What are endocrine disruptors and why are they examined in cosmetic ingredients?
Check What You Buy! Choose Cosmetics Wisely with InfoCons!
As part of the campaign “Check What You Buy! Choose Cosmetics Wisely!”, InfoCons works to inform and educate consumers about the risks associated with the use of non-compliant cosmetic products, by promoting accurate, science-based information supported by the expertise of specialists in the field of health.
An increasingly present topic in public debate is endocrine disruptors. It is useful for consumers to understand what they are and how they are handled under the rules on cosmetic products.
What endocrine disruptors are
According to the European Commission, endocrine disruptors are chemical substances that alter the functioning of the endocrine (hormonal) system and can negatively affect the health of humans and animals. Exposure can come from various sources, from pesticide residues to consumer products used in everyday life. Because the hormonal system regulates essential bodily processes, these substances are studied carefully.
Why they are examined in cosmetics
Cosmetic products come into direct and repeated contact with the skin, which makes them a possible route of exposure. Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 does not contain explicit provisions dedicated to endocrine disruptors, but it allows any substance of concern to be banned or restricted, case by case, based on the scientific assessment carried out by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
How the European Union acts
On 7 November 2018, the European Commission adopted the review of Regulation 1223/2009 regarding substances with endocrine-disrupting properties. The conclusion was that the regulation provides the necessary tools to protect consumers’ health. In early 2019, a priority list of 28 potential endocrine disruptors in cosmetics was consolidated, split into two groups: 14 higher-priority substances and 14 of lower priority.
The Commission launched public calls for data – in 2019 for 14 substances, and in 2021 for another 10 (including two parabens, five UV filters, BHA and salicylic acid) – and mandated the SCCS to assess them. Following these assessments, some substances have already been restricted, as is the case with homosalate or benzophenone-3.
What consumers can do
– Get informed from official sources and avoid panic: the European system assesses and acts when there is evidence.
– Read the ingredient list and, if you wish, limit exposure to substances under assessment.
– Choose compliant, lawfully marketed products, and check alerts in the InfoCons App.
Conclusion
Endocrine disruptors are examined in cosmetics precisely to prevent possible health risks, through a scientific and gradual process. Through the campaign “Check What You Buy! Choose Cosmetics Wisely!”, InfoCons provides consumers with accurate and balanced information.
European alerts on non-compliant products can be consulted directly in the InfoCons App.
Official sources: European Commission – endocrine disruptors page and the review of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (7 November 2018); the priority list of 28 potential endocrine disruptors (2019); opinions of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
Signed: InfoCons Consumer Protection – Communication Department