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20.04.2023 - Cosmetics
Stiftung Warentest – Self-tanners with formaldehyde-releasing substances – Dihydroxyacetone (DHA)
The Stiftung Warentest tests a total of 20 self-tanners.
The active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA) is used for tanning, which is listed in Annex III of the Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. Therefore, this substance is approved for use in cosmetic products. However, DHA can release formaldehyde. Formaldehyde itself is suspected of being carcinogenic, which is why the use of free formaldehyde has been banned since 2019.
Stiftung Warentest mainly criticized that the products do not carry warnings regarding the possible release of split products.
In 2022, with the amending regulation Regulation (EU) No. 2022/1181, Annex V of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 was supplemented with the provision that finished products must carry the warning "releases formaldehyde" if the total concentration of released formaldehyde exceeds 10 ppm. However, the amending regulation only refers to preservatives that can release formaldehyde.
Stiftung Warentest points out that DHA, however, is not used as a preservative. Therefore, a warning for DHA is not mandatory under the amending regulation.
The BAV Institute within the international Tentamus laboratory group offers testing of formaldehyde (free and bound) in cosmetic products.
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Source:
Stiftung Warentest: Issue April 2023
Regulation (EU) 2022/1181 of the Commission of 8 July 2022 amending the introduction of Annex V to Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products