The Hidden Dangers in Beauty Products: A Closer Look at Toxic Chemicals and Consumer Safety

HBO Max’s “The Pitt” Highlights Dangers of Toxic Beauty Products

In a gripping episode of HBO Max’s hospital drama “The Pitt,” viewers are introduced to Nandi, a young TikTok beauty influencer whose life spirals out of control. Found wandering the streets of New York, she dangerously walks into traffic, screaming at cars and passersby. The cause? A shocking case of mercury poisoning linked to an imported facial moisturizer she promotes in her videos.

This storyline serves as a stark reminder of the hidden dangers lurking in everyday beauty products. Nandi’s symptoms—severe insomnia, tremors, and psychosis—prompt the emergency room staff to investigate, ultimately revealing the toxic source of her condition.

A Growing Concern

The episode resonates with real-world concerns about the proliferation of harmful chemicals in cosmetics. A 2021 analysis of 231 beauty products sold in the U.S. and Canada found that 52% contained PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known hormone disruptors linked to various health issues. Alarmingly, many of these products, particularly foundations and waterproof mascara, failed to disclose the presence of these chemicals on their labels.

Beauty products marketed to Black women have long been scrutinized for containing hazardous ingredients. For instance, 50% of hair straighteners were found to contain toxic chemicals like formaldehyde, a known carcinogen.

A Ray of Hope

Despite these alarming statistics, there is a glimmer of hope. The 2025 Beauty & Personal Care Ingredient Intelligence Report from ChemFORWARD reveals that verified safety in beauty products is on the rise. Stacy Glass, cofounder of ChemFORWARD, notes that toxic chemicals are appearing in fewer products, indicating that industry cooperation can lead to safer alternatives.

However, the report also highlights that nearly 4% of products still use high-hazard chemicals, particularly in lip colors and moisturizers. This statistic underscores the ongoing challenge consumers face in navigating the beauty aisle.

Consumer Vigilance Needed

With over 24% of chemicals analyzed lacking sufficient safety data, consumers are left vulnerable. David Andrews, acting chief science officer for the Environmental Working Group, emphasizes the need for transparency in labeling. “Even when companies reformulate to remove hazardous chemicals, those chemicals may still be available on the market,” he warns.

ChemFORWARD’s report analyzed nearly 50,000 products, revealing that 71% of ingredients were deemed safe or low concern for health and the environment. However, the presence of toxic ingredients like methylparaben and BHT—common in many cosmetics—remains a significant concern.

Moving Forward

As the beauty industry evolves, experts advocate for manufacturers to take responsibility for the safety of their products. “The consumer should not have to be responsible for this decision,” says Heather McKenney, science lead for ChemFORWARD. “We need more of the industry on board.”

For consumers, vigilance is key. Checking labels for hazardous chemicals and being aware of the potential risks associated with beauty products can help mitigate exposure to harmful substances.

As Nandi’s story unfolds on “The Pitt,” it serves as a cautionary tale, urging viewers to reconsider what they apply to their skin and the potential consequences of beauty trends driven by social media.