EDC-Free Europe Coalition calls for immediate ban on endocrine disruptors in cosmetics and personal care products

In response to the public consultation evaluating the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR), the EDC-Free Europe coalition urged EU decision-makers to protect the health of current and future generations by banning the use of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) in cosmetics and personal care products.

The European Commission launched a public consultation to gather information and opinions on the implementation of the CPR and the extent to which it has met its objectives. The CPR aims to ensure a high level of protection of human health from  harmful chemicals in cosmetic products and the good functioning of the EU market.

Yet, cosmetics and personal care products still contain many different harmful chemicals, including EDCs. Given consumers’ frequent, intimate and often prolonged contact with cosmetic and personal care products, they represent a significant source of cumulative exposure to EDCs.

The coalition calls for a revision of the CPR to ensure that the legislation fully achieves its objective of safeguarding human health. A revision is also necessary to improve coherence with other EU legislation meant to protect consumers such as the recently agreed Toy Safety Regulation.

The coalition's recommendations address three critical gaps:

1. EDCs should not be used in cosmetics, like other substances with serious hazards such as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, and Reprotoxic (CMR) substances

2. Combination effects to different EDCs should be addressed

3. The CPR should safeguard public health based on a precautionary approach

Click here to read the statement in English.

To learn more about EDCs and other substances of concern contained in cosmetics and personal care products, check the infographic created by the Health and Environment Alliance (HEAL) and Tegengif/Erase All Toxins. The guide is available in English and Dutch.

For a comprehensive overview on the key elements necessary to improve the European regulatory framework on EDCs, read the EDC-Free Europe statement: 7 priorities to protect people and environment from harm caused by endocrine-disrupting chemicals or the summary.