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Keep abreast of current topics and find factual information on cosmetic-related issues within the media.

08 February 2024

Government Policy on Oral Care

CTPA Welcomes Policies from Political Parties on Improving Teeth and Gum Health in the UK

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Government Policy on Oral Care

19 January 2024

Anti-ageing products and children

Anti-ageing products are not for children!

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Anti-ageing products and children

11 January 2024

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Cosmetic products do not cause cancer

18 December 2023

Stay away from fakes!

Christmas is nearly here and perfume and cosmetics, with their special “feel good factor”, are on many gift lists. Unfortunately, like many popular products, they can be subject to counterfeiting and, in that case, unsafe to use. So when purchasing in stores or online, how can you be sure that products are not fake? Here’s some advice.

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Stay away from fakes!

30 November 2023

COSMILE Europe app launch - Cosmetic ingredients information at your fingertips

Discover the COSMILE Europe app from Cosmetics Europe.

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COSMILE Europe app launch - Cosmetic ingredients information at your fingertips

28 June 2023

Do you have an allergy? Always read the label

We can be confident that, when using cosmetics and personal care products, they will be safe to use.

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Do you have an allergy? Always read the label

12 June 2023

CTPA explains which sunscreen products you can rely on

CTPA shines light on the facts about sun protection, confirming that all sunscreen products must provide the protection claimed on the pack. This month Which? Magazine has published its annual report about sunscreens. At CTPA, we understand that labelling some sunscreens as “don’t buy” may cause concern and we would like to reassure you that you can buy any sunscreen from a reputable retail outlet in the UK with confidence. It will provide the protection claimed on the pack.

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CTPA explains which sunscreen products you can rely on

17 May 2023

CTPA welcomes UK Government action to ensure no cosmetic ingredients need to be tested on animals

We support the clarity and reassurance that this new ban will provide to the public.

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CTPA welcomes UK Government action to ensure no cosmetic ingredients need to be tested on animals

06 May 2023

Animal testing on cosmetic products is NOT being reintroduced in the UK

We would like to reassure you that the strict ban on animal testing for cosmetics and personal care products will remain in place.

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Animal testing on cosmetic products is NOT being reintroduced in the UK

14 April 2023

Artificial Gel and Acrylic Nails – How to Minimise the Allergy Risk

Read more about how to use Liquid and Powder (L&P) and UV-gel nail products safely.

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Artificial Gel and Acrylic Nails – How to Minimise the Allergy Risk

07 March 2023

Something to Smile About

Cosmetic Ingredient Information from COSMILE.

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Something to Smile About

16 February 2023

Cosmetics Europe Launches New Consumer Tool

Cosmetics Europe has launched COSMILE Europe, a European ingredients database for consumers

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Cosmetics Europe Launches New Consumer Tool

08 February 2023

CTPA Position Paper on Take-back Schemes for small cosmetic product packaging

CTPA has been working with the industry and key stakeholders on Take-back Schemes, and has published a Position Paper!

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CTPA Position Paper on Take-back Schemes for small cosmetic product packaging

31 December 2022

PFAS and cosmetics – the facts

PFAS ingredients are very rarely used in cosmetics, and this doesn’t change the fact that every single cosmetic and personal care product must be safe.

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PFAS and cosmetics – the facts

14 November 2022

What makes us feel good about ourselves?

Research in the UK and Europe highlights the role that cosmetics and personal care products play in our lives.

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What makes us feel good about ourselves?

27 October 2022

Hair straightening products are safe and do not cause cancer

You may have seen media reports of a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute which claims to find an association between the use of hair straighteners and uterine cancer.

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Hair straightening products are safe and do not cause cancer

26 October 2022

You can recycle more from the bathroom than you might think!

In line with Recycle Week 2022, CTPA produced handy infographics about bathroom recycling and the rules for disposing wipes.

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You can recycle more from the bathroom than you might think!

29 September 2022

Science Experts on Your Burning Beauty Questions

Have you ever wondered what to believe when faced with a scary story about a cosmetic ingredient?  CTPA is delighted to announce an Instagram Live collaboration with three expert cosmetic scientists. Get the answers to your cosmetic safety questions and discover the origins behind some of the most common cosmetic rumours.

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Science Experts on Your Burning Beauty Questions

27 June 2022

Diving into the world of water-resistant sunscreens

If you saw the feature on BBC Morning Live today (27 June 2022) about water-resistant sunscreens, you might be wondering how the 'water-resistant' claim on your sunscreen bottle has been tested and what this really means for the protection you will receive.

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Diving into the world of water-resistant sunscreens

16 June 2022

Mineral sunscreens provide proven protection: CTPA responds to Which? Magazine report

This month Which? Magazine features an article all about mineral sunscreens which could leave you wondering whether you get the same protection from these mineral-based products as other types of sunscreens. In short – yes you do! Before they can make it to the shop shelf, all types of sunscreens must provide strong, scientific proof that they provide the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) on their label.

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Mineral sunscreens provide proven protection: CTPA responds to Which? Magazine report

07 April 2022

CTPA calls for action on microplastics to be proportionate, meaningful and led by science

You may have read media articles based on a new report by the NGO Plastic Soup Foundation, which claims that almost 9 in 10 products from major cosmetics brands contain microplastics.

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CTPA calls for action on microplastics to be proportionate, meaningful and led by science

10 March 2022

Check out the vibrant redesign of thefactsabout with easier-to-find content and new pages!

With the launch of a new design, thefactsabout will be easier to navigate to the extensive advice on the safety and science of cosmetic products used daily by millions of people worldwide, including helpful tips on storing and using your products.

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Check out the vibrant redesign of thefactsabout with easier-to-find content and new pages!

10 March 2022

Cosmetics containing butylphenyl methylpropional (Lilial) are safe!

You might have seen some videos on social media and some media articles about an ingredient called lilial, or butylphenyl methylpropional, in cosmetic products.

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Cosmetics containing butylphenyl methylpropional (Lilial) are safe!

22 February 2022

Are you taking this half-term to go skiing? Stay sun safe while you slide the slopes!

It might not be the most extreme part of your holiday but you'll thank yourself later for bringing sunscreen!

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Are you taking this half-term to go skiing? Stay sun safe while you slide the slopes!

16 December 2021

How to spot a festive beauty fake this Christmas

Top tips to keep you and your family safe from dangerous counterfeit gifts, from Phil Lewis, Director-General of the Anti-Counterfeiting Group (ACG)

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How to spot a festive beauty fake this Christmas

19 November 2021

Did you know - all cosmetics and their ingredients have to be safe

Cosmetic products in the UK must be safe to use, and will always be safe. This is guaranteed by strict UK laws, which cover both safety and the truthfulness of claims made about the products.

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Did you know - all cosmetics and their ingredients have to be safe

18 November 2021

The UK cosmetics industry and stakeholders agree to move forward on take-back schemes for cosmetic packaging

The stakeholder roundtable on cosmetic packaging take-back schemes, convened by CTPA, took place on Monday 15 November 2021.

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The UK cosmetics industry and stakeholders agree to move forward on take-back schemes for cosmetic packaging

05 November 2021

Remember, remember to protect your skin this 5th November!

We’re due for a cold and dry bonfire night this year which should be brilliant for everyone wanting to get out and enjoy the fireworks, but don’t forget about protecting your skin while you do

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Remember, remember to protect your skin this 5th November!

28 October 2021

Don’t get real scars from your fake scars this Halloween - avoid counterfeit face paints!

If you dress your child up in their scariest outfit this spooky season, don’t receive an actual fright from dangerous counterfeit products. Counterfeit products may be able to hook us in with their cheap prices, but products like these can come back and bite you!

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Don’t get real scars from your fake scars this Halloween  - avoid counterfeit face paints!

23 September 2021

Worried about colouring your hair after COVID? Remember the Allergy Alert Test (AAT)

You may have seen reports suggesting that people who have had COVID-19 may become more sensitive to hair dyes.  We understand that  if you are thinking of colouring your hair, you might now be concerned.

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Worried about colouring your hair after COVID? Remember the Allergy Alert Test (AAT)

19 August 2021

Strict UK Bans on Animal Testing Remain in Place

CTPA fully and wholeheartedly supports the ban on animal testing of cosmetic products and their ingredients in the UK.

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Strict UK Bans on Animal Testing Remain in Place

30 July 2021

Instagram Live - Polish up your nail knowledge

CTPA is delighted to announce that Marian Newman BEM will be joining CTPA and our Instagram followers for a live, interactive Q&A session on 6 August at 1pm all about nails.

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Instagram Live - Polish up your nail knowledge

17 June 2021

We Can Trust Our Sunscreen’s SPF And UVA Protection

CTPA explains why you can trust that your sunscreen will deliver the protection it promises.

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We Can Trust Our Sunscreen’s SPF And UVA Protection

24 May 2021

Green Chemistry - What Scientists are Doing to Make Chemistry more Environmentally Friendly

Are you interested to know what scientists are doing to improve the sustainability of the chemistry that goes into the creation of our favourite products?

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Green Chemistry - What Scientists are Doing to Make Chemistry more Environmentally Friendly

20 April 2021

Your Skin and the Sun - Put your Burning Questions to a Consultant Dermatologist

Join us for a live Instagram live on sun safety with a consultant dermatologist on 30 April 2021!

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Your Skin and the Sun - Put your Burning Questions to a Consultant Dermatologist

07 April 2021

Your Skin and the Sun - Put your Burning Questions to a Consultant Dermatologist

Consultant Dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto will be joining CTPA and our Instagram followers for a live, interactive Q&A session on sun safety!

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Your Skin and the Sun - Put your Burning Questions to a Consultant Dermatologist

31 March 2021

Don’t forget to recycle from the bathroom!

CTPA is pleased to support the new campaign from Recycle Now, #DontBottleIt in the bathroom.

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Don’t forget to recycle from the bathroom!

09 March 2021

Sunscreens Containing Octocrylene Are Safe and Do Not Cause Cancer

We understand that the report may appear alarming, but the study does not need to cause concern. All sunscreens are safe, effective and help protect us from damaging UV rays.

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Sunscreens Containing Octocrylene Are Safe and Do Not Cause Cancer

15 February 2021

Why do cosmetic products show an ingredients list? The cosmetic ingredients list and allergies

We can always be confident that, when using cosmetic and personal care products, they will be safe to use. 

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Why do cosmetic products show an ingredients list? The cosmetic ingredients list and allergies

02 February 2021

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You Can Trust the Ingredients in your Cosmetics and Personal Care Products

16 December 2020

Counterfeit cosmetics from online sellers - be wary this Christmas

When trying to find the best deals on presents this Christmas, we all need to be on the lookout for scams and counterfeits.

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Counterfeit cosmetics from online sellers - be wary this Christmas

16 November 2020

Is thinking about the planet part of your beauty routine?

WRAP’s Clear on Plastics – Beauty campaign launches today. CTPA has worked with WRAP on the campaign, which showcases innovative examples of how UK Plastics Pact members, supporters and other businesses are playing their part in making it easy for us to have more sustainable beauty routines.

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Is thinking about the planet part of your beauty routine?

17 October 2020

CTPA Welcomes Which? Article on Safety of Cosmetic Ingredients

Which? rightly reports that we should not be swayed by marketing claims that certain products are ‘clean’, ‘natural’ or ‘non-toxic’ and so suggest they are safer than other products.

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CTPA Welcomes Which? Article on Safety of Cosmetic Ingredients

15 October 2020

New EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability

Read about the new Strategy and why we can be confident the chemicals used in cosmetics are safe.

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New EU Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability

30 August 2020

New EU Ruling DOES NOT mean Cosmetics must be Tested on Animals

The new EU Ruling on animal testing does not change anything about the strict ban on animal testing of cosmetic ingredients and products.

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New EU Ruling DOES NOT mean Cosmetics must be Tested on Animals

17 August 2020

CTPA now working with The UK Plastics Pact

CTPA is delighted to announce its official support of The UK Plastics Pact.

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CTPA now working with The UK Plastics Pact

29 July 2020

Medicines regulator raises awareness of safe use of products treating adverse skin conditions

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has launched a new campaign to raise awareness of the possible risk of clothing and bedding catching fire if saturated with products used to treat adverse skin conditions.

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Medicines regulator raises awareness of safe use of products treating adverse skin conditions

20 July 2020

Hair Colour at Salons

If you’re thinking of a new hair colour as we come out of lockdown, we would like to highlight the importance of the Allergy Alert Test (AAT).

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Hair Colour at Salons

24 June 2020

Let's not forget about sunscreen!

Whether you are going outside for some daily exercise, responsibly meeting the people you haven’t seen in months or merely walking to the shops, it’s so important to remember sun safety. 

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Let's not forget about sunscreen!

08 June 2020

CTPA launches Charter to welcome customers back to beauty stores, supported by BRC

With the COVID-19 health crisis you may be wondering whether you can return to your normal way of browsing beauty counters.

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CTPA launches Charter to welcome customers back to beauty stores, supported by BRC

15 May 2020

Mouthwashes and COVID-19

You may have read reports in the media about a review from Cardiff University which has looked at the possibility that some mouthwashes may have an effect in the fight against COVID-19.

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Mouthwashes and COVID-19

15 April 2020

Home manicure? Nailed it!

Have your nails been caught unawares by the COVID-19 lockdown?

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Home manicure? Nailed it!

14 April 2020

CTPA Launches Emergency Response Exchange (CERE) to help tackle COVID-19

CTPA Launches Emergency Response Exchange (CERE) to help tackle COVID-19

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CTPA Launches Emergency Response Exchange (CERE) to help tackle COVID-19

31 March 2020

Using hair dye at home? Don’t forget the Allergy Alert Test!

If you are treating yourself to a home colour in this time of restricted movement, don’t forget to factor in carrying out the Allergy Alert Test.

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Using hair dye at home? Don’t forget the Allergy Alert Test!

05 March 2020

CTPA urges against using home-made hand sanitisers

The idea of people making their own hand gels is of great concern to us at CTPA and to experts in hygiene.

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CTPA urges against using home-made hand sanitisers

04 March 2020

We can all do something to tackle Coronavirus

We understand that many may be worried about Coronavirus and we want to share some simple advice that can help to reduce its spread.

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We can all do something to tackle Coronavirus

27 February 2020

Breaking News! Cosmetic Ingredients Under the Spotlight

Decisions over safety must be based on facts and data, on the evidence itself, and not on rumours or myths - no matter how often reported.

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Breaking News! Cosmetic Ingredients Under the Spotlight

31 January 2020

Brexit and cosmetics: “Business as Usual”

You may now be worried that following Brexit your favourite cosmetic and personal care products will change or disappear from the shelves.  Put simply, it will be business as usual until 31 December 2020.

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Brexit and cosmetics: “Business as Usual”

25 January 2020

Which? Report on Bathroom Plastics

The latest issue of Which? magazine includes a feature on bathroom plastics. Through individual and collective efforts, CTPA and its members continue to explore new ways to tackle the serious problem of excessive packaging.

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Which? Report on Bathroom Plastics

24 January 2020

Recent US Government Study Confirms Talc Does Not Cause Ovarian Cancer

CTPA welcomes the recent study confirming that there is no link between the use of talc and ovarian cancer.

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Recent US Government Study Confirms Talc Does Not Cause Ovarian Cancer

19 December 2019

Be Wary of Counterfeit Christmas Presents!

Finding the best deals on our presents may be one of the main targets when out shopping this year, which is why scams and counterfeits are often so successful.

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Be Wary of Counterfeit Christmas Presents!

04 December 2019

Hair Dyes and Relaxers are Safe to Use

CTPA reassures consumers that hair dyes and relaxers are safe to use following a study published in the US.

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Hair Dyes and Relaxers are Safe to Use

04 October 2019

Brand New Look for thefactsabout!

We are delighted to unveil a new-look for thefactsabout website which has had a complete make-over, taking all the information from our previous website while improving access to the knowledge and science that CTPA is well-known for.

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Brand New Look for thefactsabout!

20 June 2019

Allergies and Artificial Nail Products - New CTPA Guidance

Read more about how to use Liquid and Powder (L&P) and UV-gel nail products safely.

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Allergies and Artificial Nail Products - New CTPA Guidance

23 May 2019

CTPA responds to Which? report with the sound science behind sunscreen safety

CTPA welcomes Which?'s messages promoting the important role that sunscreens play as part of sun protection, however we have concerns that the negative claims could cause consumers to avoid sunscreens.

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CTPA responds to Which? report with the sound science behind sunscreen safety

16 May 2019

No proven link between the use of UV filters and damage to coral in our seas

CTPA can state that the study discussed in this article does not, and cannot, make a link between the use of UV filters in sun cream and damage to coral in our seas.

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No proven link between the use of UV filters and damage to coral in our seas

07 May 2019

Sunscreens and their ingredients are safe

CTPA would like to reassure you that despite what you may have read in the media suggesting that ingredients in sunscreens could be absorbed into the bloodstream and cause cancer, that sunscreens and their ingredients are safe to use.

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Sunscreens and their ingredients are safe

26 March 2019

Confidence in Cosmetics

We can assure you that European cosmetic safety laws require that cosmetic and personal care products must not cause harm to human health.

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Confidence in Cosmetics

25 March 2019

Science-Competition-for-11-16-year-olds

Now in its fifth successful year, the Society of Cosmetic Scientists (SCS) Scrub up on Sciencecompetition is once again open!

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Science-Competition-for-11-16-year-olds

30 January 2019

CTPA Responds to Proposed European Restriction on Microplastics

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has published a dossier proposing a Restriction on microplastics in consumer products, including cosmetics.

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CTPA Responds to Proposed European Restriction on Microplastics

09 January 2019

Cosmetic products will continue to be safe after Brexit

You may have read an article in The Guardian that claims cosmetic products could contain unsafe ingredients after the UK leaves the European Union. This is absolutely not the case.

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Cosmetic products will continue to be safe after Brexit

29 November 2018

Warning - fake cosmetics discovered!

A Local Government Authority (LGA) report has revealed that hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of counterfeit cosmetics have been uncovered by trading standards officers across the country.

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Warning - fake cosmetics discovered!

28 November 2018

Find out how important preservatives are - take the Preservative Quiz!

Preservatives are ingredients designed to protect products, and so the consumer, against contamination by microorganisms during storage and continued use.

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Find out how important preservatives are - take the Preservative Quiz!

29 August 2018

Allergies and Understanding Cosmetic Ingredients

'Allergy' is a term that is often misused to describe all kinds of adverse reactions. There are two main types of adverse reactions that may be experienced: irritant reactions and allergic reactions.

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Allergies and Understanding Cosmetic Ingredients

24 May 2018

CTPA challenges the Which? report and explains why we can be confident in water resistant sunscreens

This week Which? Magazine has published its annual report about sunscreens. Disappointingly Which? has chosen to raise a number of questions about water-resistant sunscreen safety which could alarm consumers - and even discourage them from using sunscreens as part of a sunsafe regime.

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CTPA challenges the Which? report and explains why we can be confident in water resistant sunscreens

20 April 2018

Keep safe in the spring sun

As we finally seem to have seen the back of winter and we get ready to welcome the spring sun, it's important to remind ourselves of some tops tips for a sunsafe regime.

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Keep safe in the spring sun

05 March 2018

Consumer Guide on Undesirable Effects to Cosmetics Products

All cosmetic products on the UK and European market must comply with strict European cosmetic laws, which ensure human safety and protect consumers from misleading claims regarding cosmetic products.

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Consumer Guide on Undesirable Effects to Cosmetics Products

11 March 2013

Industry Responds to Animal Testing Marketing Ban

The last in a series of bans to end animal testing in the EU comes into effect today.

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Industry Responds to Animal Testing Marketing Ban