Is it a misnomer to talk about “cosmetics” for animals? Estelle Dehier, from Labosphère, sheds light on the regulations governing hygiene and care products for our four-legged friends. How can we separate fact from fiction in what we read on websites, blogs, etc.?
To date, it should be noted that products intended for animals are not considered cosmetic products. Indeed, as defined by Regulation 1223/2009, a cosmetic product is “any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odours.”
A legal vacuum…
So yes, when we talk about cosmetics for animals, it’s a misnomer!
We are currently facing a “legal vacuum.” And even if the product is not intended for use on human skin, it is applied by the pet owner, groomer, or veterinarian, and therefore comes into contact with the hands of the people applying the product(s).
Owners are therefore using products for which the list of ingredients on the label is not mandatory.
Should this product be considered a cosmetic product that “only” comes into contact with the hands of its owners? We might also ask ourselves about the occupational risk for groomers who …
