A Danish consumer group has passed details of some 36 cosmetic products to the authorities after discovering them to contain controversial preservative polyaminopropyl biguanide (PHMB).

The Think Chemicals initiative found the substance, which was banned from use in cosmetic products as of January 1, 2015, in creams, make-up removers and cleansing tissues while monitoring ingredients lists of personal care products on the Danish market.

Think Chemicals has requested the authorities to act on its findings, requiring companies to withdraw products containing PHMB from the market and imposing penalties on any that fail to comply.

However, the ban, which applies to use of PHMB at maximum concentration, is controversial and currently under review by the European Commission.

The country’s biggest health and beauty retailer Matas has already taken preventative action, withdrawing all products in question from its shelves.