According to UFC Que Choisir, nearly one in three cosmetic products still contains endocrine disruptors or harmful substances.
In the June 11, 2019 issue, UFC What to choose gives advice to consumers to sort through their cosmetic products. The association analyzed 171 everyday products (toothpastes, deodorants, moisturizers, shampoos, aftershaves, etc.) among the 170,000 references in its application. The results are presented according to the profile of the consumer (baby, pregnant woman, child or adult) and the type of use. Here are some lessons.
Undesirable substances still authorized by the European Union
Despite the warnings expressed by scientists, no less than 143 substances of concern are still authorized by the European Union. According to the UFC Que Choisir, we still find in certain products “endocrine disruptors such as propylparaben in the Mixa intensive moisturizing milk for dry skin and the Neutrogena T/Gel 2-in-1 shampoo + care for dry and weakened hair.”
But also other “toxic substances such as butylphenylmethylpropional in the Nivea soft moisturizing day cream and the anti-wrinkle Revitalift extra firming moisturizing care from L’Oréal or even allergenic substances such as MIT in the anti-dandruff shampoo 2- Head & Shoulders Eucalyptus Anti-Itch In-1.
Titanium dioxide, still at the center of the debates
The UFC-Que Choisir announces in its press release that it still urges the European authorities to ban the most risky substances, in particular titanium dioxide, “present in more than 7000 references” according to the association. Recently, the National Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety (ANSES) confirmed, on the basis of new studies, the need to ban titanium dioxide in food products. This provision was voted by the French parliamentarians.
“But while the European authorities are currently examining the compliance of this measure with European law, it is not excluded that they will force France to re-authorize this harmful dye,” adds UFC Que Choisir. According to the association, far from being limited to food products alone, titanium dioxide is present in cosmetic products likely to be ingested such as toothpaste, mouthwash and lipstick.
Not everything is toxic
However, the association’s practical guide is not all black. The UFC Que Choisir also highlights products from manufacturers who have been able to get rid of harmful substances. This is particularly the case of Labell 2-in-1 children’s shampoo at Intermarché, which is harmless and inexpensive. For men, the guide recommends Mennen’s high-precision Pro-tech system foam rather than Gillette’s Fusion 5 ultra-sensitive skin shaving gel, which contains propylparaben.
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