Canada fines Estée Lauder $750,000 for undisclosed use of forever chemicals in cosmetics

The continued use of forever chemicals in consumer products has once again become a subject of controversy following a sanction that highlights the need for greater safety and transparency in the industry, as well as more effective environmental protection.

Recently, Canadian authorities have taken a firm stance in the fight against these persistent substances, known for their negative impact on health and the natural environment, thus generating new pressure on the global cosmetics industry.

Estée Lauder fined in Canada for forever chemicals

The Ontario Court of Justice has imposed a fine of 750,000 Canadian dollars (approximately 690,000 euros) on Estée Lauder Cosmetics Ltd. The sanction is due to the company’s failure to inform the government about the use of perfluorononyl dimethicone, a type of PFAS, in some of its cosmetic products, including eyeliners.

These so-called “forever chemicals” do not easily break down either in the environment or in the human body, leading to accumulation that can cause serious health problems and ecological damage.

Canada’s decision to fine the American multinational sends a clear message to the industry: public health and environmental responsibility are priorities.

The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Canada indicated that Estée Lauder pleaded guilty to two charges of violating the country’s environmental laws. In particular, the company illegally imported and distributed eyeliners with PFAS.

The detection of these substances was made during a routine inspection in 2023, after which the company was ordered to comply with environmental regulations, an order that was ignored by Estée Lauder.

In addition to the financial penalty, the court has ordered the company to inform its shareholders about the conviction, and the money collected will be allocated to the Environmental Damages Fund of the Government of Canada.

Impact of forever chemicals on public health

PFAS are dangerous due to their durability and bioaccumulation capacity, making them toxic even at low concentration levels.

Scientific research has linked these compounds to various health problems, such as kidney and testicular cancers, hormonal disruptions, and immune system issues, among others.

In the natural environment, “forever chemicals” can negatively affect the reproduction, growth, and immune system of fish, birds, and mammals.

Global regulation of PFAS

Internationally, Canada and the European Union have banned some of these chemicals, such as PFOS and PFOA, while the U.S. has not yet implemented a federal ban.

The Estée Lauder case highlights the urgent need to regulate and eventually eliminate PFAS from consumer products to protect both the ecosystem and human health. More details in ECO AMÉRICA.