Regulatory Update: Canada – February 2025

Updates to Hotlist as released on February 28^th, 2025.

 

NEW Prohibitions:

• Thioglycolic acid esters: Glyceryl thioglycolate; Isooctyl thioglycolate (CAS 30618-84-9; 25103-09-7)

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 risk for developing skin sensitization and long-lasting dermatitis for people who are already sensitized.

 

NEW Restrictions:

• Retinal (Retinaldehyde, Vitamin A Aldehyde):

1. a) Leave-on products intended for full body application 0.01%
2. b) Other cosmetics 0.05%

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.

• Mixed Cresols and Derivatives: ( c-cresol, o-cresol). Restrictions have been strengthened:

1. a) Not permitted in cosmetics intended to be used on or around mucosal membranes such as eyes, nose or mouth
2. b) Other cosmetics 0.1%

Do not use in the area of the eye, mouth or nose

Potential effects on the central nervous system when used on mucous membranes or when used at higher concentrations. There is minimal risk when used in lower concentrations on areas other than mucous membranes.

 

REVISED Prohibition:

• p-Cresol and mixtures thereof (Mixed cresols) CAS 106-44-5; 1319-77-3

The entry for mixed cresols and derivatives was amended to create separate entries for different cresols, as the substances have different risk profiles. p-Cresol and mixtures thereof remains prohibited, while new restrictions were created for m-cresol and o-cresol. Conditions for m- and o-cresol were based on a review of the available data indicating that these ingredients may affect the central nervous system when used on mucous membranes or when used at higher concentrations. Minimal risk is expected when used in lower concentrations on areas other than mucous membranes.

 

REVISED Restrictions:

• Peroxides and Peroxide-Releasing Substances (Urea peroxide; calcium peroxide; calcium dioxide; hydrogen peroxide; magnesium peroxide; sodium perborate; zinc   peroxide) :

1. Not permitted for use in products intended for application to the genital area
2. Maximum allowable concentrations introduced for hair products (10%),
3. Products for use on eyelashes or eyebrows must be sold for professional use only 10%.

For professional use only. Avoid contact with eyes and, in the event of contact with eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical attention

This entry was amended to:

• Introduce a maximum permitted concentration for hair products due to risk of skin irritation at high concentrations;
• Introduce conditions for eyelash and eyebrow products due to risk of eye irritation at low concentrations;
• Indicate that these ingredients are not permitted for use in   products intended for application to the genital area due to risk of irritation.
• Conditions of use for oral products were not changed from the previous version

 

• Benzoyl Peroxide

1. Now permitted only in professional-use nail products.

For professional use only. Avoid skin contact. Read directions carefully before using.

This entry was amended to indicate that the ingredient may only be used in nail products for professional use. Warnings and cautionary statements to avoid skin contact have been included due to the strong potential to cause irritation and sensitization.

 

• Retinol and Its Esters:  addition of Retinyl linoleate; Retinyl propionate, Vitamin A; Retinyl acetate; Retinyl palmitate; Retinyl linoleate; Retinyl propionate

1. a) Leave-on products intended for full body application 0.2% total retinol equivalents
2. b) Other cosmetics – 1.0% total retinol equivalents

Maximum concentration reduced for certain products, including body lotions.

This entry was amended to reduce the maximum concentration permitted for certain products such as body lotions. Exposure from these products at the previously permitted concentrations may exceed the tolerable upper intake levels of vitamin A that are recommended by Health Canada.

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