Report undesirable effects and damage to health with cosmetics
Source: Serviceportal Rheinland-PfalzIf you use cosmetic products, so-called undesirable effects may occur in rare cases, for example allergic reactions, skin irritation or other intolerances:
- burning scalp
- itching
- redness
- skin rash
- Swelling of body parts
Every time an adverse reaction is reported, consumers can be better protected in future, for example through
- targeted controls
- product warnings
- product recalls
- Adjustment of the formulation
- Adaptation of labeling
Notification as a consumer:
If you as a consumer notice such a negative effect on your health after using cosmetic products, you can inform the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety (BVL).
Alternatively, you can also contact the following bodies directly:
- the manufacturing or importing company indicated on the packaging
- the retail store where you purchased the product
- the competent authorities, usually the food inspectorate in your district or city
The following persons can pass on information about the undesirable effects:
-
yourself or a person you authorize, for example relatives or a legal representative
- if you are under 16 years of age, you must be represented in any case
- healthcare professionals such as a doctor, pharmacist, nurse or nurse practitioner
- Employees of hairdressing salons, beauty and massage studios, for example
Notification as a company:
If you, as a company that manufactures, imports or trades cosmetics, become aware of adverse effects, you must
-
check whether it is a serious undesirable effect (SUE) according to the criteria of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
-
As a rule, SUEs require a medical assessment and usually also treatment. This includes, for example
- a sick note because the hands are swollen
- hospitalization for further examination
- an anaphylactic, i.e. allergic shock
-
As a rule, SUEs require a medical assessment and usually also treatment. This includes, for example
- if it is an SUE, it is your duty to inform the competent authority.