Canada Revises Regulations Involving the Disclosure of Cosmetic Ingredients
The Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Concerning the Disclosure of Cosmetic Ingredients (SOR/2024-63) were officially published on the 24th of April in the Canada Gazette, Part II, marking their finalisation. Currently, the introduction of a 10-day stop-sale provision necessitates the communication of intent to continue selling a cosmetic in Canada within 10 days of its initial sale by the manufacturer or importer. Additional amendments also include:
- Providing greater flexibility in disclosing ingredients for cosmetics packaged in small quantities.
- Mandating the disclosure of fragrance allergens on cosmetic labels if they surpass a specific threshold.
- Incorporating various administrative adjustments.
- Strengthening notification requirements for cosmetics and enhancing Health Canada’s capacity to ensure compliance.
There will also be an obligation to submit a notification to Health Canada regarding the presence of specified fragrance allergens in cosmetics and whether the cosmetic is classified as leave-on or rinse-off. To alleviate the industry's burden, the provisions related to fragrance allergen disclosure will be implemented two years after the amended regulations are registered, while all other provisions will take effect six months after registration.
The implementation of the Regulations will occur in two phases:
- All amendments, excluding those concerning fragrance allergen disclosure on cosmetic labels, will take effect 180 days following registration, scheduled for 9th of October 2024.
- Provisions related to fragrance allergen disclosure will become effective two years post-registration, commencing on 12th of April 2026.
It is essential for cosmetic brands, manufacturers, suppliers and retailers to be cognisant of the new disclosure mandates to ensure conformity with the products they sell. The absence of disclosure for fragrance allergens prevents consumers from making informed decisions to avoid purchasing and using products containing these ingredients. The revised regulations will enable consumers to identify ingredients to which they may be allergic, sensitive, or prefer to avoid - allowing them to make more informed choices regarding the products they buy and use. Additional benefits include reduced reliance on, and expenses associated with, medical consultations and treatments; reduced workplace absenteeism and lost earnings due to illness; and enhanced quality of life by mitigating discomfort and the effects of allergic contact dermatitis.
Full details of the amended regulations are available here.
South Korea: Cosmetic Safety Standard
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MDFS) of South Korea announced immediate revisions to the Regulation on Safety Standards for Cosmetics on the 30th of November 2023, with certain changes related to hair dye ingredients taking effect later this month on 30th May 2024.
Seven restricted substances are now prohibited ingredients for use in hair dyes. These include 2-nitro-p-phenylenediamine and its salts; 2-amino-4-nitrophenol; 2-amino-5-nitrophenol; 2-amino-5-nitrophenol sulphate; o-aminophenol sulphate; o-chloro-p-phenylenediamine sulphate; and m-phenylenediamine sulphate.
Improved identification: CAS numbers and general chemical names have been integrated for both prohibited and restricted substances in order to improve identification and aid in accurate recognition
Criteria for three restricted substances has also been updated including 2,4-diaminophenol sulphate which now has a maximum concentration limit of 0.02% in oxidative hair dye products, reduced from 0.5%. Similarly, the threshold for the restricted hair dye ingredient sodium perborate has been decreased from 12% to 7% in hydrogen peroxide in hair dye (including desalting agents and decoloring agents). Furthermore, a new UV-filter ingredient, methoxypropylamino cyclohexenylidene ethoxyethylcyanoacetate, has been included to the restricted ingredient list for cosmetics.
Full notice of regulations on safety standards for cosmetics, etc can be found with translations available here.
The Cost of Beauty: Trading Standards' Campaign Raises Awareness
In an era where beauty trends evolve rapidly and skincare routines become increasingly elaborate, consumers are overwhelmed with an abundance of cosmetic products promising miraculous results. However, the true cost of beauty often remains concealed, both in terms of financial expenditure and potential health risks.
Enter the "Cost of Beauty" campaign by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI), a vital initiative shedding light on the hidden dangers lurking within the cosmetics industry. With a mission to safeguard consumer well-being, this campaign seeks to raise awareness about the risks associated with dangerous and illegal cosmetic products.
The campaign is dedicated to ensuring fair trading practices and consumer protection, aiming to educate the public about any potential hazards they may face. Through targeted outreach efforts and informative resources, CTSI strives to empower consumers to make informed choices when it comes to purchasing beauty products.
Recent findings from Trading Standards have revealed alarming discoveries regarding the presence of hazardous substances in certain cosmetic products. These substances, ranging from banned chemicals to toxic ingredients, not only jeopardise consumer health but also contravene regulatory standards. The campaign highlights the urgent need for stricter enforcement measures and greater transparency within the cosmetics industry.
Trading Standards' commitment to consumer safety is underscored by its rigorous monitoring and enforcement activities. By collaborating with industry stakeholders, conducting product inspections, and issuing warnings about unsafe products, Trading Standards plays a pivotal role in safeguarding public health.
Moreover, the "Cost of Beauty" campaign acts as a reminder of the broader societal implications of unchecked cosmetic industry practices. Beyond individual health concerns, the proliferation of dangerous and illegal cosmetics can have far-reaching consequences, including environmental degradation and ethical dilemmas.
The “Cost of Beauty" campaign serves as a call for heightened awareness and vigilance within the cosmetics industry. By shedding light on the hidden risks and advocating for consumer rights, the campaign empowers individuals to make informed choices and demand accountability from the cosmetics industry.
California Bill Seeks to Protect Youth: Ban on Sales of Anti-Aging Cosmetic Products to Children and Preteens Passes Key Milestone
In a move to safeguard the well-being of children and preteens, California legislators have taken decisive action by advancing a bill aimed at prohibiting the sale of anti-aging cosmetic products to minors. This significant development marks a crucial step towards protecting youth from the potential risks associated with such products.
The proposed legislation has gained momentum with its recent passage through a key stage in the legislative process. AB-2491 Cosmetic products: safety, has garnered widespread support from health experts, consumer advocacy groups, and concerned parents across the state. Restricting access to anti-aging cosmetic products, which often contain potent ingredients and chemicals, lawmakers aim to mitigate the potential risks of adverse reactions and long-term health effects among children and preteens.
The force behind the bill stems from growing concerns over the increasing prevalence of anti-aging products marketed towards younger demographics. In an age where social media and advertising influence play a significant role in shaping beauty standards, children and preteens are particularly vulnerable to the allure of these products, despite their potential hazards.
Recent studies and reports have underscored the need for regulatory action to address the risks posed by certain cosmetic ingredients, including potential hormone disruptors and allergens. By enacting legislation to prohibit the sale of anti-aging products to minors, California aims to set a precedent for consumer protection and public health advocacy nationwide. Supporters of the bill argue that restricting access to anti-aging cosmetics for children and preteens is a common sense measure that aligns with existing regulations governing the sale of other age-restricted products, such as tobacco and alcohol. By establishing age-appropriate boundaries for cosmetic purchases, policymakers hope to promote healthier attitudes towards beauty and self-image among young people.
However, the proposed legislation has not been without its critics, who raise concerns about potential limitations on parental autonomy and the broader implications for the cosmetics industry. Some opponents argue that parental discretion should dictate children's access to cosmetic products, rather than government intervention.
As the bill continues to progress through the legislative process, stakeholders on all sides will have the opportunity to voice their perspectives and contribute to shaping the final outcome. California's efforts to ban the sale of anti-aging cosmetic products to children and preteens represent a significant milestone in the ongoing pursuit of consumer protection and public health. By prioritising the well-being of youth and promoting responsible cosmetic practices, policymakers send a clear message that health and safety should always come before beauty.
