Cosmetic Products

Aluminum Salts

Aluminum salts, which are used in deodorants and antiperspirant products in the cosmetics industry, have been available to consumers in Europe and Türkiye for many years. Aluminum salts are used safely in cosmetic products, meaning without causing harm to human health. The aluminum salts found in deodorants and antiperspirant products dissolve and cover the sweat glands with a thin layer of gel. Thanks to this gel, sweating is temporarily reduced after deodorants and antiperspirant products are applied.

Aluminum is one of the three most abundant elements found in nature; it is present in food, water, pharmaceuticals, and many consumer products. There is no information indicating that deodorants and antiperspirants containing aluminum salts may pose a health risk.

Although there is no supporting evidence, it is sometimes suggested that deodorants and antiperspirant products may be associated with breast cancer. To date, no research has proven claims of a link between deodorants and cancer. On the contrary, the results of numerous studies show that the likelihood of aluminum salts penetrating the skin is very low. Even when such limited penetration occurs, the amount of aluminum salts absorbed through the skin is very small compared with the amount of aluminum salts we are exposed to through products we use or consume daily. For example, it is known that the amount of aluminum absorbed through the skin as a result of antiperspirant deodorant use is 40 times lower than the amount ingested through food during the same period. Furthermore, deodorants and antiperspirant products are designed to act on the surface of the skin. This means that if the skin absorbed many of the ingredients contained in these products, the products would not be able to perform their intended function.

Many leading organizations in cancer research, including Cancer Research UK and the American Cancer Society, state that the antiperspirant substances contained in deodorants do not have any mechanism that could harm human health, particularly one that could cause breast cancer.

There are also views suggesting that aluminum salts may mimic the hormone estrogen. The likelihood of such an effect occurring is very low, and there is no evidence that such an effect could be harmful to human health. It should also be noted that many substances have the ability to mimic the hormone estrogen, and these substances are found in greater amounts in the foods we consume. In such a case, a substance cannot be considered harmful to human health solely because it mimics a hormone (in this case, estrogen). It should not be forgotten that aluminum is one of the three most naturally abundant elements on Earth and that we take aluminum salts into our bodies through food and beverages.

Flarend v.d. (2001). “A preliminary study of the dermal absorption of aluminium from antiperspirants using aluminium-26.” Food and Chemical Toxicology, 39 (2), 163–168

Cosmetics and Toiletries (www.cancerresearchuk.org)

Common Fears With No Evidence: Antiperspirants and Bras (www.breastcancer.org)

Phthalates

Phthalates are substances derived from phthalic acid, an organic chemical compound. Phthalates are used in almost every major product category (toys, medical supplies, etc.). Phthalates constitute a broad class of ingredients, and each should be evaluated individually, as each has its own benefits and toxicological profile.

Phthalates are used in cosmetic products as solvents, plasticizers, or bittering agents. The most commonly used phthalate in cosmetic and personal care products is Diethyl Phthalate (DEP).

DEP is used as a solvent in perfumes and to make alcohol undrinkable by giving it a bitter taste. DEP also increases the longevity of the fragrance of perfumes. The use of DEP for these purposes has been approved by international regulatory authorities.

DEP has a long history of safe use, and consumers are routinely exposed to DEP through air, water, plastics, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals. Studies conducted by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) have determined that DEP used in cosmetic and personal care products does not pose a risk to human health.

Parabens

Parabens are a class of substances used as preservatives in food, pharmaceuticals, cosmetic products, and many consumer products. These widely used preservatives are essential for preventing products from deteriorating and maintaining their quality. Therefore, they play an important role in ensuring the safety of consumers who use these products in their daily lives. In addition to their function as preservatives, parabens are also widely used in cosmetics due to their high compatibility with the skin.

The paraben family can occur naturally in plants and animals, as well as be synthesized in laboratory settings, and the preservative effect of parabens is recognized in Europe under the European Cosmetics Regulation. Parabens, which have been used as preservatives for more than 50 years, have a well-established history of successful safety assessments.

Unfortunately, misinformation about parabens may sometimes be presented to the public, much of which consists of unfounded claims that they cause cancer. There is no evidence that any type of paraben can cause cancer. None of the extensive studies conducted have concluded that parabens are harmful to human health. For this reason, parabens can still be considered among the most effective preservatives used in cosmetic products.

The authorization and restrictions regarding the use of parabens worldwide and in Türkiye are determined within the framework of strict legal regulations. In Europe, the use of parabens as preservatives in cosmetic products has been officially approved by the European Commission and other authorities. One of these bodies is the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).

For more information:

• SCCS tarafından hazırlanmış olan "Parabens used in cosmetics" dokümanını buradan okuyabilirsiniz.

• SCCS’nin internet sitesini ziyaret edebilirsiniz.

• Görüşler hakkında özet bilgilere Avrupa Komisyonunun internet sitesinden ulaşabilirsiniz.

Triclosan

Triclosan has been used in consumer products for more than 30 years. It is generally used in personal care, skin care, and oral care products.

Triclosan is an ingredient used in cosmetic and toiletry products due to its antibacterial properties. Triclosan has been proven to have a hygiene-enhancing effect in oral hygiene products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes, as well as in products such as soaps, hand-washing gels, and deodorants. Triclosan also helps reduce the risk of infection. Triclosan is currently used as a preservative active ingredient in cosmetics and oral care products such as toothpastes and mouthwashes.

The safety of triclosan use is ensured by legislation. The European Union Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009/EC) approves the use of triclosan as a preservative active ingredient in cosmetic products at concentrations of up to 0.3%. Before the use of triclosan in cosmetic products was approved by the European Commission and the authorities of the Member States, positive opinions on triclosan were also obtained from respected scientific committees. In its latest assessment in 2011, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) also concluded that the use of triclosan in cosmetic products is safe and effective. Appropriate use limits have been set at 0.3% for toothpastes, hand soaps, bath/shower products, non-spray deodorants, face powders and blemish concealers, and nail care products, and at 0.2% for mouthwashes.

In Türkiye, the principles governing the use of triclosan are also set out in the relevant annexes of the “Cosmetics Regulation,” published in the Official Gazette No. 32184 dated 8 May 2023. In Türkiye, triclosan, when used as a preservative in cosmetic products, is permitted at a maximum concentration of 0.3%. You can access the relevant Regulation here.

Opinion on Triclosan, SCCS

Lead

Lead is an element that occurs naturally in the environment. Everyone is exposed to small amounts of lead every day through food, water, and the air we breathe.

Similarly, trace amounts of lead may enter cosmetic products and their ingredients from the environment during manufacturing or storage.

In accordance with international regulations, manufacturers strictly control the levels of trace amounts of lead that may be present in cosmetic products. These levels are kept very low and do not pose any risk to human health.

For this reason, for example, the amount of lead taken into the body from trace amounts that may be present in lipsticks is much lower than the amount of lead taken into the body through drinking water or the amount taken into the body from colorants permitted for use in foods.

Information occasionally circulated on the internet claiming that lead in lipsticks may cause cancer and that a “gold ring” test can be used to determine whether lipsticks contain lead does not reflect the truth.

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate / Sodium Laureth Sulfate

Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) and Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) are surfactants. Both substances are used as effective ingredients in cleansing products, creams, and lotions. In creams and lotions, they are used to wet the skin surface, dissolve oils, and prevent staining. In cleansing products and bath foams, they are used for their foaming properties.

The use of SLS and SLES in cosmetic and personal care products was first found to be safe in 1983 and subsequently confirmed by research conducted in 2002. Substances known to be carcinogenic are identified and classified by various international organizations. SLS and SLES are not classified as carcinogenic by organizations that monitor and classify carcinogenic substances. Neither substance has any properties, such as causing cancer, that would pose a risk to human health.

Information claiming that SLS may cause skin irritation and even cancer may occasionally circulate on the internet. Safety is the primary priority of our industry. All cosmetic products comply with the requirements established by legislation before being placed on the market.

There are no concerns regarding the safety of SLS on the part of the European Commission or its expert advisory committee, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).

The safety and toxicity of the compound were reviewed in 1983 by the U.S. Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel, which concluded that the compound was safe. This conclusion was reaffirmed by the CIR in 2002 based on an additional 250 scientific studies.

Although high concentrations of SLS may cause irritation, the levels of SLS used in cosmetic and personal care products are very low and safe.

For this reason, consumers can use products containing SLS with confidence.

Fluoride

The use of fluoride in toothpastes and oral care products is a very safe and effective way to help prevent tooth decay; it makes teeth more resistant to acids produced by bacteria living on the teeth and gums. Fluoride penetrates tooth enamel that has been weakened by acid attacks, making the teeth more resistant to future acid attacks.

The amount of fluoride that may be used in oral care products, including toothpastes, is regulated under the Cosmetics Regulation published in the Official Gazette No. 32184 dated 8 May 2023. Under this Regulation, it is stated that the total fluoride concentration must not exceed 0.15% (1500 ppmF-). The same limit is also established in the European Union Cosmetics Regulation (1223/2009/EC). In addition, the European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Products (SCCS) stated in its opinion dated 9 October 2009 that the use of fluoride at the maximum permitted concentration of 0.15% is safe for human health.

Consumer safety is one of the top priorities of the cosmetics industry. The concrete information provided above also clearly demonstrates that the fluoride used in toothpastes is safe for human health. Manufacturers always recommend that consumers read the information provided on product packaging before using the products and use them in accordance with the instructions for use. In light of this information, toothpastes containing fluoride are extremely safe for consumer health when used in the amount recommended on the product label.

The Cosmetics Regulation published in the Official Gazette No. 32184 dated 8 May 2023 (Konsolide)

European Union Cosmetics Regulation (Consolidated text)

SCCS Opinion