Germany introduces allergy guidance for cosmetics

New guidance for allergy sufferers to help them choose acceptable cosmetic products has been launched in Germany by the country's asthma and allergy federation (DAAB) with the support of both the cosmetics industry association (IKW) and the Ministry for Consumer Affairs (BVM).

The project is part of a broader action plan to counter allergies. An estimated 15% of the population suffer from contact allergies, some of which are related to some of the components of cosmetics. However, as the IKW points out, contact allergy patients are as much concerned about their beauty care as anyone else, hence the need for advice.

Ilse Aigner, the minister responsible for consumer issues, said in Berlin that because contact allergies cannot be treated as such, the problem is to avoid substances that trigger the conditions. Marliese Koester, chair of the DAAB, said that at present little was known as to why harmless agents in cosmetics have such an effect on the immune system. Ruediger Mittendorf, chair of the IKW, said the industry's contribution to the guidance reflected the concern over allergy sufferers.

The guidance will enable allergy patients to compare the contents of cosmetics listed in the so-called International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) to identify potentially allergenic agents relevant to their particular condition.