The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) prohibits the use of many substances across various regulated product categories, including food, drugs, and cosmetics, primarily due to safety concerns or lack of proven efficacy. While the FDA maintains extensive lists of banned substances for each category, a notable list of prohibited ingredients specifically applies to cosmetic products sold in the United States to protect public health.
Prohibited Ingredients in Cosmetics
For cosmetics, the FDA has identified several ingredients that are not permitted for use. These bans are typically enacted when a substance is determined to be harmful, toxic, or poses a significant risk to consumers under normal conditions of use. Below are some of the substances explicitly prohibited in cosmetic products:
| Substance | Reason for Ban/Concern |
|---|---|
| Bithionol | Associated with photosensitivity and skin irritation. |
| Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) Propellants | Environmental concerns (ozone depletion) and safety. |
| Chloroform | Potential carcinogen. |
| Halogenated Salicylanilides | Can cause severe photosensitivity and allergic reactions. |
| (Includes Di-, Tri-, Metabromsalan, and Tetrachlorosalicylanilide) | |
| Hexachlorophene | Linked to neurotoxic effects; restricted due to safety. |
| Mercury Compounds | Highly toxic, can cause kidney damage and neurological issues. |
| Methylene Chloride | Concerns regarding carcinogenicity and other health effects. |
| Prohibited Cattle Materials | Measures to prevent the spread of Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) (Mad Cow Disease). |
Why Substances Are Banned
Substances are banned by the FDA when there is sufficient evidence demonstrating that their use poses an unacceptable risk to consumer health and safety. This can include:
- Toxicity: Direct poisonous effects on the body.
- Carcinogenicity: Potential to cause cancer.
- Allergenic Potential: Causing severe allergic reactions.
- Environmental Harm: Significant negative impact on the environment (e.g., CFCs).
- Disease Transmission: Risk of spreading infectious diseases (e.g., prohibited cattle materials).
- Lack of Safety Data: Insufficient evidence to demonstrate safe use.
The FDA continuously monitors scientific data and public health information to assess the safety of ingredients and products, adding to or modifying its list of prohibited or restricted substances as new evidence emerges.
