Campares say that makeup and skincare materials should be listed in English and should not be Latin to protect Latin from allergies.
Cosmetic companies display materials in Latin, or use scientific names. But MP Becky Gitigins, who has a serious walnut allergy, said it was a problem because “less than 5% of our youth are educated in Latin”.
A mam, whose daughter had an allergic reaction to body wash, said that cosmetics should be labeled in the same way as food.
Makeup affected Amy Loring said that the labeling system was “disappointing”, but could be “threatened to life” for some.
Cosmetic, toilet and perfume association (CTPA) said that Latin-based names provided a universal language worldwide.
Cosmetic companies list materials according to the ingredients International nomenclature of cosmetic components (Inci), a system consisting of thousands of different Latin-based names.
For example, sweet almond oil is proonous amiglus dulasis, peanut oil is Archis Hypogaiya, and wheat germ extracts are triticum vulgare.
Some cosmetic brands also list their content in English, but this is not a requirement.
Eve Huang’s daughter Alicia, 9, is allergic to cow’s milk, coconut, eggs, asparagus, mustard and tree nuts.
Alicia’s allergies are triggered not only by food, but also by contact with air particles and skin.
Ms. Huang from Hornchurch in Essex said, “Latin puts allergic victims at risk and is very disappointing.”
“Why is the allergy not listed in bold? Why are there no warning indications?”
Ms. Huang said that she recently bought a new skin-sensitive body wash to Elisia. Within a few seconds of coming to the bath, alicia turned red and developed a urticar rash on his body.
First, he did not realize that the reason for this was body wash.
Alicia did not develop anaphylaxis – a serious and life -tricky allergic reaction – but needed to treat.
‘Google the Latina’
Ms. Huang said, “A child should not take medicine only to bathe. The process of cleaning themselves should not make them seriously sick.”
He said that birthday parties can also be “a bad dream”.
“At a party, the elementia was gifted a facial mask in a party bag and I have to explain that she could not use it until I gave the Latin names ‘googly’ and investigated whether it is safe.”
He said: “Some brands now include English translations, which are useful. But I would like to see this way, if not the same standard, as food packaging.”
Gittins, Labor MP for CLWYD East, who is behind the campaign for change, is a serious walnut allergy. It can trigger anaphylaxis if she uses nuts with nuts.
Gittins recently said during a spa trip, he had to “Google” to “Google”, “Google” to investigate allergies.
“Even a day that is going to rest, I was still reducing the risk. It is incredibly difficult,” he said.
“Less than 5% of our youth are educated in Latin at any level. Even less recognizes these conditions when checking the back of a packet, to see if they can use some toiletries or ointments – it becomes a big problem.”
Gitins said that her allergies mean that she lived with “a base level of anxiety”.
He said: “Do I live a very restricted life, or do I go out and do things that are more risky?”
“That’s what we need to minimize – we need to ensure that we have a lot of allergic world so that we can reduce that risk.”
Amy Loring, a makeup artist from Cardiff, using his Instagram page to provide skincare and cosmetics advice to thousands, the labeling system needs to be “very clear”.
“I have hypersensitive skin and when you are going out and eczema on your face, it is very uncomfortable. Some days I can not put anything on my skin because it is very bad.”
“It is disappointing as a consumer when you get reactions like Rosacea, Redness, Breakout, and it is just a mild allergy – it can be quite serious and life -threatening.”
Latin name of cosmetic materials
- Almonds (Kadwa): Prunus Amigdalas Amar
- Avocado: Persia Gratisima
- Apricot: Prunus Armeniaka
- Banana: Moses Sapentum
- Brazil Nut: Bertholate Axalsa
- Cashew: Anacardium Oxidantale
- Chestnut: Castania Sativa/Silva or Castania Cranta
- Coconut: Cocks Newkifera
- Eggs: Egg
- Fish Liver Oil: Piskam IECur
- Hazelnuts: Corolus Roostrata, Corillas American, Corolus Avelan
- Kiwi Fruit: Actinidia Chinensis or Actinidia Deliciosa
- Oat: Avena Sativa or Avena Strigosa
- Peach: Prunus Persona
- Peanut Oil: Archis Hypogia
- Sesame: Semam Signs
- Sweet Almond Oil: Prunus Amigdlas Dulasis
- Walnuts: Juglons Regia or Juglons Nigra
- Wheat germ extract: triticum vulgare
Rules suggest that cosmetic ingredients should be clearly listed. If there is no external packaging, the labeling will be on the container. If the product is too small, the material can be listed on a sheet.
While the INCI system ensures stability worldwide, critics say it leaves many consumers in the dark.
Rachel Williams’ son, Jacob is allergic to peanuts, hazelnuts and almonds.
Rachel from Swanasi said, “It is quite difficult to navigate life with allergies without adding Latin learning over everything.”
“I can’t always remember the name of some nuts in Latin, or I doubt myself when I am checking the products. It means that I have to search online every time I use a product.
CTPA has defended the use of INCI component names.
Caroline Rensford, director of science at CTPA, said the system provided a universal language worldwide.
“For vegetation or natural extracts, we refer to the linen system, which is scientifically nominated for plants and animals, and many of those names will be Latin-based,” he said.
“The reason we refer to that system are global harmony.
“I can see that perhaps people feel that English name can be easy, but if you are on leave and you are looking at the list of materials, you have to know the name of the plant in whatever country it is in.
“Whereas if we use the INCI system, you just need to remember that one INCI name.
“The more stability and harmony we have with the component list, it is not only very good for us when we are buying a product, it makes life easier for companies as well.”
The industry has developed equipment to help consumers navigate the vocabulary.
One such tool is the cosmic app, which allows users to scan the label and find the ingredient name.
The aim of the app is to provide reliable and scientifically supported information on thousands of ingredients used in cosmetic products.
A spokesperson of the UK government said: “Our rules require all cosmetics, including a complete list of materials that are clearly marked using the approved names on product labels or packaging.”