1715 banned chemicals in cosmetics in the EU vs 11 in the US: why ingredients in cosmetics matter

... and my fav go to brands

The EU is banning 15 chemicals in cosmetics starting this week after these substances were recently classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction ( in other words: exposure to these chemicals could increase the risk of cancer, cause genetic changes or harm fertility or unborn children).

This brings the total number of chemicals banned in cosmetics in the European Union to about 1715. In the United States, there are 11 chemicals that have been banned from Cosmetics.

Let’s dig in.

1. the newest chemicals being banned

I will say that some of the 15 substances newly restricted in the EU aren’t actually regularly used in cosmetic ingredients ( but some are, more below), they are mainly used in industries like agriculture, chemical manufacturing and factories — not skin care or makeup. However it is still important that they be added to that list so that they don’t end up in any cosmetic products in the future, which quite often does happen as new products and technologies are developed.

Currently these newly banned products are used in:

• Cosmetics containing Nano-Silver: Colloidal silver (nano) and other silver-related nanomaterials are prohibited, as they are now considered CMR substances.

• Sunscreens and Skincare with 4-MBC: Products containing 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC), used as a UV filter, must be completely withdrawn from the market,

• acetone oxime and trimethyl borate: are commonly used in gel polishes and artificial nail systems. Acetone Oxide is also used to help synthesize scent compounds, making it a background ingredient for perfumes and fragrance products.

• Epoxypropl neodecanoalte: used as a diligent which allows easier application. Used in nail polishes, foundations and primers

• Hexyl Salicylate : used in Fragrances, Lotions, deodorants, shampoos, body washes and Creams. Hexyl Salicylate in fragrances is used in hydroalcoholic-based fragrances, and now limited to 2% but, because fragrance ingredients are not always disclosed, it can be hard to determine if this chemical is being used - so banning it is the only way tp make sure it is not. It is banned completely from children’s products

• Perboric acid/Sodium perborate: used in teeth whiteners, hair bleach and eye drops (artificial tears, contact lenses solutions and eye drops)

When will the ban take effect?

The best part of this ban? Europeans do not have to wait years for these regulations to be implemented because as of May 1st manufacturers and retailers in the European Union will be forced to scrap any existing stock and cease production of future cosmetic products that contain 15 newly banned chemicals.

What if I live in the US?

Unfortunately, if you buy cosmetics sold in the US, these can legally contain, not only these 15 newly banned chemicals, but also the other 1689 chemicals that have already been banned in the EU from cosmetics. In the US, of the more than 10,000 chemicals used to formulate cosmetics (and this is an estimate there are def more), just 11 have ever been banned or restricted by the FDA ( although, thanks to California’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act which banned 24 specific toxic chemicals, with a second wave adding 26 more substances in 2027, most of the US market will reap the benefits of slightly stricter California oversite)

What you can do is exclusively support companies that manufacture products with non-toxic ingredients. Your voice matters and in this case, you most definitely vote with your wallet.

Companies Making Clean Cosmetics

note: all of the products these companies make are better, ingredient wise, than conventional products. Having said that, there are shades of green within the clean cosmetics world. If you’re pregnant or are buying for a teen or preteen, you might want to be stricter. Reading ingredient list is always a good idea and for that I do like apps like Switch Natural and Think Dirty and certifications like MadeSafe certified EWG verified.

Ilia (shop Amazon or Detox Market )

Goop (shop Amazon or Detox Market )

RMS beauty (shop Amazon or Detox Market ). https://amzn.to/4e98vmA. Or https://the-detox-market.pxf.io/yZea2D

OGEE

Living Libations

Kosas (shop Amazon or Detox Market )

100% pure

Counter ( formerly Beauty Counter)

Westman Atelier

Subscriber exclusive: 10 more non-toxic cosmetic brands I like