Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a group of chemicals most people have never heard of but almost everyone is exposed to. Among them, benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) stands out as one of the most potent environmental carcinogens known. Found in polluted air, tobacco smoke, consumer products, and even indoor dust, PAHs quietly contribute to cancer risk and other chronic diseases across Europe and globally. Let’s unpack where PAHs come from, how they affect the body, and why ind

Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) is one of the most widely used ingredients in cosmetic products worldwide valued for its whitening properties and effectiveness as a UV filter in sun protection products. Its long-standing use has made it familiar to cosmetic chemists and consumers alike, but questions about its safety—especially in nano form—have prompted detailed regulatory scrutiny and scientific research.   This article unpacks the toxicological profile of titanium dioxide in cosme

What Exactly Is Argyria? Argyria happens when silver particles accumulate in the skin and darken after exposure to light, much like old-fashioned photography. Once this pigment forms, the colour is almost always permanent. The condition is usually cosmetic, but its psychological and social consequences can be profound.   The Colloidal Silver Enthusiast Who Turned Blue One of the most widely referenced modern cases involved a man who consumed homemade colloidal silver daily fo

What the New SCCS Opinion Means for Industry The European regulatory landscape for cannabidiol (CBD) has shifted again — and this time, the most significant update comes not from EFSA or agricultural policymakers, but from the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). In November 2025, the SCCS released a preliminary opinion  setting explicit safety thresholds for CBD in cosmetic products and maximum acceptable levels of Δ9-THC impurities in CBD ingredients. This o

Tea Tree Oil is the essential oil distilled from Melaleuca alternifolia  leaves. Chemically, it’s a complex cocktail of volatile terpenes, with terpinen-4-ol as the key active component. Its antimicrobial activity is well-established, and consumer demand for “natural solutions” has kept the ingredient on trend. However, complexity is a double-edged sword. Essential oils vary by origin, season, storage and distillation method. That variability, combined with a tendency to oxid

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) forms biological bonds with skin components not by direct covalent bonding, but by creating protective and restorative biological interactions through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Its functions by scavenging free radicals that damage skin cells and the extracellular matrix, inhibiting enzymes like matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen and other proteins, and activating signaling pathways that promote skin c

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), commonly known as 'forever chemicals,' are under increasing scrutiny in the cosmetics...

A shiny manicure can make you feel polished and powerful — but what if that glossy finish hides risks beneath the surface? Many nail...

The Hidden Side of “Natural” Beauty In the clean beauty era, many consumers reach for products boasting natural ingredients such as...

Spearmint oil ( Mentha spicata ) is a fragrant essential oil used worldwide in flavorings, oral care products, cosmetics, and...

On 8 July 2025, the European Commission published its Omnibus Proposal – COM (2025) 531 final, introducing targeted amendments to...

Why This Matters At THB, your safety always comes first. When it comes to cosmetics, there's no room for compromise on your health....