Prohibited and restricted ingredients in cosmetics

This is an automatically translated article.

The safety of a cosmetic product will largely depend on the safety of each ingredient inside. Many countries have developed their own regulatory lists of prohibited or restricted ingredients in cosmetics. Accordingly, knowing and knowing how to check cosmetic ingredients is a necessity to choose to buy safe and smart cosmetics.

1. Are harmful ingredients allowed in cosmetics?

Cosmetics containing any ingredients that are harmful to the consumer when used are generally illegal. This is true for all consumer products in general, not just in the field of cosmetic production and trade.
However, there is an exception where coal tar based hair dyes are acceptable. By law, the FDA still approves coal tar hair dye, as long as it is safe for intended use, and as long as the product has a special warning on the label and instructions to test skin before use. use. At the same time, hair dye products are absolutely not used to dye eyelashes or eyebrows, because they can damage vision when in contact with the eyes.
In addition, it should be agreed that some cosmetics, although safe, can become unsafe when used incorrectly. Therefore, cosmetic manufacturers must always have all the necessary instructions for use or warning statements to ensure that people use the product correctly. For example, some ingredients that may be safe in products like face washes, which wash away the skin immediately, become unsafe if left on for hours. Similarly, ingredients that are safe to use on hair or nails may not be safe for use on skin or in contact with eyes.

2. Prohibited and restricted ingredients in cosmetics according to FDA regulations

The FDA has agreed to make special regulations that prohibit or limit the use of the following ingredients in cosmetics:
Bithionol. The use of bithionol is prohibited, as it can cause skin sensitization to light upon exposure. Chlorofluorocarbons. The use of chlorofluorocarbons as propellants in cosmetic aerosol products is prohibited. Chloroform. The use of chloroform in cosmetic products is prohibited because it is a cosmetic ingredient that is harmful to the skin and moreover carcinogenic to animals in research models. Halogenated salicylanilides (di-, tri-, metabromsalan and tetrachlorosalicylanilide). They are banned in cosmetic products because they can cause serious skin disorders. Hexachlorophene. Because of its toxic effects and ability to penetrate human skin, hexachlorophene (HCP) can only be used when no other preservative has been shown to be effective. The concentration of HCP in cosmetics must not exceed 0.1% and this ingredient is absolutely not allowed to be present in cosmetics applied to mucous membranes or semi-mucosa such as lips and eyelids.

Mercury compounds . Mercury compounds are easily absorbed through the skin when applied and tend to accumulate in the body and are difficult to eliminate even after a long time. When present in sufficient concentrations, they can cause allergic reactions, skin irritation or neurotoxic problems. The use of mercury compounds in cosmetics is limited to products intended for the eye area to no more than 65 parts per million (0.0065 percent). At the same time, mercury is also counted as a metal and is only allowed if it can be proven that there are no other safe and effective preservatives. Methylene chloride. This ingredient is carcinogenic in animals and potentially harmful to human health. Ingredients of animal origin. To protect against bovine spongiform encephalopathy, also known as "mad cow disease," cosmetics must not be manufactured, processed with or contain ingredients from livestock or prohibited animals. However, these materials do not include animal fats containing not more than 0.15% insoluble impurities, derivatives of tallow and products derived from hides, milk and products thereof. dairy products. Vinyl chloride. The use of vinyl chloride is banned as an ingredient in aerosol products because of the fact that it causes brain cancer, liver cancer, and other health problems. Zirconium-containing complex. The use of zirconium-containing complexes in aerosol cosmetic products is prohibited, because of their toxic effects on the lungs of animals in the study model, as well as on the formation of granulomas in the human skin.
In short, when the need to use cosmetics is more and more popular, the ingredients in cosmetics are increasingly diverse and rich thanks to the constant research and creativity. During this process, cosmetic ingredients that are harmful to the skin were recognized and determined to be banned or used only in limited concentrations. At the same time, users not only need to know how to check cosmetic ingredients but also have to follow instructions for use to ensure skin safety as well as achieve desired aesthetic goals.
If you need more information about choosing the right skin care products for your current condition, you can send a question to the Vinmec International General Hospital Website to be consulted by a doctor or dermatologist. share and have specific advice.

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Reference source: chemsafetypro.com - fda.gov