A recent project by the European Chemicals Agency’s Enforcement Forum found harmful, banned chemicals in cosmetic products across Europe!

4,500 cosmetic products from 13 European countries were analysed, and 285 (6% of products) were found to contain hazardous substances that are not allowed to be used in cosmetics in the EU.

The substances were found in a variety of cosmetic products across all price ranges and from numerous sellers. For example, a substance that breaks down into PFOA, which belongs to the PFAS family, was found in eyeliners and lipliners.

The World Health Organisation recognises PFOA as a class one carcinogen, and its use is banned globally under the Stockholm Convention.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a family of over 10,000 highly persistent synthetic chemicals. Because they do not break down easily in the environment, they are often given the nickname the ‘forever chemicals’. Exposure to some PFAS has been linked to numerous health problems, such as the promotion of certain cancers, disruption of the immune system and reduced fertility.

The inspections were largely carried out by checking the product ingredient lists, which consumers can easily do.

Enforcement authorities have taken steps to remove products containing banned substances from the market. However, many other harmful chemicals remain in products on our shelves, and stronger restrictions are needed to protect us.

CHEM Trust is calling for an urgent group ban on PFAS chemicals in the EU and the UK, and for the most harmful chemicals to be banned in consumer products, such as cosmetics.

Read more on PFAS here.

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