Tainted Beauty
Kirti Poreddy
Did you know that the law in the US does not require cosmetic products to be approved by the FDA?
I first began questioning the beauty industry when I noticed how widely accepted bleaching products were, especially in India where I grew up—despite their severe and harmful effects on skin health.
The beauty industry has long emphasized external perfection while often neglecting the health, ethics, and environmental impact of its products. Tainted Beauty challenges this norm by introducing the Beauty Quotient (BQ)—a comprehensive grading system that evaluates cosmetic ingredients across six key factors: safety & toxicity, environmental impact, sustainability, ethical considerations, functionality & necessity, and regulatory status.
Unlike traditional beauty rankings, which focus on marketing-driven claims or superficial benefits, the BQ embraces a truly holistic approach. It moves beyond the narrow scope of aesthetics to assess how chemicals interact with both human health and the world around us. Many popular beauty products contain unregulated or potentially harmful ingredients, raising concerns about long-term exposure, ethical sourcing, and environmental sustainability. By grading chemicals on a multi-dimensional scale, Tainted Beauty aims to redefine beauty as something that is not just about appearance but about well-being—for individuals and for the planet.
This project is rooted in the belief that skincare should nourish, not harm. Beauty should not come at the cost of health risks, environmental degradation, or exploitative practices. The Beauty Quotient serves as a tool for education, awareness, and empowerment, ensuring that beauty is safe, ethical, and truly inclusive for everyone.
Self care shouldn't turn into self sacrifice.