Some creams, shampoos, after-shaves and toothpastes made by groups such as L'Oréal and Procter & Gamble, may contain potentially harmful substances, according to a study by French consumer protection group UFC-Que Choisir, reports Reuters.
UFC-Que Choisir on Monday published a list of 185 products it said contained substances that were legal, but could cause allergies, irritations or endocrinal disorders.
"In light of the absence of suitable European regulation, we want to put pressure on manufacturers through consumers' purchasing behavior," said Olivier Andrault, who ran the study for UFC-Que Choisir.
The study pointed, for example, to eight brands of baby wipes including L'Oréal's Bebe Cadum and Mixa, Beiersdorf's Nivea and Procter & Gamble's (P&G) Pampers that contain phenoxyethanol, which it said could be toxic for the blood and liver.
In response to the study, the Federation of Cosmetics Makers (FEBEA) said beauty and hygiene products sold in France were safe and met European regulation, which it described as the most demanding in the world.