EC Cosmetics Directive
This article was originally published in The Rose Sheet
Executive Summary
Hydroquinone prohibited for use in skin-lightening creams due to harmful secondary effects from prolonged use under an amendment to the Cosmetics Directive annexes published in the Official Journal of the European Communities March 1. Other ingredient restrictions include boric acid, which should be formulated with a neutral pH and not be used in products intended for children under three years of age. Benzalkonium chloride is approved as a preservative but is restricted in rinse-off hair products and must be formulated with a maximum concentration of 3%. The directive also was amended to allow tallow derivatives and the cosmetics preservative benzylhemiformal. The amendments must be approved by member states by July 1, 2000. Ingredient restrictions are effective Jan. 1, 2001