Work

Preservatives in non‐cosmetic products: Increasing human exposure requires action for protection of health

Year: 2022

Type: review

Abstract: The widespread use of skin sensitizing preservatives is well-known. Contact allergy to preservatives is often caused by their presence in cosmetic products. Preservative use in non-cosmetic products is less well-known. We have reviewed European Union (EU) legislations on classification and labelling, biocides and cosmetics, concerning conditions for use of the most used sensitizing preservatives (including formaldehyde-releasing substances, isothiazolinones and parabens). We have analysed temporal trends in their use in non-cosmetic products (tonnes, number of products, concentrations), based on annual reports to the Swedish Products Register 1995-2018; and we discuss implications for stakeholders. Major changes over time are that the use of most of the preservatives has increased by tonnes and/or by number of products, and that several use concentrations have declined following harmonized classification as a skin sensitizer with low concentration limits for this classification. We conclude that the massive increase in use of preservatives is alarming, and that urgent action is needed for protection of health. Their use in non-cosmetic products is broad, increasing and often undisclosed. In the EU, legislations concerning chemicals can provide relevant restrictions to reduce their use and associated health risks, monitored by efficient surveillance. Prevention would be benefited by better coordination between legislations.

Source: Contact Dermatitis

DOI: 10.1111/cod.14181

Authors: Carola Lidén, Niklas Andersson, Ian R. White

Institutions: Karolinska Institutet, Guy's Hospital

Language: English

Topic: Contact Dermatitis and Allergies

Subfield: Dermatology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,550