BEUC provides in a position paper input to the European Commission’s public consultation on the use of triclosan in cosmetic products, which is open until 19 October 2012. BEUC argues that triclosan which is used as an antimicrobial agent in many consumer products such as cosmetics, detergents toys and paints for decades should not be present in most consumer products and in particular not in cosmetic products as these are applied directly to the skin.

Three recommendations:

•BEUC calls on the Commission to delete the following product categories from Annex V of the Cosmetics Regulation EC No. 1223/2009 with the aim to prevent the use of triclosan as preservative in cosmetic products in the future: had soaps, bath/ shower products, deodorants, face powders and blemish concealers, nail products.

•For mouthwash and toothpaste we suggest discussing possible additional measures if adequate after the availability of two pending reassessments, the US FDA opinion and the assessment of triclosan under the EU Community Rolling Action Plan (CoRAP) under REACH.

•BEUC calls on the Commission to tackle the use of triclosan horizontally in consumer products, not just in cosmetics.

Previously the Commission proposes limiting the use of triclosan as a preservative in cosmetic and personal care products to 0.3% maximum concentration in ready for use preparations for:
- toothpastes;
- hand soaps;
- bath and shower products;
- deodorants;
- face powders and blemish concealers;
- nail care products.
A maximum concentration of 0.2% is foreseen for mouthwash.