Lawyer Reveals Beauty Products She'd Never Buy Again And Why In Viral TikTok

Let's talk about the not-so-glamorous side of cosmetics: Many of our favorite items contain ingredients and chemicals that are harmful to our health. From parabens and heavy metals to synthetic fragrances, these substances can irritate our skin, cause hormone imbalances, and even lead to allergic reactions.

One lawyer named Angela (@thelawyerangela) tracks all major lawsuits, including the ones pertaining to beauty products. In a viral TikTok, she revealed the items recently involved in litigation that she'd never purchase again. Here are some of the ones you need to watch out for.

Waterproof Mascara

"As a crier, I used to only buy waterproof," Angela says, "but there are multiple class actions right now against major beauty companies. Turns out, in order to make mascara waterproof, these companies often have to add PFAS." PFAS are man-made chemicals found in cleaning products, cookware, cosmetics, personal care products, and more. They’ve earned the terrifying title of “forever chemicals” since they’re basically indestructible and don't leave your body. "[They're] linked to impaired immune function, diabetes, obesity, endocrine dysfunction, and cancers," she adds.

Dry Shampoo

"Second, I wish I never used dry shampoo," Angela says. Like many women, the TikToker explains that she used dry shampoo every other day. She provides a list of dry shampoos she frequently used, including Drybar, Redken, IGK, Batiste, Paul Mitchell, Not Your Mother's, Pantene, OGX, and Herbal Essences – products that all reportedly contain a harmful chemical known as benzene. "I've used many on this list which have been determined to contain benzene in them, a known carcinogen, where even low levels can be linked to increased risk of cancer.”

"Horrifically, apparently the benzene stays in the air after you've sprayed it," she states, "and I used to get ready in the bathroom with my toddlers by my side." In late 2022, numerous bottles of dry shampoos were recalled because they contained high benzene levels. Dove, Nexxus, Suave, Tresseme, and Bed Head were some of the brands involved.

Chemical Straighteners (Relaxers)

Lastly, Angela reveals she would not "chemically straighten" her hair again. "I used to do it. I love the sleek look, but turns out, women who chemically straighten their hair at least four times a year more than double their risk of uterine cancer," the lawyer explains. Shockingly, it also may increase the risk of ovarian and breast cancer, "likely because these things are absorbed directly into the scalp."

Spray Sunscreen

In the second part, Angela discloses the next products people should avoid. Like dry shampoos, spray sunscreens contain the carcinogen benzene. Neutrogena, Aveeno, Banana Boat, Coppertone, CVS Health, and Elta MD allegedly have this risky chemical in their products. "No one seems to know exactly how benzene got in there, and sunscreen lotions were found to not have any. Lots of recalls and lawsuits," she says.

"Long Lasting" 24-Hour Makeup

As someone who loves long-lasting makeup and effective setting sprays, this one hurt to hear! Many of these products contain PFAS, the "forever chemicals" we discussed earlier, and they're found in cosmetics advertised as "water resistant" or "sweatproof." Unfortunately, this means PFAS could also lurk in your favorite lipstick or lip balms – which you’d be drinking and eating with. Best to go makeup free this summer than relying on waterproof foundation or powders!

Makeup Testers

Makeup testers aren’t products that we buy, but they are something we try! You may not want to next time you’re at Sephora or Ulta, though – because makeup testers are breeding grounds for bacteria. "While the lawsuits linking those to bad health haven't succeeded, they have shed light on a bunch of studies which have found all sorts of germs," Angela reveals. "Staph, e.coli, and fecal matter. In one study, they found germs in 100% of the items tested."

According to cosmetic chemist Ginger King, e. coli is a concern. "Most commonly seen is e. coli from people who do not wash their hands after using the bathroom," she told Allure.

Unfortunately, many of these products remain on the shelves until it's too late, but it shouldn't have to take a lawsuit for companies to prioritize the well-being of their customers. The best way to mitigate this is to consciously avoid products with these chemicals, which will (hopefully) pressure manufacturers to choose safer ingredients so we can all look and feel beautiful.

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