THE WHAT? The European Union’s European Court of Justice has given the green light to the bloc’s consumer safety regulations, which will allow member states to ban cosmetics that look too similar to food.
THE DETAILS The supreme court aligned with Lithuania in a court case, with the country having ordered Get Fresh Cosmetics in 2018 to end the sale of bath bombs that authorities looked edible, and therefore posed a threat to children.
The company sold items named Polka Dot Princess and Skin Candy, with the Consumer Protection Office in Lithuania determining that several types of bath bombs were dangerous, ordering the company to withdraw them from the market.
Following the company’s appeal of the decision, the Supreme Court of Lithuania referred the case to the Luxembourg-based European Court of Justice in order to discover whether a 1987 EU law regulating consumer safety gave the Lithuanian authorities the right to ban the bath bombs.
THE WHY? The court’s Second Chamber stated that it was the government’s right to decide the health and safety of a product, which will overrule the company’s right to market.
The ruling did state that a non-edible product that looked like food, was not enough to enforce a ban.
The ruling said, “It is not necessary to demonstrate by objective and substantiated data that placing in the mouth, sucking or ingesting products which, although not foodstuffs, … may entail risks such as suffocation, poisoning, or the perforation or obstruction of the digestive tract.”
Aesthetic products generally refer to a broad category of items designed to enhance or improve one's appearance, often focusing on skincare, beauty, and personal grooming. These products are typically used to maintain or enhance physical attractiveness and may include a wide range of items intended for both professional and personal use. Here are some common types of aesthetic products:
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Skincare Products: Including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and treatments designed to address various skin concerns such as acne, aging, hyperpigmentation, and sensitivity.
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Cosmetics: Makeup products such as foundations, concealers, eyeliners, lipsticks, and eyeshadows used to enhance facial features and achieve desired looks.
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Hair Care Products: Shampoos, conditioners, styling products, and treatments to maintain and improve the health and appearance of hair.
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Fragrances: Perfumes and colognes used to enhance personal scent and attractiveness.
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Dental Care Products: Toothpaste, mouthwash, whitening treatments, and dental floss aimed at maintaining oral hygiene and enhancing smile aesthetics.
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Personal Grooming Tools: Including razors, electric shavers, trimmers, and grooming kits used for hair removal and personal hygiene.
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Beauty Devices: Devices such as facial cleansing brushes, LED light therapy masks, and microcurrent devices designed for at-home skincare treatments.
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Nutritional Supplements: Supplements aimed at promoting skin health, hair growth, and overall well-being, often containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
