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• Posted August 18, 2026

Social Media Beauty Trends May Up Teens' Exposure To Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals

That beauty tutorial on social media might influence more than what your teen buys.

It may also increase their exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, a new study warns.

"We often hear that social media may hurt kids' mental health and socio-emotional development," said lead author Emily Barrett of Rutgers School of Public Health in Piscataway, New Jersey. "This study suggests another cause for concern: social media's potential to increase the use of personal care products that often include hormone-disrupting and potentially carcinogenic chemicals."

Researchers surveyed 143 high school students about their use of personal care products — from shampoo and deodorant to skin care, fragrance and makeup.

Students who followed social media influencers with product lines reported using 30% more products in the previous 24 hours. Those who watched hair or beauty tutorials used 40% more.

Researchers say this matters because some personal care products contain chemicals such as phthalates, parabens and phenols, which have been linked to hormone disruption and cancer risk.

Girls reported using a median of 14 products a day — twice as many as boys. Median means half used more, half used fewer.

Overall, students used about as many personal care products as adults in previous studies.

But adolescence may be a particularly sensitive time for chemical exposure.

"They are undergoing rapid changes, including in their hormone systems," Barrett said.

While some students surveyed were concerned, just 19% said they regularly read ingredient lists.

Researchers say future studies could also use urine tests to measure teens' actual chemical exposure.

The study was recently published in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology.

More information

The Environmental Working Group has more on toxic chemicals in cosmetics.

SOURCE: HealthDay TV, Aug. 18, 2026