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: skin lightening products containing forbidden substances, and a straightening product containing formaldehyde.
Lotion Peau de Lune
(Skin lightening product)
Brand : Proxima
Barecode
: 4902806003543
Batch number
: CN 03
Country of origin : Unknown
Notifying country : France
Danger : The product poses a chemical risk because it contains hydroquinone (measured concentration 9.6% by weight). Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation and dermatitis. The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009.
Measures adopted: Withdrawal of the product from the market
Perfectwhite - Crème de Beauté clarifiante
(Clarifying beauty cream)
Brand : Dream Cosmetics
Barecode
: 6 181100 530391
Batch number
: C1/22592-B
Manufacturing date
: 08/15
Expiration date
: 08/17
Country of origin : Ivory Coast
Notifying country : France
Danger : The product poses a chemical risk because it contains clobetasol propionate (measured concentration 0.04 % by weight). Clobetasol is a corticosteroid that should be applied to the skin only if prescribed to treat certain skin conditions. In addition to the skin lightening effect, it can induce a skin rash and burning at the application site and long-time exposure could lead to endocrine problems. The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009.
Measures adopted: Withdrawal of the product from the market
Hair Go Straight
(Hair straightening product)
Brand : Blowtox
Batch number : A1528C
Country of origin : United States
Notifying country : Belgium
Danger : The product poses a chemical risk because it contains an excessive amount of formaldehyde (measured value up to 2.3%). Formaldehyde may produce irritation of the eyes, the skin and upper respiratory tract; long term exposure may cause cancer. The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009.
Measures adopted: Withdrawal of the product from the market (by importer)