenagers.