Hello Bellas!
Today, we'd like to share another aspect of our formulation philosophy, which sets us apart from other skincare companies in the market. It all started with our founder's schooling in Organic Skincare formulation at the International accredited Formula Botanica school based in the UK. The school teaches formulations and best practices at the EU regulation level, which is exceptionally more rigorous than that of the states.
EU vs. US Skincare Regulations: Precautionary Principle vs. Risk-based Approach
One of the most significant differences between skincare regulations in the EU and the US is the number of banned ingredients.
While the EU bans over 1600 harmful cosmetic ingredients, the US only bans about 300.
The EU's regulatory framework is based on the precautionary principle, which means that chemicals must be proven safe before they can be used in products. In contrast, the US relies on a risk-based approach, which assumes that chemicals are safe until proven otherwise. This difference in approach means that EU regulations are stricter and more protective of consumer safety.
EU regulations also require cosmetic products to undergo safety assessments before they can be placed on the market. This assessment includes an evaluation of the ingredients used in the product, their safety, and the intended use of the product. In contrast, the US does not require pre-market safety assessments for cosmetics. Instead, companies are responsible for ensuring the safety of their products.
Parfum, Phthalates, and Preservatives.
One of the main "ingredients" used in US cosmetics that is banned in EU cosmetics is fragrance or parfum. In the US, companies can use these terms to hide the actual ingredients in their products, which almost always include potentially harmful chemicals like phthalates. However, in the EU, companies must list each individual ingredient that makes up the fragrance or parfum. This allows consumers to make informed decisions about the products they use and ensures that potentially harmful chemicals are not hidden in these terms.
In addition to phthalates, which again, are often used in fragrances, the EU has also banned the use of certain formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, such as DMDM hydantoin, and quaternium-15, which are still allowed in the US.
Other ingredients that are banned in the EU but allowed in the US include coal tar, hydroquinone, and triclosan, among others.
These ingredients have been linked to a variety of health concerns, such as cancer, hormonal disruption, and allergic reactions, and are not allowed in cosmetics in the EU due to their potential risks.
Outdated Cosmetics Law
While some states have taken measures to protect public health by banning certain harmful chemicals from cosmetics, such as California and Maryland which have banned 24 chemicals, and recent laws in California and Colorado prohibiting the use of toxic "forever chemicals" called PFAS in cosmetics, it is clear that our current cosmetics law is outdated. In order to ensure that potentially harmful ingredients banned in other countries are no longer used in everyday products used by Americans, this law must be updated.
Our Mission
We are on a mission to inspire a healthier and more beautiful world, one face at a time. At BellaVita Botanics, we are committed to crafting clean, plant-based skincare that not only nourishes your skin but also supports your overall wellbeing. We invite you to join us in our journey towards promoting healthy, glowing skin, and help us spread awareness about the advantages of natural botanicals. Let's celebrate the power of nature and embrace a holistic approach to skincare together.
Until next week, Ciao Bellas!