Attorney General Ken Paxton is seeking to advance the Make America Healthy Again movement by launching an investigation into women’s cosmetic and feminine products to determine if consumers are being deceived about the presence of toxic chemicals.
Paxton is seeking to determine whether the implicated companies have violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act by deceiving and misleading customers regarding the safety, quality, or presence of toxic chemicals in products.
Reports referenced in Paxton’s announcement reveal that several types of lip products are likely to contain potentially harmful ingredients such as titanium dioxide or other petroleum-based ingredients. These product brands are often also marketed towards children and are advertised in partnership with “iconic food brands,” according to his office.
Paxton suggested that this advertising partnership “may mislead consumers to believe these products are safe to eat.”
The announcement also cites studies showing that these lip products can contain up to 3,000 particles of microplastics in each application as well as synthetic dyes that have not been fully studied in regard to their long-term health impacts.
“Many corporations have neglected the health of women by using harmful ingredients in their everyday products, but my office will fight to defend Texas women and their health,” said Paxton. “No corporation should mislead women about the safety of its products, and my office will thoroughly investigate any company that harms the health of Texans.”
The investigation will also include manufacturers and sellers of feminine products, following reports that they may contain dangerous heavy metals.
According to a study cited by Paxton’s office, measurable concentrations “of all 16 heavy metals tested—including lead, cadmium, and arsenic” were discovered in more than 30 tampon products across 14 brands.
Paxton asserted that “public health authorities have consistently maintained that there is no known safe level of lead exposure.”
As part of the investigation, Paxton has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to several companies, including companies considered “clean” or “non-toxic” brands, alleging that “the safety and ingredient claims associated with these products have not been independently verified or investigated.”
Companies issued CIDs include Tampax, Kotex, L., and LOLA. The investigation is ongoing.
