Trade bodies suggest way to minimise weight of cosmetic labelling rules
The associations represent the European cosmetics industry and reckon a move like this will be a weight off the minds of companies concerned about having to increase the size of their packaging.
The advice comes after the European Commission proposed extending the labelling requirements of cosmetic products containing fragrance allergens in 2015.
According to the trade bodies, the most efficient and relevant tools should focus on information, providing these consumers with prior knowledge before choosing to use a cosmetic product containing certain skin sensitizers.
They report this information may incorporate several tools such as pictograms, on-pack warnings, web sites and toll free access to consumer help centres.
"Given the intrinsic nature of elicitation thresholds to each individual, it is essential that the way in which the information is structured helps each individual tailor his management of the risk under consideration," they advised in a recently published paper.
Web based data is the way forward when informing consumers..
According to IFRA and Co., a straightforward and descriptive pictogram will draw consumers’ attention to a brand/product specific web based data bank listing the ingredients in addition to the full disclosure of skin sensitizers contained in the product.
"This website will enable downstream consumer product companies to add any relevant information, notably the one relative to the presence of allergens and guidance on applications and warnings. Supporting comments to the proposal."
Pushing the benefits of the idea forward, the trade bodies say accessible web based information will help consumers better mitigate risk in the long run, by giving them the opportunity to select, in advance, products which they may use and therefore, purchase.
In addition, they say voluntary recommendations provided by the brands will generate a substantial benefit for these concerned consumers.
"On-line consultation of information will even offer the option to analyse the patient’s extensive products usage without the burden of referring to the physical products. Addressing the need for a uniform, identical industry sector approach," the paper concludes.
