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About cosmetic ingredients labelling
Ingredient labels for cosmetics are usually on the product container or packaging.
It’s important for consumers with sensitive skin or who suffer from allergic reactions to know what’s in the product.
View more information about the regulation of cosmetics and soap on the Department of Health and Aged Care website.
Risks and injuries from the product
If there aren’t any ingredient labels or they are inaccurate, you may have an allergic reaction.
If hand sanitisers don’t display the percentage of alcohol, you may use a product with insufficient alcohol content that is ineffective.
Safety warnings on hand sanitisers also reduce the risk of product harm, such as swallowing by children.
Things to look for when buying the product
If cosmetics do not include ingredients labelling, or they are inaccurate, consumers may be unintentionally exposed to ingredients that can cause an allergic reaction.
For this reason, there’s a cosmetics ingredients labelling mandatory standard that suppliers and retailers must comply with.
- Ingredient information is on the label, packaging or at the point of sale.
- Check the label to make sure it contains 60-80% alcohol. Hand sanitiser needs 60-80% alcohol to be effective.
- Visit your doctor or a dermatologist before buying or using new cosmetics if you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergies.
How to use the product safely
Stop using a product immediately and seek medical advice if you have an allergic reaction or irritation.
Always keep hand sanitiser:
- out of reach of children. Children should only apply hand sanitiser under adult supervision
- away from any type of open flame as its ingredients are highly flammable
- well-protected and clean.
Don’t:
- share cosmetics with other people
- leave cosmetics open
- allow cosmetics to become covered with dust or dirt
- dilute cosmetics with water
- expose cosmetics to hot conditions or sunlight
- use cosmetics past the recommended expiry date.
