The Philippines clamps down on banned cosmetics ingredients

The committee, which took place in 2014, compiled a list of chemicals to be avoided in cosmetics products in the Southeast Asian nations, and the Philippines is now making clear strides to uphold these regulations.

In a recent warning to consumers, the FDA advised the public to avoid any products containing five types of paraben preservatives: Benzylparaben, Isopropylparaben, Phenylparaben, Isobutylparaben, and Pentylparaben.

"The FDA advises the general consuming public against buying and using cosmetic products that contain any of the five identified banned ingredients​," the regulatory body stated.

Health risks​

These are ingredients that help restrict or prevent fungal and microbial growth in cosmetics products; however, they have been found to pose potential health risks, according to the FDA.

"Cosmetic products found to contain any of the five identified banned ingredients pose potential health risk to the consuming public and therefore, shall not be allowed to be placed or to remain in the Philippine market​," it said.

The FDA has ordered its Field Regulatory Operations Office to seize any products found to be containing any of these five ingredients, and retailers in the country have been warned against selling such items.

Looking to grow​

The FDA’s belated response to the ASEAN Cosmetics Committee suggests the Philippines is looking now to bring its cosmetics industry into line as the global potential for growth within beauty continues to mount.

It comes following the recent announcement that the country is also investing in its halal industry, with various new bills having been introduced earlier this year to facilitate its growth.

The bills, which cover products across beauty and personal care, look to set up clear, efficient guidelines and bodies to orchestrate and regulate the halal industry within the country.

The signs point to the Philippines looking to set itself up as more serious contender on the FMCG scene, with beauty apparently at the forefront of this push.