Study Finds Most Personal Care Products Contain Unlisted Chemicals

A recent study has revealed that a vast majority of personal care and cleaning products contain unlisted chemicals, with many products containing substances not disclosed on their labels. Scientists from the Million Marker Research Institute analyzed 113 products, including sunscreens, baby lotions, shampoos, and soaps, finding that 98 percent contained at least one chemical absent from the ingredient list.

Furthermore, 85 percent of the products tested included unlabelled chemicals that are known or suspected to pose health risks. These undeclared substances included fragrance chemicals, silicone contaminants, butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT), and endocrine-disrupting compounds such as phthalates. Exposure to such chemicals has been linked to health issues including infertility, miscarriage, obesity, diabetes, and severe allergies. Some of the products also contained compounds identified as potential carcinogens.

Dr. Jenna Hua, founder of the Million Marker Research Institute and senior author of the study, stated that product labels do not accurately reflect their contents, making it impossible for consumers to protect themselves based on the information provided. "The label can't protect you when it doesn't show what's really in the bottle," she said.

Using a technique called "nontargeted analysis," researchers were able to detect thousands of chemicals simultaneously. The study found that the tested products contained an average of 51 chemicals, more than triple the average of 16 listed on the labels. Products were rated on a pass or fail basis depending on the concentration and potential danger of unlabelled chemicals. Overall, over half of the products failed these tests, including those marketed as "non-toxic."

Shampoos and "ingredient oils" showed the highest failure rates, with nearly 80 percent of these products failing the test due to the concentration of unlabelled chemicals. Body oils, hair styling products, intimate care products, moisturizers, and sunscreens also had high failure rates, with over 60 percent of each category not meeting the study's standards. In contrast, none of the oral care products tested contained sufficient harmful chemicals to warrant a fail rating.

The study also found that one in four products contained chemicals that contradicted their packaging claims. For instance, products labeled "phthalate-free" were found to contain phthalates, known hormone disruptors. Synthetic chemicals were also detected in products marketed as "100 percent natural," "non-toxic," or "organic." Fragrance, parabens, silicones, or oxybenzone were frequently found in products that specifically claimed to be free of these substances.

Dr. Hua noted that consumers attempting to select "clean" products based on ingredient lists could still be exposed to chemicals they aimed to avoid. "We found undisclosed harmful chemicals in products claiming to be free of them," she said. "That means someone can carefully read ingredient lists, choose 'clean' products, and still end up exposed to the very chemicals they were trying to avoid."

While regulations in the UK, EU, and US generally require companies to list all ingredients, loopholes exist. For example, numerous chemicals can be broadly listed under "fragrance," and trace amounts may not require disclosure. Co-author Michael Lathrop advised that individuals with sensitive skin be cautious of fragranced products, as "fragrance" can encompass many individual compounds that may be irritating. He also suggested avoiding products with extensive ingredient lists.

Lathrop also pointed out that some chemicals can contaminate finished products unintentionally, originating from raw materials, manufacturing equipment, storage, packaging, or chemical reactions during processing. "People should be concerned, but this information is not intended to promote fear," he stated. "We hope to raise awareness and help consumers make practical choices to reduce potential exposure to chemicals of concern."