Albany Community Calls for Sally Beauty to End Sale of Products with Cancer Causing Chemicals
Recent Analysis Raises Flags for Hair Products Marketed to Black and Brown Women in Sally Beauty
Independent Analysis Sparks Urgency as New York State Advocates Call for Passage of the Beauty Justice Act
Albany, NY - Today, environmental justice advocates gathered outside of the Sally Beauty store on Central Avenue in Albany, calling for New York State to pass the Beauty Justice Act S.2057B (Webb)/A.2054B (Glick). Their call was in response to Toxic-Free Future and WE ACT’s recent independent analysis that identified formaldehyde-releasing chemicals and siloxanes in products disproportionately marketed to Black and Brown consumers.
The study found that 1 in 8 products contained formaldehyde-releasing chemicals; and 1 in 14 tested positive for siloxanes (specifically D4, D5, and D6). Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical known to cause cancer 1. It is also associated with asthma diagnosis and symptoms in both children and adults 2. Siloxanes are linked to reproductive toxicity, endocrine disruption, and liver toxicity. liver toxicity. 3
“We are here today in front of this store as part of the national call for Sally Beauty to take products that contain toxic chemicals off of their store shelves. No one should be putting carcinogens on their hair or body - and you shouldn’t have to be able to decipher an ingredient label to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.” said Bobbi Wilding, Executive Director of Clean+Healthy. “The Beauty Justice Act is a chance to change the danger not only to New York consumers but could change the market for everyone from New York to California.”
Research shows that products containing more harmful ingredients are marketed to women of color more than those marketed to white men and women. These products include hair relaxers, skin lightening creams, and ethnic beauty products that propel eurocentric beauty standards.
“Women of color are disproportionately impacted by the toxic ingredients found in many personal care products, some of which are sold by Sally Beauty,” said Jordana Vanderselt, MPH, Director of Environmental Health at WE ACT for Environmental Justice. “This company claims to manage their environmental impact and take care of the communities in which they operate, but the fact that they sell these products marketed to communities of color undermines these claims. Sally Beauty needs to take immediate action to uphold beauty justice and stop selling products that contain harmful ingredients.”
"No one should have to risk their health to care for their hair. Our research revealed toxic chemicals such as formaldehyde-releasers in many products sold by Sally Beauty.” said Mike Schade, Senior Director of Programs and Strategy, Toxic Free Future. “These products are disproportionately marketed to Black and brown women. Unlike other competing retailers, Sally Beauty has failed to disclose a safer chemicals policy. Sally Beauty is falling behind, and their customers are paying the price. We're here to tell Sally Beauty it's time for a healthy makeover."
The Beauty Justice Act will help protect women of color by banning toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates, VOC’s, and heavy metals from personal care products like shampoo, conditioner, skincare, hair products, make up, and more.
“Personal care products containing toxic chemicals linked to serious health risks are getting purchased by our residents with no label or warning. These products are often marketed disproportionately towards marginalized communities as well,” said State Senator Lea Webb. “The Beauty Justice Act would end the silent harm caused by toxic chemicals in products marketed to us that we use every day by requiring companies to disclose their full ingredients. This legislation is a long-overdue step toward protecting our health in New York State.”
The European Union has banned 2400 toxic chemicals from being used as ingredients in their personal care products, compared to the U.S. who has banned only 15 toxics. As of now, California, Maryland, and Washington have stepped up to protect their consumers by banning more chemicals than the federal government. New York could be the next state to set a new standard for the rest of the country to ensure that safe products are made available to consumers.
“Beauty should never come at the cost of our health. For too long, products marketed to Black and Brown communities, especially those with curly and coily hair, have contained harmful chemicals that put our families at risk. This is not just a public health issue, it is a matter of equity, accountability, and justice.” said Eva Bass, Executive Director, AVillage Inc. “At AVillage Inc., we stand firmly in support of the Beauty Justice Act because our communities deserve safe, transparent, and trustworthy products. We cannot continue to allow profit to come before people. It is time for New York State to lead with bold action and ensure that what we put on our bodies does not harm us.”
“For too long, Black women have been sold products filled with harmful chemicals — relaxers, dyes, and styling aids laced with toxins that don’t just damage the scalp and accelerate hair loss, they enter the bloodstream and cause whole body harm.” said Valrie Alexander, Clinical Trichologist, Power Beauty Unlimited Hair Loss Solutions. “From hormonal disruption to inflammation, the products marketed to us are quietly costing us our health. At Power Beauty Unlimited Hair Loss Solutions, we believe knowledge is the first step to healing. That’s why we educate every client on what’s truly in their products and provide only clean, clinically vetted hair care solutions — because protecting your crown means protecting your whole body.”
The Beauty Justice Act is currently in the Environmental Conservation Committee in the Senate and in Ways and Means Committee in the Assembly. On April 22nd, advocates will bring their call to the Capitol, as part of the annual Earth Day Advocacy Day. They will spend Earth Day urging legislators to pass a pack of environmental super bills that includes the Beauty Justice Act, that over 20 partners have deemed imperative for the health of New Yorkers and the environment.
Review the independent analysis here: https://toxicfreefuture.org/press-room/cancer-linked-chemicals-found-in-hair-products-marketed-and-sold-to-women-of-color-by-sally-beauty/
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The JustGreen Partnership is a 19 year old collaboration of environmental justice, environmental health, environmental health affected, children’s, and business organization working for environmental health and justice for New York's people and communities. Learn more here
