Nov. 15 Canada: Report Says Canadian Cosmetic Regulations Need a Makeover

From: Prop 65 Clearinghouse Blog

A recent report issued by the David Suzuki Foundation (DSF) claims that Canada needs stronger rules in keeping toxic chemicals out of its personal care products. According to the report an online survey from earlier this year asked participants to inspect their product ingredient lists for twelve sets of potentially harmful chemicals used as ingredients in cosmetics. The survey resulted in more than 6,200 Canadians participating in the survey, who collectively provided information for 12,500 personal care products. Four out of five of the products entered in the survey contained at least one ingredient with suspected links to environmental or health problems including cancer, reproductive disorders, asthma and severe allergies.

The report identifies several weaknesses in Canada’s cosmetic ingredient labeling and notification requirements. For example, manufacturers are not required to disclose specific fragrance ingredients and instead use the generic term “parfum” on ingredient lists in order to disguise a cocktail of potentially harmful chemicals. Products labeled “unscented” and “fragrance-free” may contain unspecified fragrance ingredients used to mask the odor of other chemicals. “Parfum” was the most commonly reported ingredient, identified in more than half of the products entered in the survey.

For more information on this report, click the above link.