BALITANG TOKSIKS! | February 2, 2024
As Valentine’s Day approaches, the toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics is issuing yet another warning against the proliferation of imitation and counterfeit perfumes and fragrances in the market, citing potential hazards from ingredients not permitted in cosmetic products or from the contamination of heavy metals.
In a recent market monitoring effort, the group documented vendors selling cheap imitated perfumes and fragrances in the cities of Caloocan, Makati, Manila, Pasay, Taguig, and Quezon. These counterfeit perfumes are highly marketable, especially during the heart’s month season of gift-giving, due to their low price and identical packaging and labels resembling well-known brands, making them particularly attractive to consumers.
According to information sourced from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) Skin Deep® Cosmetic Database, the term “fragrance” on the label of cosmetics products conceals an undisclosed mixture of various scent chemicals and ingredients of 3,163 known chemicals. Notably, phthalates, octoxynols, and nonoxynols are highlighted as particularly toxic. Phthalates, commonly used as solvents and stabilizers in perfumes, are identified as potent hormone disruptors linked to birth defects in baby boys. Octoxynols and nonoxynols can break down into persistent hormone disruptors as well.
Potential hazards may arise from ingredients prohibited in cosmetic products or from contamination by heavy metals. The use of substandard and possibly adulterated cosmetic products may lead to adverse reactions such as skin irritation, itchiness, anaphylactic shock, and organ failure.
Thony Dizon, Toxics Campaigner of BAN Toxics, emphasized the risks associated with purchasing cosmetic products with fragrances lacking proper authorization, stating, “Buying perfume and fragrances that have not undergone proper authorization is not only too risky but may expose consumers to harmful substances lurking in the products.”
BAN Toxics is directing attention to the Food and Drug Administration and Local Officials, urging them to conduct a joint inspection and verification of the Certificate of Product Notification (CPN). This action is mandated under the Food and Drug Administration Act of 2009 and is crucial to protect consumers from undisclosed health-damaging chemicals in fragrance products, especially with Valentine’s Day festivities in mind.