Consumer protection in spite of lobby pressure: European Parliament blocks carte blanche for carcinogenic chemicals in cosmetics
Strasbourg, 29.04.2026
press release
Consumer protection in spite of lobby pressure: European Parliament blocks carte blanche for carcinogenic chemicals in cosmetics
Commenting on the rejection of key parts of the Chemicals Omnibus by the European Parliament and the Member States, the Greens’ spokesperson on environmental policy in the European Parliament, Jutta Paulus, states:
“When I buy a sunscreen for my child in the supermarket, I expect it not to be harmful to health—without needing a magnifying glass or a degree in chemistry.
Europe does not become stronger when warning labels shrink and risks increase. And certainly not when, under the frame of ‘simplification’, the protection of people in everyday life is ultimately hollowed out.
It is absolutely crucial that the European Parliament and the Member States have halted the deregulation drive on key points. It shows that when the dismantling of standards goes too far, consumer protection can still prevail. But there remains a clear warning signal: this Commission is repeatedly attempting to remove regulations that protect the environment and public health wherever they become inconvenient for lobby interests—even when it comes to products for children and cancer risks.
What was this about in concrete terms? Substances suspected of causing cancer or disrupting the hormonal system would have been allowed to be used in creams, shampoos or make-up for much longer, while, at the same time, provisions for clear warning labels on everyday products would have been weakened. That is not a minor detail; it is a real risk in the bathroom and on supermarket shelves. This is not cutting red tape. This is an attack on public health protection in favour of industry interests.”
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