Cosmetics products are comprised of a mix of different chemical substances derived either from natural sources, or chemically synthesized ones. Cosmetics intended for personal use can usually be purchased at any cosmetic shop. These include lotions, sunscreens, moisturizers, lipsticks, eyeshadows, foundations, blushers, mascara, eye shadow, body moisturizers, soaps and bathing gels. Cosmetics manufactured for health and fitness purposes, on the other hand, are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Cosmetics Safety Act regulates all cosmetics manufacturing, including the types, amounts, ingredients, label directions, and statements regarding safety.
Cosmetics are produced with harsh ingredients in mind. Many cosmetic products contain dangerous color additives that can irritate the eye, cause allergies, dizziness, headaches and even cancer. The ingredients commonly found in personal care products that are known to be potentially toxic include: acetone, phenol carbolic acid, toluene, formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate (Dibutyl), triclosan, liquid paraffin, parabens, fragrances, and polyethylene glycol (PEG). This was just a listing of some of the dangerous ingredients.
Cosmetics companies are not required to list the ingredients in their cosmetics products. The US FDA does not regulate cosmetics, so it is up to the cosmetic product manufacturer and retailer to ensure that they comply with all trade and safety standards. If you are purchasing cosmetics online, it is very important that you do not purchase an item marked as being “all natural” when it actually contains petroleum based oils, waxes, synthetic fragrance, dyes and other similar ingredients. These substances are not permitted in personal care items, so if you are purchasing cosmetics online, always read the label on the back of the container. Cosmetics testing and inspection should be conducted by a reputable third-party company.
In Canada, there is no system in place to ensure that cosmetics and personal care products are safe. The Canadian Food and Cosmetic Regulations Act state that manufacturers of cosmetic products are responsible for providing evidence that the products are safe for use by consumers. They are also responsible for ensuring that the ingredients in the cosmetics are of a reasonable proportion. There are currently no laws in Canada that require companies to test their products for contamination or toxins. While there is no legal restriction on the type or amount of chemicals that may be added to a cosmetics product, it is important to consider the possible hazards associated with the accumulation of chemicals over time. The chemical composition of cosmetics may change over time, and exposure to these chemicals through direct skin contact, inhalation and absorption through ingestion may increase your risk of developing cancer.
All cosmetic products, including cosmetics and facial care products, that will be exported to Europe must be in compliance with the strict regulations set out by the European Union (EU). Cosmetics that are imported into the EU are subject to all of the same tests as cosmetics manufactured in the EU. If an imported cosmetic product is found to have ingredients that would be considered hazardous to humans, it will be banned from export. The cosmetic products that are tested, however, must meet the EU’s restrictions for cosmetics, including those that have been banned due to dangerous health and environmental effects.
An ingredient list is the first item that you should look for when checking ingredients and/or cosmetics in a cosmetic product information file. The list should list every ingredient and all derivatives, whenever available. The responsible person must ensure that all of the ingredients are included, if they are required. For example, parabens are used as an ingredient in a vast majority of anti-aging cosmetics, but are a potential carcinogen. If parabens are not listed, the responsible person must include an alternate chemical that is safe.
Cosmetics that have been subject to testing by the European Union’s Cosmetic Products Agency (COPRO) are not available from US distributors. These cosmetics may be sold only by US retailers or by suppliers that have applied for certification by the European Union. These products can also only be exported to EU member countries, but may also be exported to other countries that are members of the European Union. If a cosmetic is exported to Canada, for example, it would not be allowed on the airline, unless the packaging is designated for Canada.
There are two other items that will help determine whether or not a cosmetic product or skincare products in question meets the requirements for listing in an EU Cosmetics Information File. The first is the list of ingredients, which can be found on the product information page, along with the list of all derivatives. The second item is a list of all places where the cosmetic products or skincare items were manufactured. The cosmetician will need to provide a sales and distribution label for any cosmetic products or skincare products that have been exported to an EU country. If you have questions about the way cosmetic products are tested, contact the organization credited with the creation of the Cosmetics Safety Regulation, commonly known as the Regulation.