Dr. Yvonne Burkart Exposes How Beauty Products Are Poisoning Black Girls

by Grace Somes
Dr Yvonne Burkart || Image credit: @diaryofaceo

Dr. Yvonne Burkart, a leading toxicologist, has issued a chilling warning about the hidden dangers lurking in everyday beauty products marketed to Black women and girls.

In a conversation on The Diary of a CEO podcast by Steven Bartlett, Dr. Burkart pulled back the curtain on the harmful chemicals that disproportionately affect women of color.

The conversation began with a startling statistic from Bartlett: According to Harvard Health, 50% of products advertised to Black women contain endocrine disruptors—compared to only 7% of products marketed to white women. These disruptors, known to interfere with hormones, are linked to increased risks of cancer, infertility, and other serious health issues.

“Why are products specifically targeted at Black women so much more toxic?”

Dr. Burkart didn’t hold back in her response. “Some of these products marketed specifically to Black girls contain some of the worst ingredients I’ve ever seen,” she revealed.

“Fragrances, endocrine disruptors, harsh detergents, even formaldehyde releasers—these chemicals have no place in beauty or personal care products. Formaldehyde is a known human carcinogen. It’s outrageous and should be outlawed.”

Dr. Burkart criticized the significant lack of regulation in the beauty industry, especially for products aimed at vulnerable groups. Fragrances are often vaguely labeled as “parfum” or “fragrance” and can contain numerous chemicals like phthalates, which can disrupt hormones and affect fertility. She also highlighted that formaldehyde releasers—used as preservatives in many hair and skincare items—are frequently linked to cancer but continue to be widely used.

The podcast shed light on the systemic inequalities within the beauty industry. Products targeting Black women, such as hair relaxers, shampoos, and skin-lightening creams, are often packed with harsh chemicals and endocrine disruptors. Although these products promise beauty and confidence, they can have dire health consequences.

Dr. Burkart called for increased accountability and stricter regulations, advocating a fundamental change in how the beauty industry formulates and markets its products.

For decades, advocates have called attention to the disparities in beauty product safety, particularly those aimed at Black women. Studies have shown that women of color are exposed to higher levels of hazardous chemicals due to the products they use more frequently, such as relaxers, hair oils, and fragranced lotions.

Dr. Burkart’s interview is a wake-up call not just for the beauty industry but for consumers, too. She stressed the importance of reading ingredient labels, opting for fragrance-free products, and supporting brands that prioritize transparency and safety.

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