Toxic Alert: Banned Chemicals Discovered in 6% of EU Cosmetic Products, ECHA Reports
In a concerning development for consumer safety, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) revealed that approximately 6% of examined cosmetic products contained prohibited hazardous substances, violating European regulations. The findings emerged from a comprehensive pilot enforcement project conducted across 13 European Economic Area (EEA) member states.
Extensive Investigation Reveals Widespread Non-Compliance
The investigation, which scrutinized nearly 4,500 cosmetic products, identified 285 items containing substances banned under the POPs Regulation and REACH Regulation. These regulations specifically target persistent organic pollutants and strictly control the registration, evaluation, authorization, and restriction of chemicals in consumer products.
Simple Yet Effective Detection Methods
Between November 2023 and April 2024, investigators primarily relied on ingredient list examination, demonstrating that consumers can also identify potentially harmful products through careful label reading. The ECHA emphasized that these dangerous substances were found across various product categories, price points, and manufacturers.
Enforcement Actions and Consumer Safety Measures
Regulatory authorities have initiated steps to remove non-compliant products from the market. The primary response involves providing written guidance to suppliers about legal compliance, with ongoing investigations in approximately half of the identified cases.
High-Risk Products and Harmful Chemicals Identified
The study specifically targeted several hazardous substances, including perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), long-chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs), and cyclic siloxanes D4 and D5. Notably, perfluorononyl dimethicone, which breaks down into PFOA and PFCAs, was frequently detected in eye and lip makeup products, while D4 and D5 were common in hair care items.
The ECHA warns that these chemicals pose significant environmental and health risks. PFOA and siloxanes demonstrate exceptional environmental persistence and bioaccumulation in living organisms. Furthermore, PFOA raises serious concerns due to its reproductive toxicity and potential carcinogenic properties, while D4 is suspected of impacting fertility.