Dangerous cosmetics recalled in the EU

The product contains hydrogen peroxide. (measured concentration up to 7.80% by weight). Hydrogen peroxide at high concentrations causes skin irritation and is harmful if swallowed.

The product contains clobetasol propionate (measured value: 0,038% by weight). Clobetasol propionate is a corticosteroid that should be applied only if medically prescribed. Exposure to it could cause skin irritation and may lead to endocrine problems.

The product contains hydrogen peroxide (measured concentration 35% by weight). Hydrogen peroxide at high concentrations causes skin irritation and is harmful if swallowed.

The product contains mercury (measured value: 8,15 gr./kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.

The product contains mercury (measured value: 5,82 gr./kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.

The product contains mercury (measured value: 13.7 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.

The product contains clobetasol propionate (measured value: 0,1 % by weight). Clobetasol is a corticosteroid that should be applied only if medically prescribed. Exposure to it could cause skin irritation and may lead to endocrine problems.

The product contains mercury (measured value: 21.3 g/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.

According to the list of ingredients, the product contains sodium perborate (value: 0.35%), which releases boron and is forbidden in cosmetic products.. Ingestion or contact with an excessive quantity of boron may harm the health by damaging the reproductive system or damage the unborn child.

The product contains hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching substance (measured concentration: 10.8% by weight). Hydrogen peroxide at high concentrations causes skin irritation and is harmful if swallowed.

The product contains an excessive amount of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (measured value up to: 30000 cfu/g), among which Pluralibacter gergoviae, as well as yeast and mould (measured value up to: 2000 cfu/g). Pluralibacter gergoviae may be considered an opportunistic pathogen and is often resistant to antibiotics. If the product is used on damaged skin, on mucous membranes, close to the eyes or by immunocompromised users, it may cause infection or irritation.

The ready-to-use product contains an excessive amount of p-phenylenediamine (PPD)(measured value: 3.6 %) and insufficient couplers. PPD is an extreme skin sensitiser and can trigger allergic contact dermatitis and eye irritation.

The product contains triclosan (measured value: 0.02 %), which is not allowed in this type of product. Triclosan is persistent and bioaccumulates, can damage the liver, cause blood disorders and it may affect the reproductive system.

The product may be irritating when applied to the skin/scalp and can lead to chemical burns.

The product contains an unsafe amount of kojic acid (measured value: 3.6 %). Kojic acid can affect the balance of the thyroid system and also induce skin sensitisation, when used at high concentrations on hand and face, or if used on large areas of skin.

The product contains a mixture of the preservatives methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone (MCI/MI, measured values: 0.001 % and 0.001 %, respectively), which are forbidden in leave-on cosmetics. Dermal contact with MCI and MI containing products can provoke allergic contact dermatitis to sensitised persons.

The product contains an excessive level of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (measured values up to 230 000 cfu/g) and yeast and mould (measured values up to 66 000 cfu/g). If used on damaged skin, or if it comes into contact with the eyes, the product may cause infection or irritation.

The product contains an excessive amount of 2-phenoxyethanol (measured value: 1.2 %), which is haematotoxic, a mild irritant and may damage blood and liver. Additionally, it contains an excessive amount of butyl paraben (Butyl 4-hydroxybenzoate, measured value as acid: 0.21 % by weight), which is a reproductive toxicant and may have a potential endocrine disrupting activity.

The ready-to-use product contains an excessive amount of p-phenylenediamine (PPD)(measured value: 7.6 %) and insufficient couplers.

The product contains an unsafe amount of kojic acid (measured value: 0.81 %). Kojic acid can affect the balance of the thyroid system and also induce skin sensitisation, when used at high concentrations on hand and face, or if used on large areas of skin.

Small parts can be easily detached from the product. Due to its characteristic form, appearance, colour and size, the product may be mistaken for a foodstuff. This may lead consumers, and specially children, to put the product in the mouth, which could entail the risk of choking.

The product contains octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4) (measured value: 43%). D4 is very persistent, bioaccumulative and it might also affect human fertility if swallowed or inhaled

The product contains the active substance cloprostenol isopropyl ester (measured value: 0.0012 %), which should be used under supervision of an ophthalmologist. Cloprostenol isopropyl ester is a prostaglandin analogue, which could cause eye and ophthalmic defects in the user and should not be used by pregnant and breastfeeding women, as it may affect the child.

The product is counterfeit and lacks the compulsory human health safety evaluation. Consequently, when used as leave on product it could lead to adverse health effects.

The perfume contains the fragrances eugenol and benzyl salicylate (measured values: 0.0068 % and 0.0034 % by weight, respectively). Since these substances, which can induce allergic reactions and sensitisation, are not indicated in the list of ingredients, consumers are not aware of their presence.

The perfume contains the fragrances butylphenyl methylpropional, benzyl salicylate, hexyl cinnamal, alpha - isomethyl ionone, linalool, citronellol and hydroxycitronellal (measured values: 0.11 %, 0.054 %, 0.044 %, 0.038 %, 0.025 %, 0.024 % and 0.011 % by weight, respectively). Since these substances, which can induce allergic reactions and sensitisation, are not indicated in the list of ingredients, consumers are not aware of their presence.

The perfume contains the fragrances benzyl salicylate, butylphenyl methylpropional, hydroxycitronellal, linalool, citronellol, d-limonene, geraniol, eugenol, benzyl benzoate and farnesol (measured values: 1.2 %, 0.93 %, 0.43 %, 0.41 %, 0.31 %, 0.22 %, 0.15 %, 0.13 %, 0.11 % and 0.092 % by weight, respectively). Since these substances, which can induce allergic reactions and sensitisation, are not indicated in the list of ingredients, consumers are not aware of their presence.

The product contains an unsafe amount of kojic acid (measured value: 2.95 %). Kojic acid can affect the balance of the thyroid system and also induce skin sensitisation, when used at high concentrations on hand and face, or if used on large areas of skin.

The actual protection factor of the sunscreen is lower than declared (measured value: SPF 9.1). Consequently, the user might be under-protected against UV radiation increasing the risk of sunburns or skin cancer.

The perfume contains the fragrances geraniol, citronellol, hexyl cinnamal, linalool, hydroxyisohexyl 3-cyclohexene carboxaldehyde, alpha-isomethyl ionone, butylphenyl methylpropional, eugenol, benzyl alcohol and d-limonene (measured values: 0.12 %, 0.096 %, 0.067 %, 0.062 %, 0.045 %, 0.026 %, 0.023 %, 0.011 %, 0.0072 % and 0.0031 % by weight, respectively). Since these substances, which can induce allergic reactions and sensitisation, are not indicated in the list of ingredients, consumers are not aware of their presence.