Pesticides – risks for cosmetics and health
Pesticides, can be divided into different categories. Fungicides are chemical or biological agents that kill fungi or their spores or inhibit their growth.
Herbicides, on the other hand, are weed killers whose task is to eliminate unwanted plants as quickly and sustainably as possible. Insecticides are also classified as pesticides – they are used to kill or repel insects at all stages of development. Nematocides combat plant-damaging nematodes (roundworms, threadworms), while acaricides kill mites and ticks. In addition, there are algicides, which are biocides that act exclusively against algae. Special pesticides also include growth regulators, which influence plant growth without directly destroying it. Rodenticides, on the other hand, are chemical preparations used to control rodents.
All these pesticides have one thing in common: they serve to protect plants and plant products from harmful organisms and to control their development in a targeted manner.
Pesticides have no place in cosmetics
In principle, pesticides do not belong in cosmetic products. Nevertheless, they find their way into these products via the raw materials used – whether during the growing season, during harvesting or during storage. As many active ingredients break down only slowly, residues in plant-based raw materials are not uncommon. Legally defined maximum residue levels specify how much pesticide or PPM is permitted before a product is considered unsafe. Since 2008, uniform maximum levels have been in force throughout the EU for foodstuffs. The Drinking Water Ordinance also sets a clear limit: a maximum of 0.1 micrograms of pesticides per litre of water.
There are good reasons for these strict requirements, as toxic pesticides are linked to serious illnesses such as Parkinson’s disease, hormone disorders, cancer and birth defects. Substances such as aldrin, which has been banned since the 1980s, and DDT, which accumulates in the tissue of humans and animals at the end of the food chain, are considered particularly critical. Chlorinated organic substances are also considered dangerous because they mimic hormones, weaken the immune system and can lead to fertility problems.
Typical pesticides and plant protection products in cosmetics and oils
Tests, including those carried out by Ökotest, regularly show that residues of pesticides and pesticides are detectable in cosmetic products and edible oils. The following are particularly frequently identified:
- Glyphosate (herbicide, controversial due to its possible carcinogenic effects)
- Carbendazim (fungicide, suspected of being mutagenic)
- Chlorpyrifos (insecticide, neurotoxic, banned in the EU since 2020)
- Permethrin (insecticide, frequently detectable in oils)
- Pendimethalin (herbicide, often found in vegetable oils)
- Cypermethrin (insecticide, irritates the skin and nerves)
- Prochloraz (fungicide, suspected of causing hormonal disorders)
- Lambda-cyhalothrin (insecticide, highly toxic to aquatic organisms)
These substances do not intentionally end up in cosmetics, but rather via plant-based raw materials. They are proof that even natural products are not automatically free from pesticides or plant protection products (PPPs).
Residues in cosmetics – an underestimated risk
Even if pesticides are not officially declared as ingredients, they still find their way into creams, shampoos and soaps. Allergic skin reactions, irritated eyes and damaged hair structures are just some of the possible consequences. What is particularly problematic is that our skin acts like a sponge: it absorbs not only nourishing substances, but also residues of pesticides.
Residue analysis of pesticides is technically possible, but complex. Modern measuring devices can reliably detect even the smallest quantities. Health-conscious consumers should therefore give preference to organic products that are grown without the use of plant protection products (PPPs).
Raw materials for natural cosmetics – European-controlled, but with limitations
In certified natural cosmetics, many plant-based raw materials come from Europe and are harvested there in accordance with the rules of certified organic farming. The guidelines are strict and ensure that no pesticides or synthetic pesticides are used. However, the situation is different for exotic oils and butters, which are often imported from regions outside Europe. In some cases, less stringent standards apply there, meaning that residues are possible. At the same time, many customers want natural cosmetics that are consistent in colour, smell and consistency – ideally colourless, transparent and odourless. However, this cannot be guaranteed in the long term with natural raw materials. Such standardisation can only be achieved with synthetic raw materials, but not with vegetable oils and butters, which are subject to natural fluctuations.
Conclusion: Organic alternatives instead of pesticides
To avoid risks, it makes sense to use high-quality natural cosmetics. Products from organic farming that do not use pesticides or synthetic pesticides offer the greatest safety. Although the most dangerous PPPsare now banned in Europe, numerous substances that are considered critical are still in use. Consumers should be aware of this and look for quality, transparency and organic labels when shopping.