Because we have not found any permanent colour lines locally–or even in North America–that we consider safe enough, we have looked to Europe for better products because we know they are very strictly regulated in comparison to our own. A large number of the chemicals we still use here have been banned from use in Europe. European legislation guarantees consumer health in a more adequate way then the corresponding legislation in North America and other countries in the world.

EUROPEAN REGULATIONS

• Stringent requirements adopted by the European regulations concerning compositions and testing for toxicology have increased costs dramatically. Suppliers from emerging countries with cheaper goods are more appealing to the general public. However, many are not aware of the difference. The higher price we pay for less toxic products may well be worth it considering the potential dangers.
  
• In 1976 Europeans established the Cosmetic Directive to define cosmetic safety requirements. Two decades later the Scientific Committee has been applied to examine approximately 1000 ingredients. Now many European Manufacturers must take into account the toxicological profile of each ingredient, its chemical structure and the consumer exposure level. They are also required to prepare a report containing manufacturing procedures, compositions and safety of each product, which must be available upon request by health authorities.
  
• In February 2003, the European Union passed a new amendment to their Cosmetic Directive that prohibits the use of known or suspected carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxins (CMRs) from cosmetics. These amendments went into force in September 2004. Authorities can examine the mandatory reports required of the manufacturers in order to assess product safety. All raw materials classified carcinogenic, mutagenetic or reprotoxic are banned. In North America the cosmetic regulations are just the opposite. Regarding banned chemicals, the FDA gives very few indications and there is a lack of control. The FDA and Health Canada are not authorized to approve or revise raw materials on the basis of their safety data. The FDA and Health Canada cannot impose a series of toxicological tests on cosmetics and they do not require the manufacturers to conduct toxicological and other safety tests prior to bringing a product to the market. The safety of cosmetic ingredients is left to be assessed by experts appointed by the cosmetic manufacturers.
  
• Safety and quality standards of the cosmetic ingredients in the global market vary greatly. Large global cosmetic companies who manufacture all over the world may not always follow the same standards. Although they may be originally from Europe, they are often manufacturing their products in other parts of the world or in the USA. They will follow different standards to conform to the market where they are going to be sold.
  
• Stringent requirements adopted by the European regulations concerning compositions and testing for toxicology have increased costs dramatically. Suppliers from emerging countries with cheaper goods are more appealing to the general public. However, many are not aware of the difference in manufacturing or the risks associated with the use of these cheaper, non-monitored products. Examples can be seen in the labeling laws of Europe. There are 26 known fragrances from botanical sources that are known allergens. Similarly, heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and nickel (commonly found in our produce and from other sources in our environment) can cause allergies and can be toxic when exposed in certain levels. Their presence must be carefully monitored since cosmetic regulations are not thoroughly defined in this respect but are left to the individual manufacturers in their respective countries.
  
• Unfortunately, in North America it is buyer beware. Cosmetics made in the European Union may be more expensive but are safer as companies are forced to conform to their higher standards of cosmetic manufacturing.