Survey of Chemical Substances in Consumer Products, 55 – Survey of lip care products with fragrance and flavour

Survey of lip care products with fragrance and flavour

3 Preface

There is a wide range of lip balms, lip salves, lipglosses, lipsticks, etc. The products are available in different colours, sheens, flavours and fragrances and appeal to different age groups, including children and the young. Product variants are common. In general, the use of fragrance in cosmetics, toys and school accessories is widespread. In a survey carried out by the Danish Information Centre on Health and Environment in March 2004, three different toys with fragrance and two scented children's cosmetics were tested for content of allergenic fragrances. All products contained at least one allergenic fragrance (1).

As attention is increasingly directed to children's sensitivity in using cosmetics, the Danish Environmental Protection Agency wants a survey of the presence of allergenic fragrances in cosmetics to children. As far as possible, the survey will provide information on the age group to which the products appeal.

Fragrance and flavour compounds used in cosmetic products must not be hazardous to the user's health and safety. Users are exposed to ingredients in lip care products through skin contact and consumption. The opinion is that consumers are exposed increasingly to fragrances and flavour chemicals and that a growing number of consumers experience health problems caused by fragrance allergy. In an allergy survey in Copenhagen carried out at an interval of 8 years, the occurrence of contact allergy as a result of exposure to cosmetic-related allergens rose from 2.4% in 1990 to 5.8% in 1998. The increase is primarily owing to an increase in the number of women reacting positively to Fragrance Mix which is used to diagnose fragrance allergy (2). A survey carried out at with an interval of 12 years showed that after nickel, fragrance compounds are the second-most cause of contact allergy among Danish patients with eczema (3).

The EU Scientific Committee on Cosmetic products and Non-food Products Intended for Consumers (SCCNFP) has estimated 26 different fragrance compounds as sensitizing. These fragrance compounds will shortly be entered on annex 3 of the cosmetics legislation demanding that the substances are stated on the declaration of contents when a specified content is exceeded in leave-on and rinse-off products.

To get a general view of the pigments, fragrance compounds and flavours used in lip care products today, the Danish Toxicology Centre has carried out a survey of the Danish market. The survey includes an assessment of possible health risks to the users, including children.

Based on the products' INCI declarations, oils and fats used in the products have also been examined. Oils and fats are classified according to whether they are made of oil/coal (mineral) or extracted from plants or animals and then sorted according to how frequently they are used. Particularly beeswax and castor oil are used in lip care products, but also vaseline is common. Subsequently, the health effects of vaseline and other oils and fats made of oil/coal have been investigated.