Canada Cosmetic Regulatory Updates from January to July 2021

1. Canada to Tighten the Use Restrictions on Talc-based Cosmetics

Canada has previously restricted the use of Talc in children’s cosmetics. Recently, based on the latest scientific findings and the final screening assessment completed in 2021, Canada concluded that talc-based products could cause health problems such as lung damage and ovarian cancer if inhaled or applied to the perineal area. Therefore, Canada consulted on the Risk Management Approach for Talc on April 24, 2021, proposing to expand the restrictions on the use of talc in certain cosmetics, natural health products and over-counter drugs, and requiring such products to carry warnings and use precautions. The public comment period ended June 23, 2021.