AUSTIN – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced Monday that his office has launched industry-wide investigations into several popular feminine care and cosmetic brands over concerns about potentially harmful chemicals in their products.
According to the Office of the Attorney General, the investigations will examine whether companies misled consumers about the safety and chemical makeup of products, including lip balms, lipsticks and feminine hygiene products.
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The investigations focus on potential violations of the Texas Deceptive Trade Practices Act, which prohibits deceptive or misleading business practices.
Which brands are being investigated?
As part of the investigation into feminine care products, the attorney general’s office said it has issued Civil Investigative Demands (CIDs) to:
- Tampax
- Kotex
- L.
- LOLA
A CID is a legal tool that allows investigators to request documents and information before deciding whether further legal action is warranted. The announcement does not allege wrongdoing by the companies.
Why is Paxton investigating?
The attorney general’s office cited reports and studies raising concerns about chemicals found in certain consumer products.
For lip products, the office pointed to reports suggesting some products may contain ingredients such as titanium dioxide, petroleum-based compounds, microplastics and synthetic dyes. The office said these products are often marketed for frequent daily use and, in some cases, to children.
The office also referenced a 2024 study led by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, which detected measurable concentrations of 16 heavy metals, including lead, cadmium and arsenic, in more than 30 tampon products representing 14 brands.
The attorney general’s office noted that public health authorities have long said there is no known safe level of lead exposure. It also said some companies market products as “clean” or “non-toxic,” but whether those claims are accurate has not been independently verified through the state’s investigation.
Paxton’s statement
“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,” Paxton said in a statement.
“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. 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 Office of the Attorney General said investigators will determine whether manufacturers or sellers violated Texas consumer protection laws by misleading customers about the safety, quality or chemical composition of their products.
At this stage, the investigations are ongoing, and the attorney general’s office has not announced any lawsuits or enforcement actions against the companies named.