PCPC reiterates cosmetics product safety amidst phthalate-diabetes study
Linda Loretz, director, Safety and Regulatory Toxicology PCPC commented on the study which examined a possible association between diabetes and levels of certain phthalates in women, stating there is no cause for concern.
“Personal care products remain one of the safest categories of products regulated by the FDA. All cosmetic manufacturers are required by law to substantiate the safety of their products and the ingredients used in them before they are marketed,” she said.
Safety taken seriously
“The industry takes its responsibility for safety very seriously. Consumers can continue to use the personal care products that they have trusted and relied on for many years.”
Diethyl Phthalate, also known as DEP, is the only phthalate with significant use in cosmetics. PCPC states that the BWH study found no association between DEP and diabetes in any of the four models used by the study's authors.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) evaluated biomonitoring and toxicity data and concluded, "...FDA does not have compelling evidence that phthalates, as used in cosmetics, pose a safety risk."
“Moreover, DEP has been reviewed by other scientific authorities, including the Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR) Expert Panel in the U.S. and the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in the EU, and found to be safe for use in cosmetics. DEP is allowed for use throughout the world,” added Loretz.
Echoed in Europe
The PCPC announcement comes after the Cosmetic Toiletry & Perfumery Association (CTPA) in Europe posted similar comments on the study.
“It is important to stress that no direct links have been found between diabetes and the use of phthalates in personal care products; something that the authors of the study acknowledge,” says a CTPA statement.
“The cosmetics industry takes its responsibility to consumers very seriously and looks at new scientific studies or reports to see what implications, if any, there are for cosmetic products. In all cases, it is very important to put the science into context.”
