REGULATION OF DICHLOROMETHANE AND 1,1,1-TRICHLOROETHANE IN COSMETIC PRODUCTS

The cosmetic directive of European Union allows up to 35% dichlorometh ane (DCM) and 1,1,1-trichloroethane (1,1,1,-T) in cosmetic products. I n the past, DCM and 1,1,1-T have been used in the formulation of hair- care cosmetics. Analyses of 82 hair-care cosmetic products from 27 eur opean cosmetic manufacturing companies revealed that only traces of DC M (< 500 ppm) and 1,1,1-T (< 13 ppm) were present in 6 and 4 products respectively. It is concluded that hair-care cosmetics can be formulat ed without the use of DCM and 1,1,1-T. It is suggested that the use of DCM and 1,1,1-T should be forbidden in cosmetics.