The European Union’s regulations restrict the use of over 1,700 substances in cosmetics, but consumer safety remains a complex issue. Products like creams, shampoos, and oils can contain a variety of ingredients, including potential hormonal disruptors and allergens, which may not be immediately apparent. High-priced sunscreens do not automatically guarantee superior protection.
The Slovenian Consumer Association (ZPS) conducts annual testing of sun protection products during the summer months, consistently revealing that price is not a reliable indicator of product quality. “Almost every year, we unfortunately identify products that fail to deliver the advertised level of protection, irrespective of their price point – whether they are from a budget or premium range,” explains Urša Šmid Božičevič from ZPS. The association’s findings raise questions about the effectiveness of products marketed for smoother skin.
Claims made by certain items, such as those promising “proven” smoothing effects, require careful scrutiny. Consumers should be aware that regulatory restrictions on ingredients do not automatically translate to guaranteed safety or efficacy of cosmetic products.
