Changes in European Legislation Make It Timely to Introduce a Transparent Market Surveillance System for Cosmetics

In 2007, the document emphasized the necessity of a transparent market surveillance system for cosmetics in Europe due to changes in legislation that could affect the classification of cosmetics with active ingredients. It pointed out the challenges in distinguishing cosmetics from medicinal products, especially with ingredients that have significant effects on the skin. The paper called for substantiation of product claims with scientific evidence and noted that consumers could waste money on ineffective products without transparency. It cited a study showing no significant difference between a conventional moisturizer and an expensive anti-wrinkle cream, and a Consumers Union study indicating that the best creams only reduced wrinkle depth by less than 10%. The document also mentioned the European Inventory of cosmetic ingredients, the impact of the REACH regulation, and the ban on animal testing. It highlighted the frequency of adverse reactions to cosmetics, poor data quality on these effects, and the need for an efficient post-marketing surveillance system to classify products inducing significant physiological changes as medicinal products. The conclusion was that efficient post-marketing surveillance focusing on undesirable effects is crucial for the cosmetic industry and consumer safety.