Canada has just announced a new update of its “Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist”. It includes the addition of two ingredients, one of which is now subject to restrictions and the other prohibited, as well as revised provisions for four others.
Items added
Retinal
This ingredient was added to the list of substances described as restricted due to therapeutic properties and risk of skin irritation. The maximum concentrations for this ingredient were calculated based on the recommended tolerable upper intake levels for vitamin A.
Ingredient information
• Chemical: Retinal
• CAS: 116-31-4
• Synonyms and related compounds: Retinaldehyde
Conditions of use by product type
a) Leave-on products intended for full body application
b) Other cosmetics
Maximum concentration permitted
a) 0.01%
b) 0.05%
In Europe
The substance is not regulated, unlike other vitamin A derivatives, such as Retinol, Retinyl Acetate and Retinyl Palmitate, for which Regulation (EU) 2024/996 has defined concentration limits that will apply from 1 November 2025 for products placed on the market and from 1 May 2027 for products made available on the market.
Thioglycolic acid esters
This ingredient was added to the list of substances described as prohibited due to risk of skin sensitization. A health protective limit could not be calculated based on available data. Additionally, there was evidence that glyceryl thioglycolate can remain on permed hair for at least 3 months after a procedure. Continuous exposure increases the …
