Carcinogenic coal tar to be banned from cosmetics in Taiwan

Coal tar is believed to reduce itchiness, and so is often used in skin products marketed to people suffering from various skin conditions, including eczema.

However, the Taiwanese governmental body states it has introduced the ban in response to fears that the use of products containing coal tar for a long period of time may cause cancer.

The ban​

Any cosmetic product containing the ingredient will no longer be able to be imported, made, sold, or provided to the public in Taiwan from the start of the coming year.

The move brings the country in line with the European Union and many south eastern Asian countries, which have already banned the use of coal tar in cosmetics, with the US allowing the ingredient only in select doctor-prescribed medicines.

Coal tar's metabolite (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon) is carcinogenic, according to studies, and the ban will step in to address rising safety concerns from cosmetics consumers.

There is an on-going seven day window in which objections to the proposed ban can be raised; if no objections are made, the ban will come into effect as planned in the new year.

Rising safety concerns​

Taiwan’s ban participates in a widespread rise of consumer concern for increased safety in their cosmetics products.

Brands like Britain’s Lush and Beautycounter from the US are cashing in on this emphasis on safety, by developing an image of transparency around their practices and products to encourage consumer trust.

Beautycounter, for example, has enjoyed a massive 424% rise in sales over the last eleven months, and the company puts this booming popularity down to its emphasis on building consumer trust, through ‘free from’ claims, a direct selling model, and educational features on the company’s website.

Speaking at the recent NewCo LA event, Beautycounter’s head of marketing, Tracy Crane, said she believes that the company has created "unparalleled transparency and safety in the personal care industry​."