Crème dépilatoire peaux normales

Why it's rated this way

2 ingredients on this label are flagged. A cosmetic's rating is set by its most serious finding — here, Calcium Hydroxide.

1. Calcium HydroxideMinor concernAlkali (slaked lime), the same kind of ingredient as sodium hydroxide. In an oleo-calcareous liniment it reacts with the oil to form calcium soaps; elsewhere it adjusts pH. The EU caps the alkalinity it may leave (pH 11 for pH-adjuster use); the higher limits are only for hair straighteners and depilatories, which also carry other restricted actives.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: buffering and acidity regulator, firming agent. About Calcium Hydroxide

   Why it's flagged

   Alkali (slaked lime), the same kind of ingredient as sodium hydroxide. In an oleo-calcareous liniment it reacts with the oil to form calcium soaps; elsewhere it adjusts pH. The EU caps the alkalinity it may leave (pH 11 for pH-adjuster use); the higher limits are only for hair straighteners and depilatories, which also carry other restricted actives.

   Regulatory basis

   EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III — allowed only within set limits and conditions; Greenveil's curated cosmetic-ingredient concern list.

   How sure we are

   High confidence. The label names this substance exactly.

2. Potassium HydroxideMinor concernAlkali (lye). It is used up in the product: as a pH adjuster it neutralises an acid in the formula, and in soft or liquid soap it turns the oils into soap. The EU caps the alkalinity it may leave (pH 11 for pH-adjuster use); the higher limits, with warnings, are only for hair straighteners, cuticle removers and depilatories.

   What it is

   Its recorded role: chelating agent and ph adjuster. About Potassium Hydroxide

   Why it's flagged

   Alkali (lye). It is used up in the product: as a pH adjuster it neutralises an acid in the formula, and in soft or liquid soap it turns the oils into soap. The EU caps the alkalinity it may leave (pH 11 for pH-adjuster use); the higher limits, with warnings, are only for hair straighteners, cuticle removers and depilatories.

   Regulatory basis

   EU Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III — allowed only within set limits and conditions; Greenveil's curated cosmetic-ingredient concern list.

   How sure we are

   High confidence. The label names this substance exactly.

Assessed against the label as captured: all 18 ingredients recognised.