In the News

Formacare, the formaldehyde industry sector group of Cefic, is deeply concerned about reports of the use of illegal cosmetic products, such as some Keratin hair straightening products, in the European market.

The hair straightening products are reported to contain levels of formaldehyde well above the legal limit and are not authorized for use within the EU.  We believe these products were illegally imported.

Formacare support and advocate for the safe use of formaldehyde in cosmetic products, in accordance with European regulations and safety standards such as the Cosmetics Directive. These regulations include specific standards regarding the use of formaldehyde in cosmetic products.

“Formaldehyde is widely used as an essential ingredient for the manufacture of construction materials, wooden furniture and performance plastics, as well as in medical and cosmetic products.  All of these products when manufactured under EU standards are completely safe.  We urge regulators to take a tough stance on products which do not conform to the EU standards” commented Dr. Phil Hope, Secretary General of Formacare.

The EU’s Cosmetics Directive (76/768) regulates the use of substances such as formaldehyde in cosmetics.  Formaldehyde is listed as a safe substance that can be used as an ingredient for cosmetics at a maximum level of 0.2%, with exceptions for certain specific uses such as nail hardeners.  Testing in both Europe and the US showed that the levels of formaldehyde in some Keratin hair straightening products were well above the legal limit, and should not have been used in Europe.

The issue of these types of products illegally entering the European market has been brought to the attention of the European Commission.  We will continue to do all we can to work with the authorities and industry to stop the illegal import and use of such products.

Brussels

April 2011