Recent media reports have questioned the use of phthalates in nail polish and fragrances as well as the use of tiny plastic materials in cosmetics.
Pregnancy risk?
The use of phthalates in nail polish and fragrances has been questioned due to suggestions that there may be a risk to women in pregnancy.
However the CTPA has rubbished these reports, stating that all cosmetic products have to be safe, and there is a legal requirement that they must undergo a very strict safety assessment by a qualified safety assessor.
“The assessment covers the safety of the finished product, as well as all of the individual ingredients, where the product is to be used, by whom and how often,” it says.
There are many different types of phthalates that make up the ‘phthalates group’ of chemicals, and the CTPA claims the safety of the main phthalate used in cosmetic products has been confirmed by key scientific experts and government agencies around the world.
Environmental investigation
The other media report concerning plastic microbeads has also called the trade association into action, with an investigation on-going, and the safety of cosmetics products that make it through regulation, never in question.
Plastic microbeads, used in some cosmetic products as mild exfoliants to help remove dry cells from the surface of the skin, have been highlighted as having a negative impact on the environment, with questions raised over their effect on marine organisms.
The cosmetics industry is currently assessing the entire lifecycle of cosmetic products containing these ingredients and in the event that microplastic beads used in cosmetics present an environmental risk, the industry will take the appropriate responsible action.
Dr. Chris Flower, director-general of the CTPA says: “The cosmetics industry takes seriously any possible effects of its products on the environment. Cosmetics companies will review the latest scientific findings and take any necessary, responsible actions.”