ECHA Pilot Report Reveals Presence of Hazardous Chemicals in Cosmetics

At the end of October 2024, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) published a report on hazardous chemicals found in cosmetic products, identifying non-compliance with the REACH and Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) Regulations. The report covers a pilot project on the enforcement of restrictions on perfluoroalkyl carboxylic acids (PFCAs) and related substances in cosmetics. It shows that around 6% of the inspected cosmetic products contained banned hazardous substances. The project, which ran from November 2023 to April 2024, involved inspections by national enforcement authorities in 13 European Economic Area (EEA) countries including Denmark, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden. Of nearly 4,500 products inspected, 285 were found to contain banned chemicals, including perfluorononyl dimethicone, perfluorooctylethyl triethoxysilane, cyclopentasiloxane (D5) and other cyclic siloxanes.

Health and Environmental Risks of Hazardous Chemicals in Cosmetics

The substances identified pose serious health and environmental risks due to their persistence and bioaccumulation. Two main restricted substances were frequently found in non-compliant products:

• Perfluorononyl dimethicone: Detected in 151 non-compliant products (e.g. eyeliners and lip liners), this per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) is restricted under both the POPs and REACH regulations. It is highly persistent in the environment and breaks down into perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical known for its reproductive toxicity and suspected carcinogenicity.

• Cyclopentasiloxane (D5): Found in 111 non-compliant products (e.g. hair conditioners and hair masks), this compound is restricted under REACH due to its persistence in the environment and tendency to accumulate in organisms. D5 raises concerns about reproductive toxicity effects and long-term ecological impact.

The wider set of substances identified, including various siloxanes and fluorinated compounds, are associated with serious risks to human health and the environment. These compounds are slow to degrade and accumulate in humans and other species, with potential adverse effects including reproductive toxicity and cancer risk.

Consumer Awareness and Regulatory Actions by ECHA

The national authorities carried out the inspections mainly by checking product ingredient lists, an approach that can also be used by consumers to check for banned substances. Non-compliant products were found across different types, brands, and price ranges. As a corrective measure, enforcement authorities issued written advice to suppliers to ensure compliance and initiated the removal of affected products from the market. Further investigations are ongoing in about half of the cases identified.

Project Background and Objectives

This enforcement project is part of ECHA’s wider efforts to ensure consistent enforcement of the POPs and REACH Regulations across the EEA. By focusing on chemicals commonly used in cosmetics, the project aims to strengthen the integrated control of hazardous substances in consumer products, protecting both public health and the environment.

The full report is available here.