According to a new report, 6% of cosmetic products tested in 13 European countries were found to contain hazardous chemicals. The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) discovered that 285 products contained substances banned due to their potential health and environmental risks.
Between November 2023 and April 2024, nearly 4,500 cosmetic products were analyzed in Austria, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Romania, and Sweden. The majority of the banned substances identified were per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as “forever chemicals.”
These chemicals are known as persistent organic pollutants and are toxic, bioaccumulative, and harmful to both human health and the environment. For example, some eyeliners and lip liners contain perfluorononyl dimethicone, which can break down into PFOA, a substance known for its environmental persistence and suspected carcinogenic properties. The ECHA also flagged cyclotetrasiloxane (D4), found in hair creams and masks, for its potential links to fertility issues.
The agency warned consumers to be aware that restricted chemicals are present in various cosmetic products, regardless of the seller or price range. It also encouraged consumers to check ingredient lists, which were used by the research teams.
These chemicals are banned under the EU’s REACH regulations, which aim to protect human health and the environment, and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs). Following the inspections, authorities have taken steps to remove non-compliant products from the market.
A recent investigation led by the French environmental media outlet Vert revealed that cosmetics from brands like Sephora and the Italian brand Kiko were found to contain PFAS.
