All these are questions that we should learn to ask before buying a new product in order to avoid unpleasant consequences on the health of our skin. Protection may even reach as far up as Parliament regulation meant to strengthen the current rules on cosmetics safety, responsibility of producers and necessary controls.
Paying attention to the label? - From now on the label of cosmetics will be much more "complete". The consumer will see, first of all, the function of the cosmetic and the minimum durability (which, however, is not mandatory for products with a minimum of more than 30 months). Already the directives came into force in 2005, in fact, specified that for cosmetics with validity period, the producer must specify the time period in which the product, once opened, can be used without adverse effects.
The indication on the label of the post-opening is designed to provide information on the stability of the cosmetics. It is a symbol that is printed either on the container itself or on the outer package, and is represented by an open cream jar, easily identifiable. Near or within this figure is the time (in months followed by the letter M) within which the product should be used from the first opening.
In addition, the label will list any precautions for use and a list of ingredients listed in descending order of weight. There must not, however, appear either on the label or in advertising text, names, logos, pictures or other signs, which speak of features or functions given to products that the products in question do not possess.
Harmful substances, banned? - The new regulation confirms the approximately 1370 substances that are prohibited for use in cosmetics. These include arsenic, chlorine, curare, mercury, nicotine, lead, radioactive substances, chloroform, coal tars, several oils and gasses, other paraffins.
The use of other substances such as ammonia, hydrogen peroxide or silver nitrate, is allowed with specific restrictions on the use, concentration and warnings. There are prohibitions on the substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction. Producers are allowed instead to use colorants, preservatives and UV filters, reported in specific positive lists. In addition to substances "objectively" harmful, it is important to consider the components that can be "dangerous" for us, because they may give us annoying dermatitis or other ailments.
In this regard, the Scientific Committee for Consumer Product of the European Union has drafted a list of 26 substances, synthetic but also natural, that are the main source of allergic contact dermatitis. The international guidelines require that these substances, often hidden under a general heading "perfume" or "flavor", be described using the name of the International Cosmetic Ingredient Nomenclature, even where they are used for the construction of a patented fragrance. One good example in this respect are Margaret Josefin skincare products, because Margaret Josefin skincare products observe this regulations and are socially responsible.