The consumer association publishes a practical guide which analyzes the composition of cosmetics. It helps consumers to choose their cosmetics while avoiding substances that pose a health risk.
Too many toxic substances in cosmetics. The UFC-Que Choisir delivers a worrying finding which should encourage people to sort out their bathroom: almost one in three cosmetic products still contain endocrine disruptors, toxic, irritant or highly allergenic substances.
To arrive at this observation, the collective analyzed 171 everyday cosmetic products (toothpastes, shampoo, deodorants, moisturizers, aftershaves, etc.), selected from the 170,000 cosmetic products that make up the application database. UFC-Que Choisir “QuelCosmetic” (funded through the endowment fund of UFC-Que Choisir).
The results give indications according to the profile of the consumer (baby, pregnant woman, child or adult) and the type of use. The verdict is clear: many products, from day care to shampoos, contain problematic cosmetic ingredients, whether they are endocrine disruptors such as propylparaben, toxic substances such as butylphenylmethylpropional or allergenic ingredients. “No less than 143 substances of concern are still authorized due to the slowness of European procedures and industrial lobbying,” worries UFC-Que Choisir in a press release.
Titanium dioxide pinned again
The collective reiterates its concern about the titanium dioxide, present in “nearly 7000 cosmetic products liable to be ingested, such as toothpastes, lip balms and lipsticks, mouthwashes, including their versions intended for children”. Titanium dioxide is an additive widely used in food products as a coloring and opacifier, but also used in drugs and cosmetics. Last April, the government decided to ban “as a precaution” this additive (also called E171) in food products, after an opinion from the national health security agency which does not exclude its toxicity to health. It is indeed suspected of being carcinogenicand dangerous for the immune system.
Problem, this preventive ban does not concern cosmetics, deplores the UFC-Que Choisir, which “urges the European authorities to ban without delay the substances most at risk, in particular titanium dioxide” in cosmetics.
To help consumers find their way around, the UFC-Que Choisir, publishes a practical guide that analyzes the products and gives concrete advice for use cosmetics safely.
