The Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

Are there unsafe ingredients in your cosmetics?

You are probably thinking, and rightly so, “How would I know?” Unless the ingredients listed on your cosmetics include obvious toxins that you have heard of in the news it may be difficult for the average consumer to determine what is safe and what isn’t.

Okay, so now I am on a mission to make you smarter than the “average consumer”; well maybe not smarter, but at least better informed. The chances of cosmetics made in Canada or even in the US containing known dangerous ingredients is fairly low, but it does happen.

For example, in 2007, Health Canada issued a reminder to manufacturers, importers, distributors and retailers that the sale of cosmetic products which contain acetonitrile is prohibited in Canada. This “reminder” was issued after Health Canada discovered that products containing acetonitrile were being used in nail salons to remove artificial nails, and in other cosmetic nail preparations. Acetonitrile is known to be toxic by dermal and respiratory routes of exposure; it converts to cyanide in the blood, and at elevated levels, can result in acute poisoning.

Are your cosmetics made by reputable, conscientious manufacturers? All of them, are you sure? Even that really super cute lip gloss that you just picked up at the cash register of your local discount store? Discount cosmetics, while usually very appealing, are often imported from countries where government regulation of cosmetics is minimal, if it exists at all.

Alright, now here comes the good news; there is a way to check your cosmetics for ingredients which are known to be unsafe. The “Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist”, ever heard of it? Health Canada has compiled, and regularly updates, a list of ingredients which are either known to be unsafe when used in cosmetics, or which should only be included in products sold as drug or natural health products, which are more strictly regulated. This list is available to all consumers on Health Canada’s website; you just have to know where to find it. Oh don’t worry I am going to tell you. First, I have this short disclaimer. The list is only truly effective if the cosmetic manufacturer has included a complete and accurate ingredient list on the product. The list also only includes ingredients that are known to be unsuitable for cosmetics, with new advances in testing occurring every day, what is considered safe today may not be considered safe tomorrow. With this being said, the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist is already a very lengthy document. Keep yourself safe; be an informed consumer.

Link to Health Canada’s Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/person/cosmet/info-ind-prof/_hot-list-critique/hotlist-liste-eng.php

If you have any questions about the ingredients in your cosmetics please contact the Cosmetics Division of Health Canada at one of the locations listed here: http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/contact/cps-spc/hecs-dgsesc/pso-bsp_on-eng.php