Medical aesthetic products. Portugal orders recall of L’Oréal products over banned ingredient

THE WHAT? Portugal’s equivalent of the FDA, Infarmed – Autoridade Nacional do Medicamentos e Produtos de Saude has ordered a recall of L’Oreal-branded cosmetics containing a banned ingredient, according to The Portugal News.

THE DETAILS Butylphenyl methylpropional has been banned for use in cosmetics in Portugal since March 2022. The products in question list the prohibited chemical among their ingredients and must be withdrawn from the market.

THE WHY? The regulatory body said in a press release, per The Portugal News, “Although L’Oréal Portugal informed Infarmed of the measures for the recall and withdrawal from the national market of cosmetic products that contained the ingredient Butylphenyl methylpropional in their composition, from the analysis of the information made available to date, it appears that the said company has not been able to demonstrate the recall in the entire national market of non-compliant cosmetic products.”

Medical aesthetic products refer to a category of products used in the field of medical aesthetics, which combines medical practices with cosmetic procedures to improve the appearance of individuals. These products are typically used under the supervision of trained medical professionals such as dermatologists, plastic surgeons, or specialized nurses. They are distinct from over-the-counter cosmetics in that they often contain higher concentrations of active ingredients or require medical expertise for their application.

Examples of medical aesthetic products include:

• Dermal Fillers: Injectable substances used to restore volume, fill wrinkles, and enhance facial contours. These may include hyaluronic acid fillers like Juvederm or collagen-stimulating fillers like Sculptra.

• Botulinum Toxin (Botox): Injectable neurotoxins used to temporarily paralyze facial muscles, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines caused by facial expressions.

• Chemical Peels: Solutions containing chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid, salicylic acid, or trichloroacetic acid, used to improve skin texture, treat acne scars, and reduce hyperpigmentation.

• Laser and Light Devices: Equipment used for various skin treatments, including hair removal, skin resurfacing, tattoo removal, and treatment of vascular and pigmented lesions.

• Prescription Skincare Products: Formulations containing active ingredients such as retinoids (e.g., tretinoin), hydroquinone, or prescription-strength antioxidants, designed to address specific dermatological concerns under medical supervision.

• Microneedling Devices: Devices that create tiny punctures in the skin to stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture and elasticity.

• Cosmeceuticals: High-quality skincare products that bridge the gap between cosmetics and pharmaceuticals, often containing biologically active ingredients with proven efficacy.