Photo by Cynthia Gibson
By Cynthia Gibson
Contributing Writer
LOS ANGELES — The Black Women for Wellness Beauty Justice Conference brought together scientists, chemists, beauty industry leaders, health professionals, and community members to confront the urgent need for beauty justice. The event was held on April 21 at the California Endowment.
Research has consistently shown that beauty and personal care products marketed to Black women disproportionately contain harmful chemicals — such as formaldehyde, parabens and phthalates — linked to breast cancer, fibroids, infertility and other reproductive health concerns. Despite this, current industry regulations often overlook the unique health risks faced by Black consumers.
Throughout the daylong conference, panel discussions, presentations, and workshops spotlighted the harmful impact of the beauty industry on Black women’s health while calling for systemic change.
In the panel Beauty Justice and the Intersection of Reproductive Justice, Black Women for Wellness Program Manager Tyla Adams moderated a conversation with experts Chelsea VonChaz, Christina Garcia and Morgan Turner that explored the risks associated with commonly used products — such as hair relaxers and menstrual care items — which are often laden with ingredients that disrupt hormones, trigger fibroids and compromise reproductive health.
A particular focus was placed on per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often called “forever chemicals” due to their inability to break down in the environment or the human body. Originally developed by 3M in the 1950s, PFAS are used to make materials waterproof and are found in products ranging from nonstick cookware to floor rugs. When accumulated in the body, PFAS have been linked to serious health conditions.
“It’s a product we now know causes cancer, affects babies and damages reproductive health — yet it’s still being used,” said Cristina Garcia, founder of Conèctate Green Strategies and a former state legislator. “It shows up in menstrual products regularly and there’s no legislation to ban it.”
Garcia, a leading voice in menstrual equity and reproductive justice, urged attendees to collaborate with lawmakers and share their stories to help push forward policies that ban toxic substances and hold companies accountable.
Public policy and social justice advocate LaKisha Camese shared examples of successful advocacy that have led to landmark legislation, including:
• The CROWN Act (2019), prohibiting racial discrimination based on hairstyles in workplaces and schools.
• The California Dignity in Pregnancy and Childbirth Act, which addresses implicit bias in maternal care.
• The California Momnibus Act (SB 65), which expands Medi-Cal coverage for doulas and aims to reduce racial disparities in maternal and infant health.
Camese also offered practical guidance on how to find, contact, and communicate with elected officials.
“If we don’t see people advocating for our rights, for our reproductive health, and against toxins and forever chemicals in beauty products — then they’re either complicit or they don’t care,” she said. “When we know something’s wrong, we have a duty to speak up.”
The Legislative Advocacy for Beauty Justice panel addressed the complex web of policies at both federal and local levels and explored how to create legislation that protects consumers. Moderated by Black Women for Wellness Environmental Justice Program Director Tianna Shaw Wakeman, the panel featured Niamh Moore, policy manager at Environmental Advocates NY, and Unique Vance, a fellow with Black Girl Environmentalists.
The discussion emphasized the need for comprehensive legislation that addresses the full life cycle of toxic chemicals — from extraction and production to use and disposal.
Other panels throughout the day included Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Beauty, How Social Media Shapes and Fuels Toxic Trends, and Building Safe Spaces for Black Hair Care. Attendees also participated in a hands-on workshop titled Beauty Across the Lifespan.
The conference was the brainchild of Black Women for Wellness Project Manager Arnedra Jordan, who explained that it was born out of the organization’s long-standing Reproductive Justice Conference, now in its 25th year. This new event was designed to specifically focus on health issues among Black women related to beauty products — including reproductive disorders, hormone disruptors and cancer-causing agents.
“We wanted Black women to have a space that was free, where they could speak with other Black women, share ideas about beauty, and learn about the toxins and chemicals in the products we use—while also discovering healthier alternatives,” Jordan said.
Janette Robinson Flint, executive director of Black Women for Wellness, underscored the importance of the conference in addressing health disparities caused by toxic beauty products.
“We are overexposed and underprotected from the harsh chemicals in our products,” she said. “We’re calling for cultural shifts that respect and celebrate our natural beauty. This conference is another step toward uniting stakeholders to advance beauty justice for Black women and girls.”
Cynthia Gibson is a freelance reporter for Wave Newspapers. She can be reached at ckgcommunications@gmail.com.
