Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton (R) has launched industry-wide investigations into feminine care and cosmetic products, examining whether manufacturers misled consumers about the presence of potentially harmful chemicals and heavy metals in products marketed to women and children.
Paxton launches consumer protection investigations
The investigations focus on whether companies violated the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act (DTPA) by making misleading claims regarding the safety, quality, or chemical composition of their products.
According to the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), the inquiries involve manufacturers of products including:
- Lip balm.
- Lipstick.
- Other cosmetic products.
- Feminine care products.
The OAG noted that lip products are designed for repeated daily use and are often marketed to children.
Reports have indicated some products may contain:
- Titanium dioxide.
- Petroleum-based ingredients.
- Microplastics.
- Synthetic dyes.
The OAG said the investigations will examine whether companies accurately represented the safety of these products to consumers.
Tampon manufacturers also under investigation
The OAG has also opened an investigation into feminine care product manufacturers following reports that certain products may contain heavy metals.
The announcement cites a 2024 University of California, Berkeley study that detected measurable concentrations of all 16 tested heavy metals, including:
- Lead.
- Cadmium.
- Arsenic.
As part of the investigation, the OAG has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to:
- Tampax.
- Kotex.
- L.
- LOLA.
The office said it will also examine claims made by brands marketing products as "clean" or "non-toxic."
What Paxton is saying
Paxton said his office will investigate companies that allegedly misrepresent the safety of products marketed to women.
AG Ken Paxton: "I will continue to work tirelessly to help Make America Healthy Again by stopping companies that illegally put toxic heavy metals and dangerous chemicals in their products."
The Bottom Line
AG Paxton has launched industry-wide investigations into cosmetic and feminine care products, seeking to determine whether manufacturers misled consumers about potentially harmful chemicals and heavy metals contained in products marketed to women and children.
