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 lightening cream containing forbidden hydroquinone, and a hair straihtening product releasing carcinogenic formaldehyde.
Skin lightening cream
Brand: Clinic Clear 
Name: Whitening Body Cream
Batch number : 0004878
• Country of origin: Togo
• Notifying country: Ireland
Danger: The product poses a chemical risk. It contains Hydroquinone (measured value 3% by weight).
Long term dermal exposure to this level of hydroquinone can cause dermatitis.
Hydroquinone is forbidden in cosmetic products in Europe.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by economic operators: Withdrawal of the product from the market (by retailer)
Hair straightening product
Brand: Brazilian Blowout 
Name: Açai Professional Original Smoothing Solution
Batch number : Unknown
• Country of origin: United States
• Notifying country: Ireland
Danger: The product poses a chemical risk. It contains a high amount of Methylene Glycol (measured value up to 7%).
When methylene glycol is used in hair straightening products, it can release formaldehyde that has been classified as a potential human carcinogen and poses health risks.
The product does not comply with the Cosmetic Products Regulation.
Measures taken by economic operators: Recall of the product from end users (by distributor)
Source
• Rapid Alert System - Weekly Reports, Report 35, European Commission, 31/08/2018
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