European Commission has updated the regulations regarding the use of Methylisothiazolinone

The European Commission (EC) has updated the regulations regarding the use of Methylisothiazolinone (MI) in cosmetic products. With immediate effect, the use of MI is forbidden in leave-on products and is restricted to a maximum concentration of 0.01% in rinse-off products.

On July 22, 2016, the EC published Commission Regulation (EU) 2016/1198, amending Annex V of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. This change in regulation follows a study by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) in 2013, which concluded that 100 ppm of MI in leave-on cosmetic products (including wet wipes) was unsafe for consumers. 

The regulation entered into force on August 11, 2016 and from February 12, 2017 only cosmetic products that comply with the updated regulation may be placed and made available on the Union market.

SGS EU Cosmetics Regulation Services
SGS’s state of the art laboratories offer custom-made solutions for chemical, biophysical, microbiological, stability and biological aspects. Our testing is conducted according to customer specific or recognized standard methods, some of which were developed by SGS. Our cosmetic experts can support customers by making sure new products comply with regulatory requirements, helping companies gain and maintain a foothold in the EU. 

Men's Skin Care, If It's Broken Fix It - Navigating the Toxic Sea of Confusion

By Jolene M. Zabek

It is quite obvious these days the skin care industry for men is booming. Their needs, wants and desires to look better, smell better and be ever so smoother than ever have hit an all time high. The handsome guy on the horse comes to mind or the women chasing an unsuspecting victim simply because he used a body spray that morning. Are images making men ask themselves," How do I become the most interesting man in the world? And oh yeah it should all come in one bottle." Sorry, achieving great skin doesn't work that way but that's another article.

While the choices of men's skin care and men's moisturizers can be an overwhelming experience and force the regular guy to go back to just using soap for everything. There is a very positive light at the end of the wrinkle war tunnel with higher quality skin care being offered. But how do you determine what is a superior product? Ingredients. Not all ingredients are equal and while men are wonderful most of you don't take the time to research what you're putting on your body as long as you get the girl or the guy for that matter. In fact some are incredibly harmful and toxic especially for men and gentlemen you deserve to be informed. As a highly skilled Aesthetician with over 15 years experience in the skin care arena and being passionate about researching ingredients and how they affect our bodies and not just our beautiful mugs. I was shocked at what I discovered and how few people knew exactly just what they were putting on their skin. So at the urging of one of my male clients to keep it simple, here is a list of the top 5 ingredients (I do have more) to completely avoid in your magic potions of power.

1.Silicones (Cyclomethicone, Dimethicone, Trimethicone,) Cheap fillers that literally suffocate the skin making it appear temporarily plumper. Contains no true moisturizing properties and can actually trap dirt, sebum and bacteria which could provoke breakouts and allergic reactions. Possible organ system toxicity.

2. PEG-8 PEG-150 PEG 120 (PEG/POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL): This is a very misleading ingredient. There are serious possible contaminants associated with this surfactant ingredient called ETHYLENE OXIDE,1,4-DIOXANE that according to the California EPA Proposition 65 is linked to as a possible human developmental toxicant and that's just the beginning.

3. Sodium Laurel Sulfate: Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES): Used as detergents and surfactants, these closely related compounds are found in car wash soaps, garage floor cleaners and engine degreasers. Yet both SLS and SLES are used more widely as one of the major ingredients in cosmetics, toothpastes, hair conditioner and about 90% of all shampoos and products that foam. According to the American College of Toxicology, other research has indicated SLS may be damaging to the immune system, especially within the skin. It is possibly the most dangerous of all ingredients in personal care products.

4. Parabens: In 1998 British researchers at Brunel University discovered that Parabens mimic estrogen in the body. High paraben concentrations in males can lead to more body fat, lower muscle mass and Gynecomastia (the development of breasts in men!). More recently Japanese research linked the estrogenic activity of parabens to male reproductive system damage, including infertility and decreased testosterone levels. More frightening, the damage occurred at doses well below the accepted daily intake.

5. Methylisothiazolinone: Methylisothiazolinone is a widely-used preservative; has been associated with allergic reactions. Lab studies on the brain cells of mammals also suggest that methylisothiazolinone may be a neurotoxin.

Now that you're armed to make better decisions not only can you stop sneaking your woman's moisturizer but you can choose products with advanced ingredients in anti-aging that not only affect the positive changes you want to see, but more importantly protect your health on a level you can feel extremely proud of.

Jolene M. Zabek is a licensed Aesthetician with special certification in Anti-Aging and Ingredient Technology with the American Institute of Aesthetics. Find out more about non-toxic skin care products for men at www.DominusRxSkinCareForMen.com. Put the power in your hands!