Beauty Justice Act: Black Women-Owned Brands Rally for NY Senate Vote
Black Women-Owned Businesses Join Push for New York’s Beauty Justice Act Consumer Reports (CR) and a coalition of Black women-owned businesses gathered at the New York State Capitol to advocate for the passage of the Beauty Justice Act (S.2057B/A.205...
Black News 
Black Women-Owned Businesses Join Push for New York’s Beauty Justice Act
Consumer Reports (CR) and a coalition of Black women-owned businesses gathered at the New York State Capitol to advocate for the passage of the Beauty Justice Act (S.2057B/A.2054B), legislation aimed at banning intentionally added toxic substances in personal care and beauty products sold in the state.
The advocacy effort coincides with a scheduled Senate floor vote and renewed momentum to move the bill through the Assembly.
Momentum Builds for Safer Beauty Standards
Supporters are urging lawmakers to advance the bill out of the Assembly Ways and Means Committee, where it previously stalled despite passing unanimously through two other committees.
The legislation already has strong backing, having passed the State Senate in the previous session with a 49-10 vote.
“Toxic substances banned in food and children’s products are still present in beauty products used by millions of New Yorkers daily,” said Oriene Shin, Safety Advocacy Manager at Consumer Reports.
Advocates point to states like California, Maryland, and Washington, as well as international regulations in the European Union and Canada, as examples of stronger consumer protections already in place.
Black-Owned Businesses Lead the Charge
Support for the Beauty Justice Act extends beyond consumer advocacy organizations.
Nearly 40 New York-based business owners signed a letter backing the bill, countering claims that stricter regulations would harm small businesses.
“Safer products are feasible and already exist. What we need now is accountability,” said Debra Hare-Bey, Founder of On My Heavenly Hair, Inc.
“Toxic chemicals in beauty products pose a serious public health issue, particularly affecting Black women and the communities we serve,” added Natasha Gaspard, Founder of Mane Moves Media, Inc.
The Natural Hairstyle & Braid Coalition also expressed support, emphasizing the importance of safety standards and industry accountability.
Industry Pushback
Despite widespread support, the bill faces opposition from major corporations and trade groups, including L’Oréal, Estée Lauder, and the Personal Care Products Council.
Advocates argue that these claims are unfounded, noting that safer product formulations are already widely available.
Consumer Reports Findings
Research conducted by Consumer Reports has revealed concerning levels of toxic substances in widely used beauty products.
- Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic were found in 38 out of 40 braiding hair samples
- Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) were detected in all tested samples
- Hair dye products contained phthalates, benzene, and arsenic
Many of these substances would be banned under the proposed legislation.
A Path Forward
Advocates believe the Beauty Justice Act represents a critical step toward protecting public health while setting a national standard for safer beauty products.
With growing support from both consumers and small business owners, the focus now turns to the Assembly to advance the bill and bring it to the Governor’s desk.
