Hazardous chemicals found in hundreds of European cosmetics

Hazardous chemicals were detected in six per cent of cosmetic products tested across 13 European countries, according to a new investigation. 

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) identified 285 products containing chemicals banned by European regulations due to their risks to health and the environment.

The agency inspected nearly 4,500 cosmetic items in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Romania and Sweden between November 2023 and April 2024.

Many of the banned compounds were per or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) also known as “forever chemicals”.

The substances “have been identified as persistent organic pollutants or, bioaccumulative and toxic that adversely affect human health and the environment,” according to a statement from the ECHA.

For instance, perfluorononyl dimethicone, found in some eyeliners and lipliners, can degrade into PFOA, which is known for remaining in the environment and is suspected of causing cancer. 

Cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), detected in hair conditioners and masks, is also linked to fertility issues, the agency said.

“Consumers should be aware that the restricted substances were found in different types of cosmetic products, from various sellers and at all price ranges,” the statement said, encouraging consumers to review ingredient lists, the method used by the project’s officers. 

These chemicals were banned under REACH regulations, an EU law to protect human health and the environment, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs).

Following the inspections, authorities have initiated steps to remove non-compliant products from the market. 

An investigation led by the French environment-focused media Vert reported a few weeks ago that cosmetics from Sephora and the Italian brand Kiko contained PFAS.