They are sold in supermarkets, drugstores and even pharmacies and contain chemical substances that are potentially dangerous or allergenic for humans. Worse, these cosmetics concern babies. Shampoos, wipes and other lotions have been screened by the NGO Women in Europe for a Common Future (WECF) (1) which analyzed the scientific studies of the European Union (2) and the National Medicines Safety Agency (ANSM).
A total of 341 products are listed according to the “high”, “moderate”, “low or unidentified” risk of the ingredients that compose them.
The results of this work, published by AFP and relayed by numerous news sites, reveal that 299 products contain “high risk” components. Among them, methylisothiazolinone (MIT) already singled out in 2012 by the French Society of Dermatology for causing irritation and eczema.
Mineral oils from petroleum chemistry and EDTA, an irritant present in foaming products, were found in 181 products.
WECF is calling for “a ban on the three high-risk ingredients in all cosmetics intended for children under three.” Because, at this age, the skin is particularly fragile. “Its pH is neutral during the first weeks and it is not yet protected by the hydrolipidic film which protects the cells from external influences. It is also more permeable than that of the adult, because the cells of the epidermis are not yet sufficiently welded to each other, recalls Elisabeth Ruffinengo, one of the WECF officials.
This finding is all the more worrying as many of these substances are found in wipes. Undoubtedly the most used element for the toilet of babies!
(1) WECF represents 150 environmental and women’s organizations in 50 countries.
(2) Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS).
First published: February 15, 2016
