In a recent investigation, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) revealed that hazardous chemicals banned for health risks were found in hundreds of cosmetic products sold across Europe. The Helsinki-based agency inspected nearly 4,500 cosmetic products from 13 countries, finding that 6%—or 285 products—contained substances prohibited due to their harmful health effects.
ECHA’s Findings: Toxic Ingredients in Everyday Cosmetics
The inspection, conducted between November 2023 and April 2024, discovered banned chemicals in a wide range of cosmetic products, including eyeliners, lip-liners, conditioners, and hair masks. Notably, these products were found “from various sellers and at all price ranges,” indicating that both premium and budget brands were affected by this issue.
What Makes These Chemicals Dangerous?
The ECHA emphasized that these harmful substances are banned under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants and European Union laws. Exposure to these chemicals can decrease fertility and increase the risk of cancer, making their presence in everyday cosmetics particularly concerning for consumers.
Consumer Guidance: How to Spot Hazardous Ingredients
One key finding from the ECHA inspection was that these harmful ingredients could be detected by checking product ingredient lists—a simple control measure accessible to all consumers. The ECHA encourages consumers to read ingredient lists on cosmetics carefully to avoid banned substances.
Action Taken: Unsafe Products Removed from the Market
Following the inspections, European enforcement authorities have taken steps to remove the non-compliant products from shelves to protect consumers from these risks.
Countries Involved in the Inspections
The inspection campaign spanned across 13 European nations, including Austria, Denmark, Germany, Finland, Iceland, Italy, Lichtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Romania, and Sweden.