You may have them in your cupboards. Maybe, you use them, still. Beware: they are dangerous, illegal, harmful… and are the subject of a recall or ban by the European sanitary authorities. Underneath, you may find all the cosmetic products targeted by the RAPEX alert system this week: products contaminated with bacteria or containing prohibited ingredients.
Facial mask
Brand: Rafia 
Name: Multani Mitti, Natural Clay Deep Cleansing Face Mask
Batch number: 0615
Barcode: 0 170000 205641
• Country of origin: Pakistan
• Notifying country: Ireland
Risk type: microbiological
The product contains an excessive amount of aerobic mesophilic bacteria (measured values up to: 85 000 cfu/g) and the presence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, yeast and mould has been detected.
If used on damaged skin or by immunocompromised users, or if it comes into contact with the eyes or mucous membrane, the product may cause infection or irritation.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by economic operators: withdrawal of the product from the market (by distributor).
Hair cleansing powder
Brand: Rafia 
Name: Shikakai Powder, Herbal Hair Cleanser
Batch number: 0614
Barcode: 0 170000 205658
• Country of origin: Pakistan
• Notifying country: Ireland
Risk type: microbiological
The product contains aerobic mesophilic bacteria (measured value up to: 140000 cfu/g).
If used on damaged skin or by immunocompromised users, or if it comes into contact with the eyes or mucous membrane, the product may cause infection or irritation.
This product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by economic operators: withdrawal of the product from the market (by distributor).
Hair dye
Brand: Royal 
Name: Black Henna
Batch number: 080 Barcode: 8 901371 090015
• Country of origin: India
• Notifying country: Austria
Risk type: chemical
The product contains an excessive amount of p-phenylenediamine (PPD)(measured value: 7.6 %).
PPD is an extreme skin sensitiser and can trigger allergic contact dermatitis.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by economic operators: withdrawal of the product from the market (by retailer).
Skin-lightening produc
Brand: Clear Essence 
Name: Skin Beautifying Milk
Type: Maxi-Tone
Batch number: 180913-1 Barcode: 7 37192 00100 2
• Country of origin: United States
• Notifying country: Austria
Risk type: chemical
The product contains hydroquinone (measured value: 1.42 % by weight).
Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation, dermatitis and might cause cancer.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by economic operators: withdrawal of the product from the market (by retailer).
Source
• Rapid Alert System - Weekly Reports, Report 04, European Commission, January 24, 2020
