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: a tooth whitening kit too concentrated in hydrogen peroxide, body oil, lightening products and wipes containing ingredients prohibited in cosmetics.
Teeth whitening product
Brand: DMC 
Name: Lase Peroxide Sensy
Barcode: 0874817000030
Batch number: 0874817000030
• Country of origin: Brazil
• Notifying country: Finland
Risk type: chemical
The product contains hydrogen peroxide (measured concentration 35% by weight). Hydrogen peroxide at high concentrations causes skin irritation and is harmful if swallowed.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products regulation.
Measures ordered by public authorities (to importer): import rejected at border.
Withening product
Brand: Black Opal 
Name: Even True tone correct fade cream
Barcode: 27811 05604
Batch number: BH9
• Country of origin: United States
• Notifying country: The Netherlands
Risk type: chemical
Measures taken by economic operators:
The product contains an excessive amount of hydroquinone (measured value: 1,8% by weight). Hydroquinone can cause skin irritation and dermatitis.
The products do not comply with the requirements of the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures ordered by public authorities: withdrawal of the product from the market.
Hair and body Oil
Brand: AlezaR 
Name: Argan Oil
Barcode: 6438249010919
• Country of origin: People’s Republic of China
• Notifying country: Finland
Risk type: chemical
The product contains octamethylcyclotetrasiloxane (D4 - Cyclotetrasiloxane). D4 is very persistent, bioaccumulative and it might also affect human fertility if swallowed or inhaled.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures ordered by public authorities (to importer): import rejected at border.
Withening product
Brand: Bio Claire
Name: Lightening Body Cream without hydroquinone 
Barcode: 534098267
• Country of origin: Ivory Coast
• Notifying country: Sweden
Risk type: Chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 5.38 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product contains clobetasol (measured value: 0.06% by weight) which is a corticosteroid that requires medical prescription. Exposure to it could cause skin irritation and may lead to endocrine problems.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures ordered by public authorities (to retailer): stop of sales.
Withening product
Name: New Face Whitening Cream 
Barcode: 18904083820378
Batch number: ESV02
• Country of origin: Unknown
• Notifying country: Suède
Risk type: chemical
The product contains mercury (measured value: 5.56 mg/kg). Mercury accumulates in the body and can damage the kidneys, brain and nervous system. Additionally, it may affect reproduction and the unborn child.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures ordered by public authorities (to retailer): stop of sales.
Wet wipes
Brand: Optimal 
Name: Wet Wipes Chamomile
Barcode: 5304000204396
Batch numbers: 158, 204
• Country of origin: Albania
• Notifying country: Cyprus
Risk type: Chemical
The product contains a mixture of the preservatives methylchloroisothiazolinone (MCI) and methylisothiazolinone (MI) which are forbidden in leave-on cosmetics (Measured values: MCI 0,001200% and MI 0,000490 % for batch 158, MCI 0,00093% and MI 0,00053 % for batch 204).
Dermal contact with MCI and MI containing products can provoke allergic contact dermatitis to sensitised persons.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures ordered by public authorities (to retailer): withdrawal of the product from the market.
Source
• Rapid Alert System - Weekly Reports, Report 47, European Commission, November 20, 2020
