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15.03.2019 - Cosmetics

Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Cosmetics (PAHs)

Residues of PAHs (English: PAH - polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) are primarily found in decorative cosmetic products. This is due to residues in raw materials such as talc and other mineral components.

Most PAHs are listed in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 as prohibited substances. This includes, for example, benzo[a]pyrene. All these substances may only be present in technically unavoidable residual amounts and must be harmless to health. Data regarding potential PAH contents must also be considered in a product's safety report.

Have both your cosmetic finished products and raw materials regularly analyzed for the content of these substances.

BAV Institute and its Tentamus laboratory partners analyze PAH contents as well as other residues such as heavy metals, pesticides, nitrosamines, etc. using state-of-the-art methods. Only with regular checks will you meet the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.