Cosmetic labelling contains important information particularly for consumers with sensitive skin or allergies. When buying cosmetics, always check that the product has an ingredients label.
About cosmetic labelling
Cosmetic ingredient labels usually appear on the product container or packaging. It is important for consumers who have sensitive skin or suffer from allergic reactions to know what is in the product.
Visit the Department of Health to find out more about the regulation of ingredients in cosmetics.
Risks and injuries
If ingredient labels are not present or are inaccurate, consumers may unintentionally expose themselves to ingredients causing allergic reactions.
If hand sanitisers do not display the percentage of alcohol contained in them, consumers may use an ineffective product with insufficient alcohol content. Safety warnings on hand sanitisers also reduce the risk of product harm, such as ingestion by children.
To minimise these risks, there is a mandatory standard for cosmetics ingredient labelling.
Buying tips
- Always check that the cosmetics carry ingredients information.
- Visit your doctor or a dermatologist before purchasing or using new cosmetics if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
- To make sure the hand sanitiser you are buying is effective, check the label to see if it contains 60–80 per cent alcohol.
Safe use
- Stop using a product immediately and seek medical advice if you have an allergic reaction or it causes irritation.
- Keep cosmetics well-protected, clean and do not share them with other. Do not leave them open, or allow them to become covered with dust or contaminated with dirt or soil.
- Do not dilute cosmetics with water or expose them to hot conditions or sunlight.
- Do not use cosmetics past the recommended expiry date.
- Keep hand sanitiser out of reach of children at all times. Children should only apply hand sanitiser under adult supervision.
- Keep hand sanitiser away from any type of open flame as its ingredients are highly flammable.
