Should Certain Cosmetic Ingredients Be Banned or Restricted?
Official title: Consultation on proposed updates to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist: Prohibited and restricted ingredients
Health Canada wants to update its list of banned and restricted cosmetic ingredients. The Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist tells companies which substances can't be used in makeup, skincare, and personal care products sold in Canada. This update would add new substances and change conditions for some existing ones.
Why This Matters
Use makeup, shampoo, or skincare products? This affects what's in them. Health Canada reviews scientific evidence to decide which ingredients are safe. If you've ever wondered whether that ingredient list on your moisturizer is actually regulated—it is, and this is how.
What Could Change
Some cosmetic ingredients could be banned outright. Others might face new restrictions on how much can be used or in what products. Companies would need to reformulate products containing newly restricted substances. The changes are based on reviews of scientific journals and international expert opinions.
Key Issues
- Which new substances should be added to the banned or restricted list?
- Should conditions for existing restricted ingredients be changed?
How to Participate
- Review the proposed updates to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist to understand what changes are being proposed.
- Send your feedback by email to cosmetics@hc-sc.gc.ca by February 17, 2026.