IN celebration of Women’s Month, toxics watchdog group BAN Toxics has raised concerns over the proliferation of unregistered and unnotified beauty products, particularly lipsticks, being sold in commercial hubs in Manila and Pasay. These lipsticks, available for as cheap as ₱50-80, are being sold by ambulant vendors and beauty shops despite the potential risks they pose to consumer health.
As part of its safe cosmetics campaign, BAN Toxics conducted market surveillance, photo-documented, and purchased 21 lipstick samples to assess their compliance with health and safety standards, including the presence of toxic substances. Some of these products had incomplete or missing labeling information, raising concerns about the possible presence of hazardous chemicals. Notably, one lipstick listed propylparaben and methylparaben on its label.
Parabens are commonly used as preservatives in cosmetics and other consumer products. However, they are considered chemicals of emerging concern due to scientific findings suggesting their ability to disrupt the endocrine system. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals has been linked to hormone disruption, reproductive issues, increased cancer risk, and skin irritation.
“We advise the public to be cautious when buying unauthorized beauty products, as they may contain harmful chemicals such as lead, mercury, and other preservatives that pose serious risks to human health and the environment,” said Thony Dizon, Advocacy and Campaign Officer of BAN Toxics.
Since 2013, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued multiple public health warnings against unnotified cosmetic products, including lipsticks. Because these products have not undergone the FDA’s notification process, their quality and safety cannot be guaranteed, making them potential health hazards. The FDA urges consumers to check if a cosmetic product is notified by searching for its name on the FDA website (www.fda.gov.ph) before purchasing.
BAN Toxics is calling on regulatory agencies to step up enforcement actions against unauthorized beauty products and strengthen measures to protect consumer health. The group also advises the public to carefully read product labels and avoid those with incomplete ingredient lists, purchase only from reputable beauty shops, and verify a product’s registration status with the FDA to ensure safety.
To enhance consumer safety, BAN Toxics will push for greater transparency and traceability of hazardous chemicals in the manufacturing of cosmetic products and advocate for the enactment of a Safe Cosmetics Law in the country.
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