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News

‘Brazilian’ hair straightening products

8 December 2009 (updated 15 January 2010)

Update
CTPA has been in touch with hairdressing experts on this matter. They advise customers to ensure the salon has carried out a risk assessment for their hair straightening treatment before asking the hairdresser to proceed. A risk assessment will include the salon management ensuring the products being used comply with the necessary cosmetics legislation but will also involve assessing the level of training of the hairdresser and how they tailor the treatment to the customer's own hair type and condition. Salons themselves should be happy to offer this reassurance to their customers as it is a clear indication that the salon management takes its responsibilities seriously and does not place its clients at risk.

 

 

You may have read about an emerging new treatment originating from Brazil which provides long-lasting hair straightening effects. The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is extremely concerned that, in some cases, these products may fail to meet the EU cosmetics industry strict safety laws.

From reports received, we believe some of these products may contain excessive levels of certain ingredients, including formaldehyde, that would exceed the legally permitted levels. The maximum levels of these ingredients permitted for use in cosmetic products are set to ensure consumer safety; cosmetic products containing higher levels than the maximum permitted would be illegal, and a potential risk to consumer health. Some consumers in America and Brazil are reported to have experienced adverse skin reactions to products described as ‘Brazilian’ hair straightening products; yet these products are now becoming available in the UK. CTPA has alerted the UK competent authorities to the risks posed and is supporting any enforcement action being taken to safeguard the public.

At present it is not clear which specific products are involved but if you intend to have your hair straightened using this new technique, you should ask the salon manager to confirm that the products being used are fully compliant with the UK Cosmetic Regulations, including having a full list of ingredients labelled on the pack. Salons should also check with their suppliers to ensure the products they are using meet the legal requirements. If you are in any doubt, CTPA would recommend not using the product.

Consumer safety is the number one priority of the cosmetics industry. CTPA is concerned that such illegal products could jeopardise this and also threaten the trust that millions of consumer have in the many, many legal and safe products available and used today.

If you think you have had an adverse reaction to such a treatment, you should contact the salon in the first instance and also see your doctor if necessary. If you are still concerned, you may wish to contact Trading Standards to investigate further or to seek advice from a Citizens Advice Bureau.

More information :

• Formaldehyde

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is an association of manufacturers of cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery products, founded in 1945 to promote the interests of members, primarily with government. That remit has now extended to include the European Commission and many other regulatory bodies, national and international groups.

Members are manufacturers (full members), raw material suppliers and suppliers of services (associate members). Our Council is made up of senior industry representatives from small, medium, large and multi-national companies. Activities are funded through membership subscriptions.

The focus of our work centres on scientific, regulatory and legislative issues. We have a constant dialogue with the UK Government and this process is repeated at European level through COLIPA, the European trade body and internationally through an extensive network of national association contacts.

Visit the CTPA main website »

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) is the voice of the cosmetic, toiletry and perfumery industry in the UK. Our members vary from small and medium-sized companies to large multi-nationals and include manufacturers, raw material suppliers and service providers.

Our primary goal is to promote good working practice to ensure that consumers are provided with the very best products. To this end, we co-ordinate the industry's viewpoint on key issues such as science, innovation and safety and maintain an open dialogue with government, both at UK and European level, as well as with international regulatory authorities and key opinion formers.

CTPA recognises that the consumer has a right to understand the processes that industry and the regulatory bodies go through to ensure the safety and efficacy of cosmetic and toiletry products. Over the years we have steadily increased our focus on providing the public with direct access to the industry's perspective and progress on safety, science and innovation.

In April 2008 we launched our consumer information website, www.thefactsabout.co.uk, which provides scientific facts about common ingredients used in cosmetics and the industry's perspective on common safety questions as well as information on how products are regulated to ensure safety and efficacy.

Further information on the work of the CTPA is available from our main website www.ctpa.org.uk which also houses the full set of legislation under 'Cosmetic regulations'.