Confidence in cosmetics
Looks aren’t everything, but they can make a world of difference to how we feel. When we look good, we feel good. In fact, 93% of us say that when we feel confident in our appearance it boosts our self-esteem.
Cosmetics can help us to feel confident in our appearance, whether it is products that make us smell nice, like deodorants or perfumes, or those that help us to look good, like make-up, moisturisers and shampoo. So, having confidence in the safety of the cosmetics we use is very important.
What do we mean by ‘cosmetics’?
Haircare, skincare, toiletry, perfumery and decorative cosmetic products are all used in our daily routines to keep us clean, maintain healthy skin and teeth, to look good and smell nice. European laws that ensure the safety of these types of product call them ‘cosmetics’ and this is the term we use throughout this website.
Cosmetics include shampoos; hair dyes; toners, moisturisers and cleansers; anti-ageing creams; antiperspirants; sunscreens; oral hygiene products such as toothpastes; and fine fragrances and other perfumery products.
Since Egyptian times, if not before, people have been using cosmetics to help them look good and feel more confident. Cosmetics play an essential role in people’s self-esteem and can have a huge impact on how people feel about themselves. On average, everybody (male and female) will have used at least 5-6 ‘cosmetics’ in their daily grooming routine, excluding colour cosmetics.
Cosmetics legislation
All cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery products placed on the market in the UK (and throughout the EU) are regulated by European legislation, the Cosmetics Directive (76/768/EEC). The primary purpose of these laws is to protect human safety. The manufacturer or supplier of the cosmetic product is responsible for ensuring it is safe and each cosmetic must be assessed for safety by a duly qualified safety assessor before it is made available to the public.
The Cosmetics Directive also controls what may or may not be put in a cosmetic. There are lists of substances that must not be present and lists of substances that may be used as ingredients subject to particular restrictions. For example, some ingredients must not exceed a certain level or may only be used in rinse-off products.
In addition, certain classes of ingredients (colours, UV filters and preservatives) are closely controlled and only those individual ingredients pre-approved and listed in the Cosmetics Directive are allowed for these purposes.
Information relating to each cosmetic product, including its formula, its method of manufacture and its safety assessment, must be readily available to the competent authorities on request. Some of this information is also open to public inspection on request and further information may be found online.
If you would like to know more about the cosmetic laws and the manufacture of cosmetics, see the CTPA's public website.
Are cosmetics safe?
Cosmetics are applied directly to skin, hair and nails so it is crucial that they are safe to use. Years of scientific research and testing goes into making each and every item in our bathroom cabinets and make-up bags. It takes whole teams of scientists to develop just one new product.
Regulating the safety of cosmetics
Every new product must undergo a full safety assessment before it is allowed on the shelves. A piece of European Union legislation called the Cosmetics Directive, provides guidance on how this safety assessment must be carried out. It also specifies that cosmetic products must not damage our health when used normally.
Safety assessments may only be carried out by certain qualified professionals and must cover the finished product, all of the ingredients and how products will be used. The requirements for safety assessors are so stringent that there are only around 400 or so in the whole of the UK. They must be medically qualified, registered pharmacists, Chartered Biologists or Chartered Chemists, and have appropriate experience to make the assessment.
These assessments may be inspected at any time by the enforcement authorities, usually Trading Standards in the UK, which means the industry is accountable for every decision it makes. In addition, there is an independent expert scientific committee (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety, SCCS) that advises the European authorities on safety assessment and the safety of individual ingredients.
A video is available to view on the work of the scientific committees.
There are three layers to the safety assurance:
- First, there is European legislation that requires cosmetics to be safe.
- Second, there is the professional safety assessor who personally signs to say the cosmetic product is safe.
- Third, there is the control by authorities checking on products placed on the market.
In addition, the reputation of the manufacturer built up over many years can be quickly ruined if unsafe products were to be placed on the market.
Storage of cosmetic products
Cosmetic products will remain safe and fit for their purpose for a long time provided they are stored under suitable conditions and not subjected to extreme temperatures. To ensure the maximum durability of cosmetic products, they should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and with the lids firmly closed.
It is important to avoid contaminating the products during normal use and so hands should be clean before putting fingers into products and the sharing of cosmetics is not encouraged.
Shelf life
Most products are made to last a long time, although it is not always clear just how long ‘a long time’ is. If a product has a limited shelf life (less than 30 months - two and a half years) it is required to be labelled with a ‘best before’ date.
“Best before” dating is not common as most cosmetic products are formulated to ensure they have a long shelf life.
How long should I keep my products for?
Durable cosmetics, those with a shelf life of at least 30 months, are in the majority. Even so, some consumers want to know how long an opened product can be kept.
A symbol introduced by the industry in conjunction with European Union guidelines recommends the length of time a product remains useable after opening. This period is referred to as the ‘period after opening’ (PAO). The period is given as a number of months and is marked with a letter ‘M’ under or within the ‘open jar’ symbol. When a PAO symbol is required this will appear on the product itself and on the outside packaging.
In practice, most cosmetic and personal care products are formulated to ensure that they are safe to use and have a shelf-life which far exceeds the normal time it would take to use the product up.
With correct storage and handling, cosmetic products should remain in good condition for their expected life. However, if a product discolours or has an unpleasant odour, it should be discarded since this indicates the product is not as it should be.
Some useful tips
- Always read the instructions carefully; including any warnings for use
- Keep lids on products when not in use and use the product within the recommended time
- Avoid storing your products in the direct sunlight or near sources of heat and chose dry, cool (but not freezing) storage areas where possible
- Never dilute products or mix with other products (unless directed to do so by the product instructions)
- Apply cosmetics with clean hands or an applicator and routinely wash all applicators thoroughly with soap, detergent or a mild shampoo
- Allow applicators to dry thoroughly before use
- Avoid sharing your personal cosmetic products with another person
Should I be worried over product recalls?
Occasionally, cosmetic products are recalled from retailers and consumers who have bought them. It is usually because of precautionary action being taken by a responsible manufacturer over a batch of product that has not met the normal very high standard expected. Unless stated otherwise, there would be no risk to health but it is always better to be sure and recall the product. Sometimes these things happen and it is better for the consumer to know the manufacturer is putting the interests of the consumer first.
Chemicals legislation
REACH (Registration, Evaluation & Authorisation of Chemicals) is a comprehensive European law that controls the safety of chemicals. To ensure a high level of protection, this law requires data to be submitted on human and environmental safety. It applies to all chemicals made in the European Union (EU), or imported into the EU, including certain natural substances and those substances used in cosmetic products. It is intended to address any public concern about the use of chemicals.
If you want to find out about different types of ingredients in your products, visit what's in my cosmetic?
