Popular habit increases cancer risk – study
A Rutgers University study has found a link between watching beauty content on TikTok and Instagram and increased cosmetic use among teenagers. Scientists warn of a hidden chemical load from dozens of products containing phthalates, parabens, and phenols, which can affect the endocrine system and increase cancer risk.
Researchers from Rutgers University warn that the popular habit of mass-purchasing and using cosmetic products, promoted through TikTok and Instagram, may pose a hidden health threat. A study involving teenagers from New Jersey found a direct link between watching beauty content and the number of products used daily. Teenagers following influencers with their own product lines used 30% more products, while regular viewing of hair tutorials increased usage by 40%. The list of daily products included not only creams and serums but also shampoos, soaps, deodorants, toothpaste, and perfumes. The main problem, according to scientists, lies in the cumulative effect of using dozens of different products, many of which contain phthalates, parabens, and phenols, which can negatively affect the endocrine system and increase the risk of developing cancer. Girls use an average of about 14 different products per day, twice as many as boys. Only 19% of teenagers study product ingredients before purchasing. Experts emphasize that the study does not prove a direct link between social media use and cancer, but beauty content stimulates excessive cosmetic use, which is especially dangerous for teenagers during hormonal changes.