The cosmetics industry is a thriving sector. The European market is projected to reach 96 billion euros in 2023, with the UK being the fourth largest consumer at 11 billion euros after Italy, France, and Germany.
Both men and women are increasingly using cosmetics on a daily basis, and this trend looks set to continue. However, there are concerns about the safety of the ingredients used in these products.
In the European Union and other regions, ingredients in cosmetics are subject to strict regulations. Only approved ingredients are allowed, and this list is regularly updated based on new scientific findings.
The process of banning certain ingredients from cosmetics in Europe is overseen by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA). The agency first notifies about its intention to restrict certain chemicals, followed by a call for evidence where stakeholders provide data on the safety of the chemicals in question.
After thorough evaluation by scientific committees, recommendations are made, and a final decision is reached by the European Commission, a process that can take several years.
Companies are informed about upcoming regulatory changes so they can voluntarily replace substances that will be restricted in the future. An example is the ban on plastic microbeads, which were promptly removed from products ahead of the ban.
However, plastic remains a common ingredient in cosmetics, especially in leave-in products. Although not included in the microbead ban, these products will be phased out over the next seven years as part of the EU’s restrictions on the use of microplastics.
Microplastics are a concern due to their potential harm to humans, mainly because of their small size and persistence in the environment. There are also worries about the presence of poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics, which have raised health concerns.
The use of PFAS in cosmetics is limited, but there are potential ways for them to enter products unintentionally. Regulations are in place to phase out PFAS in cosmetics, and efforts are being made to ensure consumer safety.
What Does the Future Hold for Cosmetics?
Considering the small percentage of products containing PFAS and the ongoing efforts to phase them out, restrictions on the use of PFAS in cosmetics are not expected to greatly impact the industry.
Regulatory bodies are actively working to phase out harmful chemicals from cosmetics and ensure product safety. Consumers can stay informed by checking ingredient labels, utilizing databases like cosmile, and using apps to identify potential health risks in cosmetics.
Source: www.sciencefocus.com
