Local cosmetics industry members back safety, regulation changes vs mercury-added products

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MANILA, Philippines — The Chamber of Cosmetics Industry of the Philippines (CCIP) reaffirmed its commitment to prioritizing consumer safety, regulatory compliance and responsible beauty.

The national organization represents the cosmetics industry in the Philippines, with members hailing from manufacturers, traders, distributors, brand owners, allied service providers, and raw material and packaging suppliers.

The CCIP promotes regulatory compliance, ethical business practices, innovation, consumer safety, and sustainable growth within the industry through advocacy, education, collaboration, and industry development initiatives

Its latest venture is an official declaration of support of the "Elimination of Mercury-Added Skin Lightening Products (SLPs) in Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean," a project of the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) and Global Environment Facility (GEF).

Organization president Janina Gutierrez-Tan pointed out in a statement that the focal point of a responsible cosmetics industry is consumer safety.

"CCIP believes that beauty products should enhance well-being, never compromise it," she continued. "We are proud to support global efforts to eliminate mercury-added SLPs and to help lead the conversation on safer skincare in the Philippines."

Regulation issue

The use of mercury in cosmetics has long been prohibited through regulations and yet mercury-added SLPs remain present in the market.

Last year, the Food and Drug Administration warned Filipinos against several imported SLPs with high mercury levels, reiterating the prohibition of mercury in cosmetic formulations because of its damaging effects on one's health.

Among those imported products were creams with concentrations from 3,784 parts per million (ppm) to as high as 44,450 ppm — way beyond the 1ppm regional Cosmetic Directive limit.

Regulatory action as well as monitoring by both government agencies and civil society groups show that the persistent challenge mercury-laden cosmetics posit, the latter organizations repeatedly documenting their presence despite enforcement efforts.

Exposure to mercury can affect one's organs including the nervous system and kidneys, with long-term use possibly leading to serious complications among women, children, and expecting mothers.

That is on top of the environmental risks posed by mercury contamination when incorrectly disposed of and the chemicals enter waterways and ecosystems.

Initiatives

Beginning this year, the CCIP will observe the following initiatives to support the elimination of mercury-added SLPs and promote responsible cosmetic practices:

An industry-wide pledge campaign among members companie supporting the UNEP-GEF project
A forum and panel discussion on mercury in SLPs' harmful effects, mercury-free cosmetic formulations, regulatory compliance, and responsible manufacturing practices
Lectures for students and future professionals on mercury exposure and Minamata Disease
Ongoing regulatory updates and compliance education for stakeholders
Sustained information campaigns via multiple platforms

The CCIP aims to engage manufacturers, raw material suppliers, distributors, brand owners, retailers, students, consumers, and policymakers in advancing a safer and more sustainable cosmetics industry.

The group made it clear that an overwhelming majority of legitimate local cosmetic manufacturers abide by strict regulatory requirements and significantly invest in product safety, quality assurance, and responsible sourcing.

The organization will continue working with regulators, industry stakeholders, and regional partners to strengthen compliance, promote best practices, and make sure consumers can access safe, high-quality, and internationally compliant products.

"Consumer trust is the foundation of our industry," ended Gutierrez-Tan. "By supporting the elimination of mercury-added products and championing science-based, responsible skincare, we are helping build a stronger, safer, and more globally competitive Philippine cosmetics industry."

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