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Toxic Beauty: Health Risks of Latin America's Cosmetics Trade — Two women in traditional clothing with a small dog.

Toxic Beauty: Health Risks of Latin America's Cosmetics TradeCEFR A1

7 Nov 2025

Adapted from Aleida Rueda, SciDev CC BY 2.0

Photo by Darya Luganskaya, Unsplash

AI-assisted adaptation of the original article, simplified for language learners.

  • In Latin America, there are many cheap cosmetics.
  • These products can have harmful chemicals.
  • They have no labels or warnings.
  • People buy them in markets and shops.
  • Some use heavy metals like lead or mercury.
  • This can cause health problems like allergies.

Difficult words

  • cosmeticBeauty products for skin or face.
    cosmetics
  • chemicalSubstances used in science or industry.
    chemicals
  • labelA tag that gives information.
    labels
  • marketA place to buy and sell goods.
    markets
  • problemAn issue that needs a solution.
    problems
  • healthCondition of being free from illness.

Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.

Discussion questions

  • Why do you think there are many cheap cosmetics in Latin America?
  • How can consumers protect themselves when buying cosmetics?
  • What should companies do about harmful chemicals in their products?

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