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Environmental Equity And The Cosmetics Industry: The Effect Of Class Upon Toxic Exposure, Sean Storr '22

Student Scholarship

Cosmetic products in the United States are unregulated and oftentimes toxic. It is well established that the threats that cosmetics pose disproportionately harm women and women of color. However, when the hazards of the cosmetic industry have been analyzed, the relationship between toxic exposure and financial means has been largely omitted. In this study I evaluate the link between poverty and toxic burden through cosmetic products through literature review and a data analysis of pre-existing online databases. Through the use of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics’ Red List and the Environmental Working Group’s Skin Deep database, I investigate whether cosmetic …