Are We Truly Protected? Navigating the Hazards of Everyday Substances and EU Regulations
ECHA: European Chemical Agency and the Candidate List of substances of very high concern
Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern – ECHA (European Chemicals Agency)
Did you know that over 12,000 legal substances present in our everyday products are under close scrutiny by the European Union for their potential to harm human health and the environment?
More than 240 of these substances have already been identified by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and included in the Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) — a growing list that highlights substances with serious risks, such as:
Carcinogenic, mutagenic or reprotoxic (CMR) properties
Persistent, bioaccumulative and toxic (PBT) profiles
Endocrine-disrupting potential
Probable long-term impacts on human health and ecosystems
Many of these substances — including VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds), PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances), BPA (Bisphenol A), formaldehyde releasers, phthalates, and more — remain authorized for commercial use. This means we, and the planet, are constantly exposed to them in personal care products, packaging, household items, and beyond.
A new EU Restrictions Roadmap is already in motion to phase out or strictly regulate many of these chemicals — but it will take time.
At The Today Project, we believe in acting before we're told to. That's why we stay ahead of regulation, guided by precaution and transparency.
Staying Ahead: Our Commitment to Clean Formulas, Regulatory Compliance, and Environmental Safety
Although certain substances are still permitted under current cosmetic regulations, a pioneering initiative by the Catalan Waste Agency (Agència de Residus de Catalunya) highlighted the urgent need to go beyond compliance. Inspired by their groundbreaking work on environmental and human health protection, we made a conscious decision to formulate without any ingredients classified as hazardous according to the ECHA REACH regulation (Annexes XIII and XVII).
Our commitment means choosing safer, more sustainable alternatives — even when the law would allow otherwise. Because true integrity is not just about following rules; it's about raising the standard for what we put on our skin and release into the world.
In light of these facts, our vision revolves around developing clean formulas that are free not only from substances currently recognized as harmful but also from those that could become concerns in the future. We recognize that the interests of a few can slow down legal action, leaving people and the planet inadequately protected.
We are closely tracking the Candidate List of substances of very high concern, as designated by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), as well as the European Commission's Omnibus Act, which continuously reviews and introduces new restrictions, especially for CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction).
Beyond official lists, we proactively monitor scientific findings and emerging concerns identified by independent universities, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and privately funded research initiatives. We also stay vigilant regarding the potential environmental and human toxicity of skincare ingredients under ongoing analysis.
Elevating Safety: Our Proactive Approach to Avoiding Substances Under Research Scrutiny
In line with this multi-faceted approach, we have made the deliberate choice to distance ourselves from any substance under active research scrutiny — regardless of whether final assessments are positive or negative. This proactive stance ensures that our clean formulas are always ahead of regulation, offering a higher level of safety, sustainability, and responsibility for the well-being of both people and the planet.