Beuc calls for strict limits on triclosan

The European Consumer Organisation (Beuc) has submitted a position paper to the European Commission for public consultation that the use of triclosan in cosmetic products need be strictly limited to protect consumers’ health.

The organisation’s new position paper argues that the substance is suspected to disrupt endocrine system, thus needs to be limited in consumer products, especially in cosmetics, reports Cosmetics Design.

Beuc in the paper states that the substance is suspected to lead to the formation of antimicrobial resistances and trouble the hormonal system, which makes it unsafe for human health.

The organisation also states that the use of triclosan is not needed as preservative in cosmetics as there are other alternatives of lesser concern are available.

The organisation said human health effects caused by exposure to triclosan are still unknown.

However, in latest scientific determinations it was assumed that the substance impairs muscle functions, including the heart.

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety’s (SCCS) has recently found that the continuous exposure to triclosan in cosmetic products is not safe because of the magnitude of the aggregated exposure.

While, in terms of deodorant sticks, face powder, blemish, concealer and nail-polish, it is considered to be all right in concentrations.

The organisation spokesperson told the newsagency that several national environmental protection agencies and/ or national risk assessment institutes recommend using no triclosan in consumer products and limiting its use only to applications in the medical environment.

"We are therefore calling on the Commission to regulate this substance in consumer articles in general and not only in cosmetics," the person added.

In a bid prevent the use of the substance as a preservative in cosmetics, Beuc is also calling on the EC to delete the following product categories such as bath/ shower products, deodorants, face powders and blemish concealers, and nail products from Annex V of the Cosmetics Regulation EC No. 1223/2009.