Watch Toxic Beauty

Toxic Beauty, a 2019 documentary, delves into the alarming issue of toxic chemicals in the beauty industry. Directed by Phyllis Ellis and produced by Riddle Films, the film features interviews and personal stories from people who have been adversely affected by chemicals present in everyday cosmetic products. The documentary follows the journey of Deane Berg, a former national figure skater, who was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 49. Berg's cancer was traced back to her long-term use of Johnson & Johnson's talcum powder, which contained asbestos, a carcinogenic substance. Berg's journey becomes the centerpiece of the film, and we see her take on Johnson & Johnson in court in a landmark lawsuit that paved the way for thousands of other cases.

The film doesn't just focus on talcum powder; it also features the stories of other individuals who have been affected by cosmetic products. Mel Lika, a woman from Los Angeles, shares her story of contracting a rare form of breast cancer (ALCL) due to her breast implants. And Mymy Nguyen, a Vietnamese immigrant, talks about her ongoing health issues that she believes are linked to her use of skin whitening products.

Toxic Beauty features appearances from industry insiders who reveal the extent to which chemicals are used in cosmetic products. It's revealed that there are over 85,000 chemicals registered for use in the beauty industry, and only a small fraction of these have been tested for safety. Moreover, the film highlights that many of these chemicals are known endocrine disruptors, meaning they adversely affect the body's hormones.

The documentary explores the history of the beauty industry, revealing that dangerous substances have been used for centuries. For example, radium was used in cosmetics in the early 1900s, and mercury was used in skin lightening creams.

Toxic Beauty not only exposes the dangers of cosmetic products but also sheds light on the lack of regulation around the use of these products. The FDA does not regulate the beauty industry's ingredients, meaning that companies can add any chemical they want to their products without any oversight. Furthermore, the film highlights the fact that many of the studies that have been conducted on cosmetic ingredients have been either inadequate or biased because they were funded by the industry itself.

The documentary's filmmakers also interview a number of experts, including oncologists, scientists, and lawyers, who provide further insight into the issue. They argue that there is a need for change in the cosmetics industry and that consumers deserve better regulation to protect their health.

One of the key takeaways from the film is that consumers need to be more aware of the products they use and to take steps to educate themselves about the chemicals that are present in these products. The film encourages viewers to make informed decisions about what they put on their bodies and to push for more stringent regulations around the use of chemicals in cosmetic products.

Overall, Toxic Beauty is a thought-provoking and eye-opening documentary that exposes the dark side of the beauty industry. The film highlights the need for more regulation and transparency in the industry and encourages viewers to reconsider the products they use. With the rise of clean beauty and the increasing demand for natural and organic products, Toxic Beauty is a timely and important documentary that should be seen by anyone who cares about their health and the environment.

Toxic Beauty is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3.