Study finds undisclosed chemicals in most personal care products

A laboratory study published in the journal Environment & Health has revealed significant discrepancies between the ingredient labels on personal care and cleaning products and their actual chemical compositions. Researchers evaluated 113 products across 12 categories, including shampoos, sunscreens, baby lotions, and household cleaners.

While the average product listed approximately 16 ingredients on its packaging, laboratory testing detected an average of 51 different chemicals. The study found that 98% of the tested products contained at least one undisclosed chemical. Furthermore, roughly 85% of the products contained unlisted substances that researchers identified as having known or suspected health hazards, such as phthalates, parabens, fragrance components, silicone contaminants, and the preservative BHT.

Some of these unlisted substances, particularly certain phthalates and parabens, are recognized for their potential to disrupt hormone activity, which scientific research has linked to reproductive, developmental, and metabolic issues. The study also noted that some products contained ingredients that contradicted marketing claims such as ‘natural’, ‘hypoallergenic’, or ‘phthalate-free’. Jenna Hua, founder of the Million Marker Research Institute and senior author of the study, noted that while the presence of these chemicals is concerning, actual risk depends on factors like exposure levels and individual sensitivity.