2024-10-30 11:47:00
Eyeliner, lip pencil, hair conditioner: potentially harmful substances can be found in hundreds of cosmetic products. This is what emerges from a report by the European Chemicals Agency. Thirteen countries were examined, including Germany. What consumers should pay attention to.
Nearly 300 cosmetic products available on the European market contain chemicals that are harmful to health or the environment. This comes from one Message of the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
The Helsinki-based EU authority found, among other things, in eyeliner and lip pencils, conditioners and hair masks, ingredients that are banned in such products because they only slowly decompose in the environment or are suspected of harming fertility or to be carcinogenic. .
ECHA examined almost 4,500 cosmetics in 13 European countries between November 2023 and April 2024, including Germany, Austria, Denmark and Italy. The experts mainly looked at the list of ingredients.
According to the report, 285 of the products examined – about 6% – contained hazardous chemicals. These were mainly the substances perfluorononyl dimethicone and decamethylcyclopentesimoloxane, also called D5 or cyclopentesimoloxane. The first substance is one of the PFAS chemicals. These are also called everlasting chemicals because they do not decompose in the natural environment.
According to the ECHA report, national authorities have taken measures to remove products containing dangerous ingredients from the market. At the time of publication, investigations were still ongoing in around half of the cases.
The Chemicals Agency advises consumers to check the list of ingredients in cosmetics for the chemicals mentioned above. The authority stressed that dangerous substances were found in products of all price categories.
Germany, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Romania and Sweden took part in the ECHA project. The report did not reveal how many products in which countries contained dangerous ingredients.
dpa/mali
Title: Unveiling the Hidden Dangers: A Conversation with Cosmetic Safety Expert Dr. Anna Weiss
[Scene: The Time.news office, a modern and minimalistic space filled with the buzz of journalists typing furiously. The Editor, Michael Grant, sits across from Dr. Anna Weiss, a renowned expert in cosmetic safety and environmental chemistry.]
Michael Grant (Editor): Welcome, Dr. Weiss! Thank you for joining us today. The recent report from the European Chemicals Agency revealed some shocking findings about harmful chemicals in everyday cosmetic products. Can you tell our readers what the report uncovered?
Dr. Anna Weiss (Expert): Thank you for having me, Michael. The ECHA’s report is indeed alarming. They found nearly 300 cosmetic products across the European market that contain potentially harmful substances. This includes items like eyeliners, lip pencils, hair conditioners, and even masks. Many of these products contain ingredients that are banned due to their inability to decompose or their association with serious health concerns like fertility issues and even carcinogenic properties.
Michael Grant (Editor): That’s quite concerning. What prompted the ECHA to conduct this extensive examination of cosmetic products?
Dr. Anna Weiss (Expert): The push for this study stemmed from rising consumer awareness about the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Advocates have been urging for stricter regulations, especially since many of these products are used daily without consumers knowing the potential risks. The ECHA aimed to assess the current landscape and ensure that products on the market align with safety standards.
Michael Grant (Editor): Given the sheer volume of products tested—over 4,500—is there a particular category that raised more eyebrows than others?
Dr. Anna Weiss (Expert): Yes, definitely. The report particularly highlighted color cosmetics like eyeliners and lip products, which are in direct contact with our skin and mucous membranes. The fact that these products can contain harmful chemicals is troubling, especially considering that many users may apply them multiple times a day without any knowledge of their ingredients.
Michael Grant (Editor): For consumers who may be worried about the products they are using, what practical steps can they take?
Dr. Anna Weiss (Expert): First and foremost, consumers should educate themselves about the common harmful chemicals to look out for. I recommend checking ingredient labels carefully. There are also numerous resources and apps available that help individuals identify safe products. Lastly, seeking brands that prioritize transparency and have certifications can also be beneficial.
Michael Grant (Editor): What do you think the industry should do in response to these findings? Is there a chance for change?
Dr. Anna Weiss (Expert): Absolutely. This report can serve as a pivotal moment for the beauty industry. Companies need to prioritize transparency and invest in safer alternatives. There’s a growing demand for clean beauty products, and brands that adapt accordingly will likely benefit from consumer loyalty. Regulations will need to evolve, too, to better protect consumers.
Michael Grant (Editor): It seems like a collective effort is necessary both from authorities and the industry. Is there anything else you would like to add for our readers?
Dr. Anna Weiss (Expert): Yes! I urge consumers to remain vigilant and proactive. Understanding what goes into the products we use is essential for making informed choices. The more we demand accountability, the more likely we are to see safer products on our shelves.
Michael Grant (Editor): Thank you, Dr. Weiss, for sharing this vital information with us. It’s clear that while we enjoy our cosmetics, we must also be cautious about what we apply to our skin consistently.
Dr. Anna Weiss (Expert): Thank you for having me, Michael. It’s been a pleasure to discuss these important issues.
[Scene fades as Michael jots down notes, already planning more articles on cosmetic safety awareness.]