The safety of cosmetic products in the U.S. is intensifying as lawmakers, researchers, and consumer advocates revisit the Safer Beauty Bill Package, a series of bills aimed at removing toxic chemicals from cosmetics and increasing transparency in the beauty industry. Although the legislation was first introduced this summer, it has regained momentum, raising public concern about chemical exposures, and recent legal developments here in Georgia involving hair straightening products.
The renewed discussion underscores a growing national question: How safe are the products we use every day?
What Is the Safer Beauty Bill Package?
The Safer Beauty Bill package, introduced by Representatives Jan Schakowsky, Lizzie Fletcher, Doris Matsui, and Ayanna Pressley, includes four bills that would update U.S. cosmetic safety laws, which have not been significantly changed in decades.
If passed, the legislation would:
- Ban several toxic chemicals linked to cancer, infertility, endocrine disruption, and organ damage, including PFAS, formaldehyde, and certain phthalates.
- Require full ingredient disclosure, closing the loophole that allows companies to hide chemicals under the term “fragrance.”
- Protect the health of women of color and salon workers with stronger health and safety standards.
- Require cosmetic suppliers to meet basic safety testing requirements before products reach consumers.
The legislation remains pending in the U.S. House of Representatives but continues to generate widespread public interest, especially among groups concerned about chemical exposure in beauty and personal care products.
Why Conversations about Safer Beauty Products Matter
The Safer Beauty Products Bill package highlights the risks of certain cosmetic ingredients, including many commonly found in chemical hair relaxers. These products have been used for generations, particularly by Black women, yet research increasingly shows they may contain endocrine-disrupting chemicals linked to cancer, reproductive complications, and hormone-related conditions.
Recent reporting from NPR and government agencies notes that the public health implications are “ongoing and urgent.” Meanwhile, thousands of women have already filed hair relaxer lawsuits against manufacturers based on similar concerns.
This new legislation proposal comes at a moment when more consumers than ever are asking what is and isn’t regulated in everyday beauty products.
Health Concerns Behind Hair Straighteners
For decades, chemical straightening products have been marketed as safe and effective. But studies from the National Institutes of Health and other research groups have found that long-term use may increase the risk of:
- Uterine cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
- Hormone disruption
Many of these risks stem from the same chemical categories targeted in the Safer Beauty Bill Package, and have led to women filing hair relaxer lawsuits.
Georgia State Supreme Court Allows Hair Relaxer Case to Proceed
In a significant development for hair relaxer lawsuits, the Georgia Supreme Court recently ruled that a Georgia woman may move forward with her lawsuit alleging that chemical hair relaxers caused her severe uterine fibroids. The decision, covered by CBS News Atlanta, highlights the legal system’s growing willingness to hear concerns about chemical exposure in beauty products.
This ruling aligns with a national rise in hair relaxer lawsuits, which now number in the thousands across the country.
For many Georgia residents, the decision serves as a reminder that the risks associated with cosmetic ingredients extend beyond federal legislative debates and can affect real people close to home.
Why Federal Action Matters for Consumers
While cosmetic safety laws have seen minor updates in recent years, the average personal care product still undergoes far less safety testing than many consumers assume. Companies are not currently required to test ingredients before they go to market, nor must they disclose all substances used in fragrances or proprietary blends.
If enacted, the Safer Beauty Bill Package could meaningfully change how products are made and labeled in the U.S. by:
- Reducing exposure to chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive harm
- Improving transparency so consumers know what they’re using
- Giving women who use the products and stylists better protection
- Ensuring companies test products before they’re sold
- Helping public health agencies track dangerous ingredients more effectively
For families who rely on these products daily, the changes could have long-term health benefits.
How Consumers Can Protect Their Health Now
While Congress reviews the Safer Beauty Bill Package, consumers can still take meaningful steps to protect themselves from dangerous beauty products. One of the most effective ways to reduce risk is to carefully read product labels and try to avoid ingredients known to disrupt hormones or cause irritation. Staying informed through trusted health sources, such as the CDC, FDA, and reputable medical research outlets, can help consumers make safer decisions about the products they use.
Anyone experiencing symptoms that may be tied to chemical exposure should speak with a medical provider to determine whether further evaluation is needed. And for those worried about past or prolonged use of chemical hair straighteners, there are steps you can take if you believe you’ve experienced hair relaxer injuries.
As cosmetic safety continues to gain national attention, Childers, Schlueter & Smith remains committed to helping families stay informed. If you have legal questions about product safety, chemical exposure, or how these issues may affect your health, our team is always available to help. Contact us online, use our live chat, or call 1-800-641-0098.
