Halloween tricks could be in cosmetic labels

23 October 2015

Halloween tricks could be in cosmetic labels

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) says people planning to dress up for Halloween can take some simple steps to stay safe with face paints and hair colouring products.

The EPA recommends people buying cosmetics for once-only use at Halloween should make sure they choose cosmetics that meet legal requirements, and apply them appropriately.

Hazardous Substances Compliance Manager Ray McMillan says the scariest part of Halloween for some people could be an adverse reaction to a cosmetic. “People may think cosmetics are safe because they use them every day,” he says. “But cosmetics – which can include face paints and hair dyes used with Halloween costumes – still need to be treated with care, particularly when applying them to children.”

The EPA regulates hazardous substances as part of its role to protect the health and safety of people and the environment. All cosmetic products sold in New Zealand that contain hazardous substances – which can include children’s ‘toy’ cosmetics, face and body paint and hair colouring products, in addition to makeup and toiletries – must meet strict rules to ensure they are safe to use and will not damage people’s health.

Further information is available on our website to help people understand how to buy and use cosmetics safely.

• Read how to stay safe with cosmetics. http://www.epa.govt.nz/hazardous-substances/at-home/Pages/cosmetics-and-toiletries.aspx

• Read about face paint and toy cosmetics. http://www.epa.govt.nz/hazardous-substances/pop_hs_topics/Pages/Information-about-childrens-facepaint.aspx

• Learn what to look for on a label. http://www.epa.govt.nz/hazardous-substances/at-home/Pages/label.aspx

Possible reactions to chemicals in cosmetics are skin rashes, blotches reddening or blisters. Some people are particularly sensitive to certain chemicals, and react to cosmetics containing those ingredients.

Mr McMillan says most cosmetics are safe if they’re used as intended, and pose no risk to the public. “Retailers have to ensure the products they sell are legal and safe. Most follow the rules, but exceptions can occur, such as when small importers who don’t know the rules bring in non-compliant products and sell them to discount outlets.”

“Parents place a high priority on keeping their children safe, but may not realise they’re putting them in harm’s way by buying unsafe face paints and other cosmetics for costumes. As well as small children being unwittingly exposed to harmful chemicals, teenagers who buy cosmetics from discount stores are also at risk.”

Mr McMillan says people can help protect themselves and their children by checking product labels. “Cosmetics that comply with the rules will have labels written in English and list all hazardous ingredients.

He also says people should “try before they apply” by reading the instructions and doing a patch test on a small area of skin or hair to check for a reaction. “Only then should you use the product, following the directions closely and using the product only for its intended purpose. If the instructions say ‘not to be used near eyes’, don’t even think about using it as eyeshadow.”

Mr McMillan says the most important thing to apply is common sense. “If you’re in any doubt about the safety of a cosmetic, think carefully about buying or using it – and that applies year round, not just at Halloween.”

Keeping safe with cosmetics

All cosmetic and toiletry products sold in New Zealand need to comply with strict rules to help ensure they are safe for use. This includes children’s ‘toy’ cosmetics, face paint and hair colouring products.

The EPA recommends you should buy cosmetic products from reputable retailers. Make sure they are properly labelled in English, with a list of hazardous ingredients on the label, information about how to contact the manufacturer or supplier, and the manufacturer’s batch code.

If you have an allergic or other adverse reaction to a cosmetic product you should stop using it immediately. If the reaction is severe, get medical advice from your doctor or call the healthline on 0800 611 116.

Store cosmetics securely when you’ve finished using them and dispose of any that are out of date.

The EPA helps safeguard people and the environment by regulating new organisms and hazardous substances to control the risks and enjoy the benefits. Under the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 (HSNO Act), we meet international obligations to protect our natural, social and cultural environment, while also protecting human health and safety.

To contact the EPA about cosmetic products: email hsinfo@epa.govt.nz or phone (0800) 376 234.

ENDS

© Scoop Media