6% of European cosmetics contain banned chemicals, according to ECHA

According to the Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) and REACH Regulations, 6% of cosmetic items in 13 European Economic Area (EEA) nations included prohibited hazardous chemicals, according to the European Chemicals Agency’s (ECHA) Enforcement Forum, which was held on October 30, 2024.

Perfluorooctanoic Acid (PFOA), long-chain Perfluorocarboxylic Acids (PFCAs), their derivatives, and cyclic silicones D4 and D5 were the main targets of the survey, which looked at almost 4,500 cosmetics. The results showed that 285 goods contained illegal chemicals and did not adhere to rules.

According to POPs and REACH Regulations, several chemicals are prohibited in cosmetics because of their toxicity, persistence, and bioaccumulation (PBT/vPvB). According to research, these substances build up in biological systems, disintegrate slowly, and may harm reproductive health or cause cancer.

Enforcement Measures

Usually beginning with written instructions to suppliers to guarantee compliance, regulatory bodies have taken action to remove non-compliant cosmetics off the market. Approximately 50% of these incidents are currently being investigated.

Authorities’ actions

The primary method of inspection was looking over the ingredients list, which is a simple method that customers may readily do. Customers need to be informed that the prohibited compounds were present in a wide variety of cosmetic items from different vendors and at all price points.

To get the non-compliant items off the market, the enforcement authorities have taken action. Usually, the initial step was to provide written guidance to suppliers on how to adhere to the legislation. About half of the instances had active investigations at the time the report was written.

Context

The REACH and POPs laws, which also apply to cosmetic combinations, are under the purview of ECHA. The enforcement of PFCAs and related compounds, such as PFOA and D4/D5, in cosmetics was the main emphasis of this pilot project. Under the POPs and REACH rules, the initiative helps to ensure that integrated control of chemicals in cosmetics is enforced consistently.

This pilot enforcement project’s inspections took place in 13 EEA nations between November 2023 and April 2024.