Cosmetics giant Estée Lauder recently faced a hefty fine of $750,000 after federal agents discovered it was using “forever chemicals” in some of its eyeliner products. The company pleaded guilty to violating the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
In May 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) discovered that some of Estée Lauder’s eyeliners contained perfluorononyl dimethicone. This ingredient, part of a larger group known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), is often used in cosmetics for its water-resistant properties. However, these chemicals do not break down easily and have raised significant health and environmental concerns.
ECCC emphasized that Estée Lauder should have informed the government before using such ingredients. This notification process helps assess any potential health risks before products hit the market. In June 2023, the agency issued a compliance order requiring the company to follow specific guidelines, but Estée Lauder failed to comply.
Notably, the Ontario court has ordered the company to inform its shareholders about the conviction. Its name will also be added to Canada’s environmental offenders registry, a list aimed at promoting accountability for companies that violate environmental laws. The fine will contribute to the federal government’s environmental damages fund, which supports initiatives to repair ecological harm.
In response, advocacy groups like Environmental Defence and Ecojustice expressed their approval of the government’s enforcement. They highlighted the urgent need for Canada to strengthen its regulations on PFAS, especially as other countries move quickly to ban these chemicals. They warned that without stricter rules, Canadian products could struggle to meet the standards of international markets.
The conversation around PFAS is growing. Recent studies, including one from the University of British Columbia, have shown these chemicals impacting wildlife, like sea otters, raising alarms about larger ecological consequences.
Estée Lauder isn’t alone in facing scrutiny. In March 2024, Groupe Marcelle Inc. was fined $500,000 for similar infractions related to perfluorononyl dimethicone in its products. This reflects a growing trend of regulatory actions targeting companies that use harmful substances in cosmetics.
For more details about PFAS and their impact, you can check out Health Canada’s page on PFAS. As the conversation continues, many are hoping for more robust regulations and better protection for both consumers and the environment.
