CVS removes chemicals from 600 beauty and personal care offerings

US-based retailer CVS Pharmacy has initiated removal of parabens, phthalates, and common formaldehyde donors from approximately 600 beauty and personal care offerings of brands CVS Health, Beauty 360, Essence of Beauty, and Blade ranges.

In addition, the firm is planning to cease shippments of CVS Health products containing these chemicals to distribution centres by the end of 2019.

The move is part of CVS Pharmacy's intention to address consumer concerns about the use of chemicals and provide more sustainable products to meet expectations.

CVS Health's store brands and quality assurance vice-president Cia Tucci said: “We are committed to providing our customers with the safe, efficacious products that they are looking for.

“We listened when customers voiced their desire for products that still provide the benefits they need with fewer ingredients of concern."

CVS Health has taken insight from industry experts and key advocacy groups to maintain product quality throughout the transition. The firm previously worked with the Safer Chemicals, Healthy Families (SCHF) coalition to understand the chemicals in question and to increase safety.

The company established a cosmetic safety policy in 2008 and launched WERCSmart tool in 2013 for supplier registration of ingredient information for all chemical-based products.

CVS Pharmacy also unveiled a new store design across its 800 locations, alongside a new collection of more than 3,400 expanded beauty selections, healthier food, and health-focused products to enhance customer retail experience.

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Image: CVS Pharmacy store featuring new design. Photo: courtesy of CVS Health.