Why Are Some Ingredients Banned in Europe but Not in the U.S.?
Human Health
Why Are Some Ingredients Banned in Europe but Not in the U.S.?
Author: Team Grove
Did you know that some baby formulas in the U.S. contain… corn syrup? Though baby formula is one of the most strictly regulated foods in the U.S., artificial sweeteners, preservatives, GMO’s, and other artificial or synthetic ingredients are still allowed in U.S. formulas.
In recent years, parents have taken notice, and some have even imported baby formula all the way from Europe instead of grabbing it at their local grocery store. Why? The E.U. restricts more than 50x more ingredients than the U.S.¹. This growing trend reflects a wider awareness of how regulatory differences can impact what we use daily, raising the question: Why are some ingredients banned in Europe but not in the U.S.? Understanding why this discrepancy exists can help us make more informed choices about what we bring into our homes and our bodies.
Different Approaches to Ingredient Regulation
At the heart of this difference is how Europe and the U.S. think about regulating product safety. The European Union (EU) follows the Precautionary Principle. This means that if there’s any uncertainty about whether an ingredient is safe, it’s banned or restricted until proven otherwise. The U.S., on the other hand, has a more reactive, proof-based regulation system.
This is why Europe has banned or restricted over 1,300 chemicals in cosmetics alone, while the U.S. has banned fewer than 30. The difference isn’t just about which ingredients are allowed; it’s about how much proof is needed before regulators take action².
What Makes These Ingredients Risky?
While not every banned ingredient poses an immediate threat, some raise long-term health concerns. Here are a few ingredients you might want to keep an eye out for:
Parabens: Found in many personal care products, parabens are synthetic preservatives. Some types are restricted in the EU due to their links to hormone disruption and potential cancer risks³. However, they are still widely used in U.S. cosmetics.
Phthalates: Used in fragrances and plastics, phthalates have been linked to reproductive harm and developmental issues. Europe restricts their use, but they remain legal in many U.S. products, including baby formulas packaged in certain plastic containers⁴.
Triclosan: This antibacterial agent is banned in European products like soap and toothpaste due to its association with antibiotic resistance and hormone disruption⁵. It is still allowed in some U.S. products.
These ingredients don’t just affect us—many of them can also harm the environment. For example, microbeads, which are now banned in Europe and partially banned in the U.S., pollute our waterways and pose a serious risk to marine life⁶
Why Does the U.S. Lag Behind?
Wondering why the U.S. doesn’t move faster on these issues? Part of the reason is that the U.S. relies on a much older regulatory framework. The Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, which governs product safety in the U.S., was passed in 1938 and has seen only minimal updates since then⁷.
In Europe, companies must prove that an ingredient is safe before it can be used. In the U.S., however, ingredients are often assumed to be safe until proven otherwise. This reactive approach means harmful ingredients can stay on the market for years before they’re reviewed. Lobbying and industry influence also play a role in keeping U.S. regulations more relaxed⁸.
How Can You Protect Yourself and the Environment?
While it might seem overwhelming to navigate these differences, there are a few simple steps you can take to make safer, more sustainable choices:
Check Labels: Look for products that are free from parabens, phthalates, triclosan, and harmful food additives. Many brands are now transparent about which ingredients they avoid.
Do Your Research: Follow organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG) to stay up-to-date on ingredient safety and product recommendations¹⁰.
Support Safer Products: By choosing brands that prioritize safe, eco-friendly ingredients, you’re not just protecting yourself, but also supporting a shift toward higher standards in the market.
The Road Ahead: Bridging the Gap
Although the U.S. is slower to ban certain ingredients, change is happening. Consumer awareness and demand for safer products are driving the market to adopt higher standards, even without regulatory pressure. By staying informed and making thoughtful choices, you can help push for a future where safe, sustainable products are the norm on both sides of the pond.
Sources:
1 The New York Times: Why Some U.S. Parents Are Choosing European Baby Formula
2 European Commission: Cosmetics Legislation in the EU
3 Darbre, Philippa D., and Philip W. Harvey: Paraben Esters: Review of Recent Studies of Endocrine Toxicity, Absorption, Esterase and Human Exposure, and Discussion of Potential Human Health Risks
4 Swan, Shanna H.: Count Down: How Our Modern World Is Threatening Sperm Counts, Altering Male and Female Reproductive Development, and Imperiling the Future of the Human Race
5 Clayton, Ellen M.R., et al.: Endocrine Disruption and Triclosan: Evidence and Mechanisms
6 Beat the Microbead: Microbeads: Tiny Plastic, Huge Problem
7 FDA: Laws Enforced by FDA
8 Zaragoza, Mónica: Why Are Some Ingredients Banned in Europe but Not in the US?
