Yesterday, The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has issued a warning after discovering hazardous and banned chemicals in hundreds of cosmetic products sold across Europe.
Following inspections of nearly 4,500 products in 13 countries between November 2023 and April 2024, ECHA found that 6%—or 285 products—contained substances prohibited due to their harmful effects on health. These dangerous chemicals were present in a range of products, including eyeliners, lip-liners, conditioners, and hair masks, from various sellers and at all price points.
The European Chemicals Agency stated that the main focus of the inspections was on the ingredient lists, checking for the presence of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), long chain perfluorocarboxylic acids (PFCAs) and related substances, and cyclic siloxanes D4 and D5. Authorities found that among the 285 inspected cosmetic products, hazardous chemicals that are banned were present. The identified hazardous chemicals included Perfluorononyl dimethicone, Perfluorooctylethyl triethoxysilane, Cyclopentasiloxane (D5), cyclomethicone (a blend of D4, D5 and D6), cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), among others.
The identified substances are banned under both the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and EU legislation, with potential health risks that include reduced fertility and increased cancer risk. ECHA emphasized that consumers can easily use ingredient lists to identify these harmful substances.
Following the findings, enforcement authorities have acted to remove the non-compliant products from the market. The inspections were conducted in several countries, including Austria, Germany, Italy, and Sweden, highlighting the widespread nature of this issue in the cosmetics industry.
