Consumer Agency Urges Reduction of Environmental Pollutants in Cosmetics

Consumer Agency Investigates 30 Market Products
Cyclotetrasiloxane Detected in 25 Items

It has been confirmed that the ingredient 'Cyclosiloxane,' which is emerging as an environmentally hazardous substance in most cosmetics sold on the market, has been excessively used.

The Korea Consumer Agency announced on the 28th that, after testing the content of cyclotetrasiloxane (hereinafter D4), which is banned by the European Union (EU), in 30 makeup and hair care cosmetic products sold on the market, it was detected in 25 products. Only five products did not contain the ingredient, prompting the Consumer Agency to point out the need for establishing management standards.

The EU has banned the use of D4 among cyclosiloxanes in cosmetics since 2019. Additionally, as part of efforts to reduce environmental burden, from 2026, the EU plans to regulate cyclopentasiloxane (hereinafter D5) and cyclohexasiloxane (hereinafter D6) to less than 0.1% w/w in leave-on cosmetics.

The Consumer Agency explained that, applying the less than 0.1% w/w standard, among the 30 tested products, five exceeded the limit for D4, 30 exceeded the limit for D5, and 19 exceeded the limit for D6. The Consumer Agency stated, "Efforts are needed to reduce the use of cyclosiloxanes in cosmetics to minimize their environmental impact," and added, "Consumers also need to reduce the use of cosmetics containing cyclosiloxanes (D4, D5, D6) to prevent environmental pollution."

Based on this investigation, the Consumer Agency reportedly recommended that businesses with products containing D4 reduce the amount of this ingredient in their cosmetics. They also plan to request the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to promptly establish standards for the use of cyclosiloxanes in cosmetics.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety is conducting a human hazard assessment regarding the use of cosmetics containing cyclosiloxanes and is reportedly planning to establish management standards based on the results.