A study finds teens who follow influencers with product lines or watch beauty tutorials use more personal care products, potentially increasing exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals.
That beauty tutorial on social media might influence more than what your teen buys. It may also increase their exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, a new study warns.
Researchers surveyed 143 high school students about their use of personal care products — from shampoo and deodorant to skin care, fragrance and makeup.
Students who followed social media influencers with product lines reported using 30% more products in the previous 24 hours. Those who watched hair or beauty tutorials used 40% more.
Researchers say this matters because some personal care products contain chemicals such as phthalates, parabens and phenols, which have been linked to hormone disruption and cancer risk.
Girls reported using a median of 14 products a day — twice as many as boys.
Overall, students used about as many personal care products as adults in previous studies.
But adolescence may be a particularly sensitive time for chemical exposure. As the lead author explains, “They are undergoing rapid changes, including in their hormone systems.”
Some students were concerned, but just 19% said they regularly read ingredient lists.
Researchers say future studies could also use urine tests to measure teens’ actual chemical exposure.
Source: Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology
Author Affiliations: Rutgers School of Public Health, Wellsley College, University of Connecticut, Princeton High School
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