Health assessment of Cosmetics
Products which come into contact with human skin must be non-hazardous to health. BfR assesses the risks of cosmetics with the support of the Cosmetics Committee – from the lipstick to the tooth bleaching agent.
Skin cream, toothpaste, hair shampoo – for BfR, cosmetics not only encompass decorative cosmetics such as lipsticks or make up, but also all substances and preparations which are exclusively or predominantly intended to be applied externally or in the oral cavity of the human body. This also includes suntan lotions, soaps and other detergents. Their common feature is that they serve the purposes of cleaning, protecting, keeping in good condition, perfuming or changing the appearance. Health safety for consumers of cosmetics is a top priority for BfR.
Authorisation and notification
Cosmetics do not require authorisation. Only certain ingredients and additives like preservatives, colorants or UV filters have to be authorised.
At any rate manufacturers of cosmetics must guarantee that their products are not hazardous through safety assessments.
Prior to marketing, the formulations must be notified to the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL). Manufacturers or importers can contact BVL in this respect on.
Assessment by the Cosmetics Committee
If required, BfR assesses cosmetic ingredients with regard to their health safety. It is supported by the scientific Cosmetics Committee, within BfR.
The assessments include, amongst others, fragrances, hair dyes, tooth bleaching agents and sunscreen agents as well as mouth washes.
Advice
BfR advises the Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection on the health risk assessment of cosmetics.
Legal bases
- Food, consumer articles and feed act
- German equipment and product safety act
- Cosmetics ordinance
Opinion
other
Date
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Title
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Größe
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28.05.2010 BfR Information 023/2010 |
Import of cosmetic products |
28.9 KB
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20.11.2006 Consumers vote on nanotechnology |
BfR Consumer Conference on Nanotechnology in Foods, Cosmetics and Textiles |
130.3 KB
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Press information
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Date
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Title
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Keywords |
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01.08.2011 26/2011 |
Risks, which get under the skin | |
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18.07.2011 22/2011 |
Depilatory creams not to be applied extensively | |
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12.04.2011 10/2011 |
Safety of nano silver in consumer products: many questions remain open | |
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03.12.2010 16/2010 |
Hair straightening products with formaldehyde are harmful | |
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10.06.2010 08/2010 |
Nanosilver has no place in food, textiles or cosmetics | |
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28.10.2009 27/2009 |
Hair dyeing without any risk - is that possible? | |
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04.05.2009 06/2009 |
Tattoo inks become safer | |
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05.08.2008 14/2008 |
Allergies caused by inhaling fragrances? | |
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10.03.2008 05/2008 |
Consumer products - Safety despite diversity | |
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07.03.2008 A/2008 |
Safety of Consumer Products | |
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20.12.2007 24/2007 |
Consumers may take in larger amounts of coumarin from cosmetics, too | |
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18.07.2007 14/2007 |
BfR repeats its warning about henna tattoos | |
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17.07.2007 13/2007 |
Always ensure you are well protected from the sun! | |
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07.04.2006 09/2006 |
Nanotechnology - Applications, Trends and Risks | |
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06.10.2005 32/2005 |
Always use enough sun protection! |
