Survey of chemical substances in consumer products, 69. – Survey of liquid hand soaps, including health and environmental assessments

Survey of liquid hand soaps, including health and environmental assessments

10 Summary and conclusion

The result of the survey of liquid hand soaps in the summer of 2005 showed that for 6 of the 15 analysed products a content of fragrance chemicals reported as contact allergens was stated on the product label (both on consumer products and on products for occupational use). Furthermore, the survey showed that various preservatives reported as (potential) contact allergens are used in liquid hand soaps. The results of the chemical analyses showed that 9 of the 15 analysed products (no. 5, 6, 7, 8, 15, 21, 50, 34 and 45) contained fragrance chemicals reported as contact allergens in concentrations > 0.01%. The formulation of product 6 has been changed after the analysis were carried out so that the product no longer contains any of the 26 allergen fragrances. Product 7 is now labelled according to the regulation. Product 21 and 8 is no longer on the market.

When comparing the content of the most important substances (surfactants, preservatives, and fragrance chemicals) in consumer products and products for occupational use respectively, it is evident that there is no distinctive difference in the substances in the two types of products. Both types of products contain fragrance chemicals and preservatives reported as contact allergens. Based on available data it is not possible to assess if the allergen substances occur more frequently in products used by consumers than in products for occupational use.

Exposure calculations showed a very low daily exposure and a high margin of safety for both children and adults when using hand soaps, including products for occupational use. As the assessment concerns substances, which are reported as contact allergens, it can be concluded that fragrance chemicals may be hazardous to human health in particular sensitive consumers and persons with allergy.

This is supported by the fact that the fragrance chemicals are subject to an obligation of labelling. According to the Danish legislation on cosmetics, which is based on the EU directive on cosmetics, the concentration of 26 fragrance chemicals reported as contact allergens must be stated on the INCI list of ingredients of the products if they occur in concentrations > 0.01 % in rinse-off products. This regulation enables particularly sensitive consumers to avoid these products and thereby to reduce the cases of allergy. Other fragrance chemicals must be stated on the product label as "parfume" or "parfum".

In order to assess the environmental effects of the use of liquid hand soaps, a simulation of the environmental concentration of three selected substances (Cocamide DEA, 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol and Kathon) was performed for Lillebælt. The results of the simulation showed that for Cocamide DEA there was a risk of effects in the aquatic environment in a considerable section of Vejle inlet, which is characterised by a limited water exchange. For 2-Bromo-2-Nitropropane-1,3-Diol and Kathon, the effect was limited to an area in the immediate vicinity of the waste water outlet in Vejle inlet. For other parts of Lillebælt, no risk of effects was predicted. The substances are thus not predicted to cause adverse effects in waters with a regular water flow.