Warning over 1,000 high street cosmetic products

Consumer watchdog warns items contain 'undesireable' substances - and says 23 should be pulled immediately

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More than 1,000 readily-available cosmetics should be avoided as they contain 'undesireable' or even 'illegal' substances, consumer watchdog UFC-Que Choisir has said.

The watchdog's list has been regularly updated since it was first published in February 2016, with the number of products included rising from 400 to 1,018 in the past three months alone.

It features many products found in bathrooms across the country, including popular perfumes, make-up products, shower gels, deodorants, toothpastes, and creams. It includes well-known brands from L'Oreal and Head&Shoulders.

UFC-Que Choisir says 23 products should be pulled immediately because they contain banned chemicals, including hormone-altering substances known as endocrine disruptors.

"In light of the continuing damning analysis, UFC-Que Choisir urges public bodies to demonstrate responsibility in defining and banning hormone-changing substances and pulling the 23 products containing banned substances from the shelves," the watchdog said in a statement.

To see the full list click here