09/09/2025
Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Beautywell’s Strong Pursuit Against Skin-Lightening Products Continues: New Product Results on Website
ST. PAUL, MN – The Beautywell Project, a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending skin-lightening practices and reducing chemical exposures, has announced the release of new lab-tested results for several skin-lightening products. The products, sourced from both the United States and Eastern Africa, were found to contain dangerous levels of heavy metals and other toxic chemicals. Through this release, Beautywell aims to educate communities and create safer, toxic-free environments for families.
Skin-lightening is a global practice, particularly prevalent in communities of color, that uses products to achieve a lighter skin tone by reducing melanin. The market is valued at an estimatedmore than $13.2 billion globally and the USA $2.7 billion. Many of these products contain toxic ingredients and heavy metals, such as mercury, lead, hydroquinone, and steroids, which can lead to serious health complications like skin thinning, neurological damage, and even organ failure.
The Beautywell Project has been at the forefront of this issue, taking the initiative to test these products and raise public awareness of the health risks they pose. The most recent lab-tested results were published on July 28 and are now available in the Product Database section of Beautywell’s Database and Knowledge Hub.
“Our latest test results are a stark reminder of the hidden dangers in these products,” said Amira Adawe, Executive Director of the Beautywell Project. “Many people are unknowingly exposing themselves to toxic levels of mercury, lead, and other harmful chemicals, which can cause serious, long-term health damage. Our mission is to shine a light on these risks and empower communities with the information they need to protect themselves and their families.”
The database highlights toxicity levels and details on heavy metals detected, often not shown on product labels. Many of the products tested showed high levels of mercury, exceeding the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) limit of 1 part per million (ppm). The database also provides information on manufacturers, product types, and locations where the items were sourced.
The Beautywell Project recently celebrated a significant legislative achievement in Minnesota, having successfully passed a bill that designates funding for increased business education, product testing, and enforcement of regulations aimed at eliminating mercury in skin-lightening products. This accomplishment further solidifies the organization’s commitment to creating healthier and safer communities.
About The Beautywell Project: The Beautywell Project is a nonprofit organization dedicated to ending skin-lightening practices and reducing chemical exposures. Beautywell works to improve the well-being of children, women, and families through education, advocacy, and research. The organization urges community leaders to protect communities that have been immensely affected by these harmful practices.
Call to Action: To access the Beautywell database and learn more about the health risks associated with skin-lightening products, please visit https://thebeautywell.org/data/. Protect yourself, your loved ones, and your community.
Contact:
Amira Adawe, MPH
Executive Director The Beautywell Project
amira.adawe@thebeautywell.org
612-250-4263
