Cosmetic brands donate to cancer causes during October, but their products contain controversial chemicals, sparking criticism as #pinkwashing gains traction.
Cosmetic brands promote pink campaigns for cancer awareness
During October, cosmetic brands offer customers the chance to purchase skincare and makeup products in exchange for financial support for the fight against cancer. This initiative, often marked by pink-themed packaging, has become a common marketing strategy during the month.Controversial substances in pink-themed products
However, these same products contain controversial substances. Reporterre has analyzed some labels and found that brands like Bourjois Paris and Mavala have linked purchases to donations for cancer research, but their products include ingredients that raise health concerns.Growing discomfort among cancer patients
Although the cause is legitimate and the objective commendable, these marketing campaigns are creating growing discomfort among patients or former patients. The hashtag #pinkwashing, which denounces the commercial exploitation of the pink ribbon, is gaining popularity on social networks, especially targeting the cosmetics industry.Experts flag concerning ingredients
Reporterre examined the composition of several products labeled "October Pink" based on the opinions of two cosmetics experts: Anne Dubost and Zoé Kerlo. They identified concerning ingredients, such as BHT and phenoxyethanol, both suspected of being endocrine disruptors, and polyethylene glycol derivatives, which can generate harmful by-products.Concerns over mineral oils in lip products
The infused oil lip gloss duo from Bobbi Brown Cosmetics uses mineral oils and waxes, which can generate impurities classified as carcinogenic and/or genotoxic by the European Food Safety Authority. These substances, when used in lip products that may be ingested, raise significant health concerns.Banned substances in pink-themed products
Titanium dioxide, banned as a food additive in France and Europe, is present in some products and is suspected of being genotoxic. Other ingredients, such as ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate and aluminum hydroxide, are either highly problematic or classified as moderate risks.Silicones and synthetic fragrances in makeup
Plastic derivatives like dimethicone and synthetic fragrances, which can hide hundreds of synthetic substances, are commonly found in makeup products. Some silicones are already banned or under review for restriction in cosmetics.Industry responses and the origin of the pink ribbon
Estée Lauder Companies reaffirmed its commitment to product safety, while Mavala and Bourjois Paris did not respond to inquiries. The pink ribbon, a symbol of breast cancer awareness, was created in 1992 by Evelyn Lauder, vice president of Estée Lauder, and later introduced in France with the help of Marie Claire magazine.
