SOSU Cosmetics has recalled its Peach Dreams eyeshadow palette after testing revealed unsafe levels of arsenic in several shades. The European Union flagged batch number 20210405, manufactured in China, citing excessive arsenic content in multiple shades.
This week, the Irish beauty brand took immediate action to withdraw the palette from the market. The EU found the product breached cosmetic regulations due to arsenic’s toxicological risk, which includes links to cancer, fertility issues, and organ damage.
SOSU Cosmetics Peach Dreams Eyeshadow palette has been recalled. Image © EU Safety Gate
Arsenic can enter eyeshadows through contaminated raw materials such as pigments and fillers. Some pigments may contain trace amounts of arsenic from their production process, and raw materials sourced from regions with less stringent environmental oversight are more susceptible to contamination. These risks make careful sourcing and testing essential.
Regulatory agencies like the FDA in the United States and the European Medicines Agency in Europe set limits for heavy metals and other contaminants, conducting testing to ensure products meet safety standards. Manufacturers must comply before products reach the market. Incidents like the SOSU recall show why ongoing vigilance and enforcement are critical.
Conclusion
The recall of SOSU Cosmetics’ Peach Dreams palette highlights the importance of rigorous safety standards in the cosmetic industry. While U.S. regulators require that imported cosmetics comply with safety laws, not every product is automatically tested for heavy metals like arsenic.
