Abstract:

518 batches of commercially available perm cosmetics were collected. The content of mercaptoacetic acid in these products and the pH values thereof were determined according to “Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics” （2015 edition）. The testing results of content of mercaptoacetic acid were compared with the claims on the approved formulas and labels of products. The purpose of the survey was to gather information about the production and quality of the perm cosmetics on domestic market, and to uncover the safety risk and provide supervision suggestions. The results showed that 97 batches of unqualified samples were found, indicative of a disqualification rate of 18.73%. The measured values of mercaptoacetic acid were all within the limits. However, 66 batches of unqualified samples were ascribed to the inconsistency between the testing results and those claimed on the approved formulas and labels. The pH value of 1 batch failed to meet the standard, and 31 batches of unqualified samples were simply ascribed to problematic labeling or approved formulas. According to the results, a multi-dimensional comparison and in-depth analysis of the measured values of key indicators were carried out. In view of so many problems existing in the market of perm cosmetics, special sampling inspections should be strengthened in such cosmetic concentrated field, in which checking of non-standard labeling or approval documents should be strengthened, so as to achieve market standardization as soon as possible.

Key words: perm cosmetics, mercaptoacetic acid, pH, label, approved formula, supervision suggestion