Social Media may increase chemical exposure

A study by researchers at Rutgers University in the United States found that adolescents exposed to social media content promoting beauty and personal care products tended to use a greater number of such products.

The finding has raised concerns because some cosmetics and personal care products contain chemicals that may interfere with hormone function or have been associated in some studies with potential health risks. These include phthalates, parabens and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals.”

Dr. Emily Barrett, a biostatistician who led the study, said concerns about social media have traditionally focused on its effects on mental health and social and emotional development. However, the findings suggest that social media may also influence other behaviors, including the selection and use of personal care products.

How Does Social Media Affect Product Use?

The researchers examined the behavior of 143 students at Princeton High School in New Jersey, asking them about the amount of time they spent on social media and the personal care products they used.

The students reported spending an average of two hours and 35 minutes a day on social media platforms, with Instagram and YouTube among the most frequently used.

Around 40% said they followed an influencer who promoted specific products, while a similar proportion reported purchasing products online.

The findings showed an association between exposure to such content and increased use of personal care products. Students who followed influencers promoting products used about 30% more personal care products on average than those who did not follow such influencers.

Similarly, students who watched hair and beauty tutorials used about 40% more products than their peers.

All participants reported using basic products such as soap, toothpaste and shampoo, while many also used fragrances and cosmetics. Girls used nearly twice as many products as boys.

Which Chemicals Are Raising Concerns?

Parabens, including propylparaben, are used as preservatives in cosmetics and other products, while certain phthalates, such as diethyl phthalate, may be used to help stabilize fragrances.

PFAS, known as “forever chemicals” because they can persist in the environment for long periods, may be present in some skincare and cosmetic products to provide specific properties, such as improving their appearance or texture.

The researchers note that using a greater number of products could potentially increase exposure to these substances, particularly among adolescents, who undergo rapid hormonal changes during this stage of development.

However, the study does not establish that these chemicals cause cancer, nor does it show that social media use leads to cancer. Concerns surrounding some of these substances are based partly on laboratory and animal studies, as well as research examining their potential effects on hormones and human health.

Regulations governing these chemicals also vary between countries. Some ingredients are banned or restricted in the United Kingdom and European Union, while certain substances are permitted within specified limits in the United States.

Recent reports indicate that the use of PFAS in cosmetics has become more limited, although some types of parabens and phthalates remain common in personal care products.

Most Students Do Not Check Product Ingredients

The study found that only 19% of students checked product ingredient lists before using them, while just 5% said they regularly used an app or website to identify products considered safer.

None of the students involved in the study developed cancer during the research period. Moreover, the study did not follow participants for a sufficient period to determine whether their use of personal care products could affect their long-term health.

The researchers say the findings highlight the need for further studies to better understand the relationship between social media use, personal care product consumption and exposure to potentially harmful chemicals, particularly among adolescents.