Cosmetic regulations and market surveillance

The use of ingredients in cosmetics is regulated in many countries to ensure that they are safe for human use. Some countries also assess the impacts of ingredients on the environment (remembering that many personal care products are washed down the drain or end up in landfills). 

However, there are several gaps in legislation. For example, many rules are based on ingredient and product safety assessments done by manufacturers themselves (although regulations specify how those assessments are done, as well as list substances not to be used, that are approved for use, or that have to be used under certain conditions). If there are problems with products - for example, they might cause skin rashes or eye irritation – they only come to light if those affected report the effects to market surveillance systems. 

Certain ingredients have caused concern over the years, as have certain types of chemical – such as those that can affect hormones (known as endocrine disruptors or EDCs). Nanomaterials, which include many pigments used in cosmetics, can also impact health.