FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2025

BWW Hosts Inaugural Beauty Justice Conference, Exposing the Health Risks Black Women Face in the Beauty Industry

[Los Angeles, CA] – Black Women for Wellness (BWW) is proud to announce the 2025 Beauty Justice Conference. The first annual event is dedicated to challenging the beauty industry’s harmful impact on Black women’s health and advocating for systemic change. The conference will take place on April 21, 2025 at The California Endowment Center in Los Angeles, bringing together scientists, chemists, beauty industry leaders, health professionals, and community members to address the urgent need for beauty justice.

“Black women are working at the intersection of seeking beauty solutions that do not overexpose us to toxic chemicals, while also shifting culture as a means of protecting our health and well-being,” said Janette Robinson Flint, Executive Director of Black Women for Wellness. “We are over-exposed and under-protected from the harsh chemicals in our products and we are seeking cultural shifts that respect our natural beauty. This conference is yet another step toward bringing the many stakeholders to the table on Black Justice for Black women and girls.”

“Beauty is such an integral part of our community, “ added Adia James, BWW’s Environmental & Beauty Justice Support Specialist. “From our wash-day routines to waist-length protective styles like braids, our culture and individuality is linked to the beauty products we consume. We should be able to revel in our beauty without fear of repercussions on our health. Pretty shouldn’t hurt, and beauty shouldn’t harm.” 

THE URGENCY OF BEAUTY JUSTICE

Studies have shown that beauty and personal care products marketed to Black women disproportionately contain toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, parabens, and phthalates — chemicals linked to breast cancer, fibroids, infertility, and other reproductive health concerns. Additionally, beauty industry regulations often fail to consider the unique needs and health risks faced by Black consumers.

The 2025 Beauty Justice Conference will address these issues and explore solutions through:

• Expert-Led Panels – Discussions with scientists, chemists, and health professionals on chemical exposure and regulatory gaps.
• Community Conversations – Black women sharing personal stories and experiences with beauty products.
• Policy Advocacy & Action – Engaging policymakers to advocate for stronger consumer protections and corporate accountability. This includes pushing for legislation that helps Black women and girls detox from high-impact toxins found in beauty products. Discussions will highlight key policies like the CROWN Act, a California law passed in 2019 that protects against hair discrimination by ensuring legal protections for natural hairstyles such as braids, locs, twists, and knots in workplaces and schools.
• Sustainable Beauty Solutions – Showcasing safe, non-toxic alternatives and supporting Black-owned beauty brands.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?

The Beauty Justice Conference welcomes stakeholders, beauty professionals, consumers and community members committed to advancing equity in beauty and environmental health for Black women.

Black Women for Wellness has been at the forefront of advocating for safe, accessible, and culturally competent beauty products and policies. We invite partners, attendees and press to join us in this movement and make a lasting impact. More details on our work can be found at https://bwwla.org/programs/beauty-justice/.

ABOUT BLACK WOMEN FOR WELLNESS

Black Women for Wellness (BWW) is a nonprofit organization committed to the health and well-being of Black women and girls through education, advocacy, and empowerment. Our Beauty Justice Initiative challenges the toxic beauty industry, promotes safe beauty alternatives, and advocates for policy changes that protect Black women from environmental harm.

CONTACT:

For media inquiries or sponsorship opportunities, please contact: 

Arnedra Jordan, Project Manager
Black Women for Wellness
arnedra@bwwla.com