Undisclosed chemicals in personal care products

A study by the Million Marker Research Institute, published in the journal Environment & Health, has identified significant discrepancies between the ingredient labels on personal care and cleaning products and their actual chemical compositions.

Researchers conducted nontargeted analysis on 113 products across 12 categories, including shampoos, sunscreens, baby lotions, and soaps. While labels listed an average of 16 ingredients, laboratory testing detected an average of 51 chemicals. The study found that 98% of products contained at least one undisclosed chemical, and 85% contained unlisted substances with known or suspected health hazards, such as phthalates, parabens, fragrance components, silicone contaminants, and BHT.

Findings indicated that products marketed as ‘natural’, ‘non-toxic’, or ‘organic’ frequently contained these undisclosed substances. Additionally, one in four products contained ingredients that contradicted packaging claims, such as ‘phthalate-free’ items that actually contained phthalates. Jenna Hua, the study’s senior author, noted that while the presence of these chemicals is concerning, the actual risk to consumers depends on exposure levels and individual sensitivity.