Paris (AFP)

Labeling of preservative-containing wipes, phenoxyethanol, suspected of being toxic to reproduction, should indicate on December 20 that they should not be used on the buttocks of children 3 years of age or younger.

"This is a precautionary measure that has been taken to protect babies," said AFP Dominique Martin, director general of the Agency for Medicines and Health Products (ANSM).

The date of entry into force of this labeling stems from an ANSM animal health decision of 13 March 2019.

According to this measure, manufacturers must, by 20 December at the latest, indicate on the labeling of "non-rinsed" cosmetic products containing this preservative, in particular all wipes, including those sold for adults, that they can not be used on the buttocks of children 3 years old or younger.

The recommendation and labeling aims to avoid the frequent use of all kinds of wipes, whether or not intended for children, to clean the buttocks of toddlers - which 64% of users recognize to do.

However, according to the health agency, their seat is "particularly sensitive" with a more frequent risk of damaged skin (diaper rash) favoring the passage of the preservative phenoxyethanol in the body

Deodorants, as well as styling and make-up products that contain this preservative, are not affected by this labeling decision.

On the other hand, creams, milks and lotions "not rinsed", that is to say, applied without removing or rinsing with water, must bear this warning label.

This decision was taken in application of the precautionary principle, pending a decision by the European Commission.

It is challenged by the Federation of Beauty Companies (FEBEA) which claims cancellation before the Council of State. This request is currently under instruction, said Thursday the ANSM.

A previous application for interim relief of the FEBEA to suspend it, was rejected by the Council of State on May 21, she adds.

"We should not take any risk with the buttocks of babies," said the head of the ANSM who believes he took "a proportionate measure, a measure of common sense". It's not excessive, because it's not a blanket prohibition, he notes.

Toxicological studies suggest phenoxyethanol toxicity for reproduction and high dose development in animals, without such effects being reported in humans, according to the ANSM.

© 2019 AFP