Shower gels and shampoos are everyday products and yet some, from very popular brands, contain a dangerous substance.
We use them every day. Shower gel and shampoo are hygiene products par excellence. In contact with our skin, it is better to ensure that they are not harmful. In 2023, cosmetics were the type of product most frequently notified as potentially presenting health risks. THE Safety gate, the European alert system on dangerous products which allows the rapid exchange of information, has unveiled a list of cosmetic and care products at risk with recalls organized in certain countries, such as in Italy, a country which launched the ‘alert. Following this report, at the beginning of June 2024, 22 notifications were published by the European alert and recall organization RAPEX.
Cibum.gr took a closer look at this list, warning of the presence of these products in Greece. They all have one thing in common: they contain Butylphenyl ethylpropional, which has been banned in cosmetics manufactured and marketed in the EU since 2022. Although certain products have been modified and no longer contain the chemical since the passage of the ban, recalls in different EU countries show that this is clearly not the case for all.
Also known as Lilial, this substance can harm the reproductive system or cause skin sensitization. It has also been classified by the European Commission among the allergenic substances which must be disclosed on product labels and which cannot be described as “fragrance”.
Among the products listed by the European moment, in particular following their composition, are shampoos like Fructis from Garnier in its composition sold in Italy but also conditioners like that of L’Oréal Elvive “smoothing cream” or that of ” anti breaks”. As for shower gel, we find Neutro Roberts but also bubble baths such as the aromatic cream bath from the Trésors d’Orient brand or the enveloping bubble bath from Dermomed.
Deodorants and colognes complete the list. Rapex lists the Nivea “pure & natural action” deodorant, the Borotalco stick, Netro Roberts 0% and Donna Karan New York. The “green tea bamboo” and “green tea Mimosa” colognes from the Elizabeth Arden brand are also affected by this alert. If the substance is normally prohibited, the best solution is to look closely at the labels to know the real composition of your products. You can look for the words “Butylphenyl ethylpropional”, “BHCPA” or “Lilial”.