Asean

• Cosmetic products are substances intended to be placed in contact with external parts of the human body for cleaning, perfuming, changing appearance, or protecting them
• Cosmetic products include everyday items like shampoos, conditioners, shower gels, toothpaste, and hair dyes
• The ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) coordinates, reviews, and monitors the implementation of the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) to ensure the safety and quality of cosmetic products marketed in ASEAN
• Under the ACD, the National Regulatory Authorities (NRA) ensure that only cosmetic products conforming to the provisions of the Directive, its Annexes, and Appendices can be placed in the market
• Cosmetic dealers in ASEAN must comply with regulations such as notifying the NRA of products before sale, ensuring products are manufactured according to guidelines, and labeling products clearly with key information
• The NRA conducts post-market surveillance on cosmetic products to ensure compliance with the ACD, including auditing Product Information Files (PIF) and product sampling
• Consumers are advised not to buy cosmetic products from unfamiliar sources and to be cautious of products with exaggerated claims
• Consumers should read instructions and warnings on cosmetic labels, apply products with clean hands or applicators, and use products within their recommended expiration date
• It's important to check for ingredients you might be allergic to before using a cosmetic product and not to share products to avoid exposure to bacteria
• Diluting cosmetic products with water or saliva can encourage bacteria growth and contaminate the products
• Phthalates are used in cosmetic products to allow fragrances to last longer and as a plasticizer in nail polishes to provide resistance to chipping
• The two most commonly used phthalates are diethyl phthalate (DEP) and dimethyl phthalate (DMP)
• Three phthalates, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), benzyl butyl phthalate (BBP), and diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP), are prohibited for use in cosmetic products in Europe and ASEAN
• Both DEP and DMP, usually used at low levels, have been assessed to be safe for use in cosmetic products, including products intended for infants and children by the European Union's scientific advisory panel and the US FDA
• Parabens are commonly used preservatives in cosmetic products to inhibit or prevent microbial and fungal growth and extend the shelf life of the products
• Commonly used parabens include methylparaben, ethylparaben, and propylparaben
• Studies on the effects of certain parabens disrupting natural hormones production in the body and their link to breast cancer have had inconclusive findings
• Under the ACD, talc is allowed to be used in cosmetic products including baby products, but consumers should keep products containing talc away from the nose and mouth when used in children under 3 years of age
• Formaldehyde is used as an ingredient in nail polishes, eyelash glues, and hair gels, and may be present in some cosmetic products like shampoos and shower gels
• Formaldehyde is allowed to be used as a preservative in cosmetic products at its allowable limit and conditions of use
• PPD is a hair color ingredient commonly used in permanent hair colorants, especially in darker shades
• PPD may cause allergy in some individuals, and products containing it are required to have a cautionary statement and specific directions of use, including conducting a patch test before using the product
• Sodium lauryl sulphate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulphate (SLES) are surfactants used in many cosmetic products for their cleaning and emulsifying properties
• Cosmetic grade SLS and SLES have been studied to be safe for use in rinse-off cosmetic products like shampoos and soaps by the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review Board and the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety
• Triclosan is commonly used in cosmetic products as a preservative to protect them from spoilage
• Triclosan is permitted for use in cosmetic products at its allowable limit and conditions for use, and has been considered safe by various regulatory agencies including the European Union
• Hair dyes are not recommended for children under 16 years of age

  
• When using hair styling products, do not use if you have inflammation or a skin problem on the head
• For products in aerosol containers:

  • Avoid spraying in the eyes
  • Do not puncture or incinerate the aerosol can
  • Do not store at temperatures above 50°C
  • Keep out of reach of children
  • Use only as directed; intentional misuse by deliberately concentrating and inhaling the contents can be harmful
• Products containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) act by removing dead cells from the skin's surface to brighten the skin
• AHAs in chemical peels have different concentrations for use:

  • Products with concentration lower than 10% can be used by consumers
  • Products with concentration between 10% and 20% should only be used by a professional like an aesthetician
  • Higher concentrations of more than 20% can only be used as treatment by a qualified medical practitioner
• Skin whitening products aim to lighten skin tone or provide an even skin complexion by lessening epidermal melanin
• For products with AHAs, limit sun exposure and apply sunscreen with high SPF; wear sun protective clothing
• Deodorants are applied to the body, mainly armpits, to reduce and prevent body odor; antiperspirants contain aluminum and zirconium salts to prevent sweat excretion
• Sunscreens work by absorbing or reflecting ultraviolet (UV) radiation in sunlight, including UVA radiation causing premature skin aging and UVB radiation causing sunburn and skin cancer
• Sun Protection Factor (SPF) measures the time a person can be exposed to sunlight before getting sunburn with sunscreen applied; higher SPF means more protection against sunburn
• PA measurement is used to measure UVA protection, with levels from PA+ to PA++++ indicating the level of protection against UVA rays
• When using sunscreen, apply on the exposed skin area before going outdoors and reapply frequently, especially after perspiring, swimming, or toweling
• Store cosmetic products away from high temperatures and direct sunlight to maintain product quality; keep lids tight to reduce contamination; keep out of reach of children
• In case of adverse reactions to cosmetic products, stop using immediately, wash the product off, inform the company, and see a doctor if the condition worsens