OTTAWA — Estée Lauder, a well-known cosmetics brand, recently faced a hefty fine of $750,000. Federal agents discovered that some of its eyeliner products contained “forever chemicals,” specifically a substance called perfluorononyl dimethicone.
This component is a type of silicone polymer, commonly used in makeup to enhance durability and water resistance. However, it falls under a large class of chemicals known as PFAS, which are notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body, hence the name “forever chemicals.”
In May 2023, Canada’s Environment and Climate Change agency found that Estée Lauder did not notify the government before importing or selling products with this chemical. A government official stated that this requirement helps assess health and environmental risks before products hit the market.
In a follow-up action in June 2023, the agency issued a compliance order, detailing necessary steps for Estée Lauder to align with the law. However, the company failed to address the concerns raised by the government.
Now, a court in Ontario has mandated the company to inform its shareholders about the conviction and added its name to the environmental offenders registry. The fine will go toward the federal government’s environmental damages fund, which supports projects aimed at repairing environmental harm.
Advocacy groups like Environmental Defence and Ecojustice expressed satisfaction with the government’s enforcement of chemical reporting rules. They emphasized that Canada needs to step up its regulations on PFAS, especially as many other countries are moving to ban these substances. Without stricter regulations, Canadian products might struggle to access markets in regions with tougher health and environmental standards.
Historical context shows that the scrutiny of PFAS has been increasing globally. In March 2024, Groupe Marcelle Inc. was fined $500,000 for similar violations, highlighting that Estée Lauder isn’t alone in facing consequences for these chemicals in cosmetics.
Experts warn that a lack of regulation could hinder Canada’s ability to be competitive in the global market. The push for new laws to eliminate PFAS from various products, including cosmetics, is gaining momentum.
Canada’s government faces continuous pressure to finalize stringent regulations on PFAS. Environmental groups have called for permanent funding for chemical management plans to ensure proper enforcement and research.
The growing awareness of PFAS risks invites broader discussions about consumer safety and corporate responsibility. As consumer concerns rise, companies across the board may need to rethink their ingredient lists to meet evolving standards and market demands.
For more detailed information on PFAS and their impact, you can refer to the Government of Canada.
