The Helsinki-based regulatory body examined approximately 4,500 cosmetic products across 13 European nations, discovering that 6% (285 products) contained substances prohibited due to their harmful health effects. These dangerous chemicals were identified in various products, spanning both affordable and luxury price points.
Among the affected items were popular beauty essentials such as:
- Eyeliners
- Lip-liners
- Hair conditioners
- Hair masks
The identified substances violate both the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and EU regulations. Health experts warn that exposure to these chemicals could lead to serious health complications, including reduced fertility and increased cancer risks.
Notably, ECHA’s inspection process primarily involved reviewing product ingredient lists, a method they emphasize is accessible to consumers for their own safety checks. Following these findings, enforcement authorities have initiated immediate action to remove non-compliant products from store shelves.
The investigation spanned across various European countries, including Austria, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Romania, and Sweden, demonstrating the widespread nature of this safety concern.