The Swedish Chemicals Agency, Kemi, is demanding that the European Union review its list of approved preservatives for cosmetics to identify those that pose a risk to health or the environment, according to a report published by Chemical Watch.

Kemi has assessed the available preservatives on safety grounds and, having found that national restrictions would not be appropriate, is requesting that the EU consider ushering in Union-wide measures.

The agency has identified 7 of 19 preservatives assessed for a review, including chlorobutanol, p-chloro-m-cresol, chloroxylenol, bromochlorophene, chlorophene, chlorhexidine, and dichlorobenzyl alcohol. It is also calling for restrictions on the use of preservatives such as triclosan that can play a role in the development of antibiotic resistance with frequent use. 

While Kemi recognises the challenge faced by the industry in preserving its products, it believes that that need must be ‘balanced against the risks of these substances’.