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REACH is a European Union Regulation that aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment by identifying the risks that can be posed by chemical substances. REACH applies to all chemical substances in our day-to-day lives, for example in cleaning products, paints as well as in articles such as clothes, furniture and electrical appliances. 

  1. As a first step chemical ingredient suppliers have to submit all information on the substances demonstrating that the risk of a substance is properly managed and that it can be used safely. 
  2. The second step involves an analysis by a product manufacturer as to how the risks can be managed if that substance is used on the market e.g. in a cleaning product. Taking skin corrosion as an example, a way the risk can be managed is by wearing gloves during use of a product. A registration dossier with all this information must be submitted to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).
  3. Information on how to use an ingredient safely must then be passed down the supply chain from the ingredient manufacturer to the formulator. 
  4. A final product manufacturer will then use the information from ingredient suppliers to formulate the products and place them safely on the market. Ingredients selected for this product will have been selected to maximise the effectiveness of the product while minimizing the hazard. 

When added below a certain quantity, the hazards of a substance will be minimised. One common example is Acetic Acid, this is a key ingredient in vinegar. In its pure form Acetic Acid is corrosive to skin, but when it’s diluted at 4% in water, it is very tasty on salads and chips!

Any remaining information related to the safe use of the product will then be conveyed on the label.  For example, that gloves need to be worn when using a product. This is another way to reduce hazard. 

Think about a rainy day. On such a day there is the hazard of getting wet. You can thus use an umbrella, or raincoat. This is an action you take to reduce your exposure to the hazard. When driving, you wear a seatbelt, or drive more slowly. For chemicals the actions you need to take are written on the label of the product. It is for this reason that reading the label of a product is extremely important. 

These four steps allow for the safe use of chemicals on the market.

For a small subset of ingredients, a more thorough assessment needs to be carried out. In these instances, the REACH process foresees that legislators make a submission for a “Regulatory management option analysis”. This happens in cases where there are concerns about a substance. Authorities then have the option to check if there are any further steps to be taken to ensure EU consumers safety. This could be additional actions to reduce the risk of a substance. If we stick to the example of a rainy day, this could be the introduction of better umbrellas or collecting information for a weather forecast.

This is a simple explanation of the REACH regulation. It is the is the most advanced and complex legislation of this type in the world. People across Europe work daily to provide expertise, both in companies and in authorities at national and European level, to apply and implement this process. Thanks to this thorough process, companies bring important products to the market to meet the daily needs of EU citizens, while following a system that aims to safeguard human safety and protect the environment.

What is the Regulatory Management Option Analysis? expand

  1. The EU authorities would: Ensure that the risks of that substance are well managed on the EU market.
  2. That there are some potential hazards of which the user should be aware of. In this case, the CLP regulation is there to ensure the user is warned of hazards through harmonized pictograms and phrases. The label should always be read carefully and followed so a product can be used safely.
  3. They could choose to grant an authorisation - the aim of the authorisation process is to ensure that substances of very high concern are progressively replaced by substances or technologies where technically and economically feasible alternatives are available.
  4. Or finally restrict the use of the substance, allowing for specified and limited use

Benefits by ingredient functions

Function Benefits
Flocculants

Treat unwanted contaminants in water, by forming clusters that can then be removed by filtration or settling

Opacifiers

Impart a milky, “lotion”-like appearance, to denote product characteristics such as mildness for sensitive skin

Encapsulated Fragrances

Capsules to enclose fragrances, to reduce the quantity of fragrance needed and to ensure it survives the washing, rinsing and drying proces.

Wax

Wax has a number of different beneficial functons. It can be used to add a protective coating to surfaces that can be polished to shine and improve appearance. It can also be used as a binder to ensure that ingredients hold together in the required shape. Wax is also used to provide a sustainable steady burning fuel for candles.

Viscosity Controlling Agents

Controls the thickness of the product.

Solvents

Solubiliser

Improves the solubility of one or more product ingredients.

Soaps

These salts of fatty acids are more commonly known as "soaps". They may be added to the product in the form of the fatty acids; in the product matrix the salts will be formed. The soaps are commonly used surfactants in laundry and cleaning products.

Sequestrants

Prevents free metal ions from causing any adverse effects on product performance, appearance, or stability by reacting with them.

Preservatives

Protects products from microbial growth and spoilage. Preservatives are required to prevent product damage caused by micro-organisms and to protect the product from accidental contamination by the consumer during use.

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Preservatives (FA releasers)

Protects products from microbial growth and spoilage. Preservatives are required to prevent product damage caused by micro-organisms and to protect the product from accidental contamination by the consumer during use.

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Phosphonates

Used in products to remove soap scum and mineral deposits that are caused by hard water. By binding to the soap scum or deposit, it allows them to be rinsed away. (Phosphates and Phosphonates are no longer used in EU detergents and cleansers. Limitations were imposed by the Detergent Regulation for their use in consumer laundry detergents and consumer automatic dishwasher detergents due to environmental concerns)

Phosphates

Make the cleaner more effective by removing calcium and magnesium.* (Phosphates and Phosphonates are no longer used in EU detergents and cleansers. Limitations were imposed by the Detergent Regulation for their use in consumer laundry detergents and consumer automatic dishwasher detergents due to environmental concerns)

pH Adjusters

Added to control the acidity/alkalinity of products. Every formula has an optimum pH to make it work best. For example, a formula that’s more acidic works better for soap scum removal. Its opposite, a formula that’s more alkaline, might be more effective at removing grease or greasy soils. We use pH adjusters to make sure we achieve the best pH for a particular job. Also, the pH of a formula can affect how long it lasts within a container – for example limiting its tendency to corrode a can, container or dispenser.

Oxygen-based bleaching agents

In detergents stains are removed by oxidation (bleaching). Oxygen-based bleching agent such as Sodium carbonate peroxide are used in laundry and cleaning products. During the wash, the peroxide is consumed and the carbonate remains.

Oxidising Agents

In detergents stains are removed by oxidation (bleaching)

Optical Brighteners/ Whitening Agents

Makes products or washed fabrics look brighter and whiter

Nonionic Surfactants

These surfactants do not have an electrical charge, which makes them resistant to water hardness deactivation. They are excellent grease removers that are used in laundry products, household cleaners and hand dishwashing liquids

Hydrotropes

Increases the solubility of the detergent in the product

Fragrances

Fragrance provides part of the sensorial benefits of a clean home or laundry and is a major element of product performance for consumers. Its benefits are both emotional (such as by signifying cleanliness, freshness or comfort) and functional (masking malodour). Fragrance is a key differentiator between products.

Foam controlling Agents

Helps prevent and excessive build up of foam to enable quick and effective rinsing of the product at the end of the wash cycle.

Fabric Conditioner Agent

Softens/conditions the fabric.

Enzymes

Enzymes are catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions such as digestion and growth processes. In the detergent industry, commercial enzymes are used to ensure a higher degree of stain removal, whiteness, fabric and color care, and overall cleaning performance.

Enzyme Stabiliser

Prevents deactivation of enzymes in liquid detergents

Emulsifiers

Emulsifiers are surface-active agents (such as a soap) that are used to create and stabilise an emulsion. Without emulsifiers the ingredients in some products would not be be properly mixed or would 'split'

Cationic Surfactants

In fabric softeners and in detergents with built-in fabric softener, cationic surfactants provide softness. Their main use in laundry products is in rinse added fabric softeners, such as esterquats, one of the most widely used cationic surfactants in rinse added fabric softeners.In household and bathroom cleaners, cationic surfactants contribute to the disinfecting/sanitizing properties

Bulking Agents

Added to increase the volume of a product through dilution, so that it can be applied at the correct concentration.

Builders

Reduces the effect of water hardness by removing calcium and magnesium ions and increases the effectiveness of the detergent

Bleach Precursors

Reacts in the wash to form bleaching substance

Bleach Activators

Allows a bleaching effect at lower washing temperature and thus helps save energy

Binders

Substances that are added to provide adhesive properties so that the solids stick together e.g tablets.

Anti-redeposition Agent

Prevents dirt in the wash solution being re-deposited on the clothes.

Antioxidant

Antioxidants preserve materials by preventing oxidation (i.e. reaction of the product with oxygen). This ensures that products do not 'go bad' (e.g. by discolouring) during storage before use.

Antifoaming Agent

Suppresses the formation of excess foam during production and/or consumer use.

Anticaking Agent

Prevents the formation of lumps in the product.

Anionic Surfactants

These surfactants are particularly effective at oily soil cleaning and oil/clay soil suspension. They can react in the wash water with the positively charged water hardness ions (calcium and magnesium) , which can lead to partial deactivation.

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Amphoteric Surfactants

These surfactants are very mild, making them particularly suited for use in personal care and household cleaning products. They can be anionic (negatively charged), cationic (positively charged) or non-ionic (no charge) in solution, depending on the acidity or pH of the water.

Alkalinity sources

Increases the alkalinity of the product to aid dissolution of dirt.

Additives

Ensures desirable product properties

Abrasive

Aids the removal of a variety of soils from various surfaces through mechanical action e.g. grime from kitchen/bathroom tiles, baked on foodstuffs from cooker tops etc.

Different hazard types and how they are managed

Function Benefits
Skin irritation

Depending on the concentration at which the ingredient is added to make the final product effective, the final product may have skin irritating properties. In Europe, the pictogram Irritant appears on the label of household detergents and cleaning products in case there is a risk of skin irritation. This is why the label will Pollutionrecommend for you to avoid skin contact with product and it is important to follow this instruction.

Eye irritation

Depending on the concentration at which the ingredient is added to make the final product effective, the final product may have eye irritating properties. In Europe, the pictogram Irritant appears on the label of household detergents and cleaning products in case there is a risk of eye irritation. If the product gets in your eyes, wash it out with water. Keep away from eyes Avoid splashing.

Eye corrosion

Depending on the concentration at which the ingredient is added to make the final product effective, the final product may have eye corrosive properties. In Europe, the pictogram Eye damage appears on the label of household detergents and cleaning products in case there is a risk of eye corrosion. It is important to read the whole label carefully and use the product as intended. Keep away from eyes. If product gets into eyes rinse thoroughly with water. Keep away from eyes

Skin corrosion

Depending on the concentration at which the ingredient is added to make the final product effective, the final product may have skin corrosive properties. In Europe, the pictogram Corrosive to the eyes and skin appears on the label of household detergents and cleaning products in case there is a risk of skin corrosion. For products that are skin corrosive, avoid skin contact at all times. The use of gloves will be recommended. It is key to follow this instruction.

Respiratory irritation

Based on the ingredients in the formulation, there may be respiratory irritating properties to the final product. Make sure to Ventilate the room after use.

Skin sensitization

When exposed, those with an existing allergy may be triggered and have an allergic (skin) reaction to this ingredient. Thus, companies add these ingredients in the smallest effective quantity to ensure the positive effect in the detergent and list the ingredient on the label and online. This is done so that those with allergies can make informed choices and avoid products with ingredients that they are allergic to.

Environmental concerns of surfactants

To be placed on the market in Europe detergents have to follow the European Detergent Regulation which requires all types of surfactants used in detergents and maintenance products to be readily and ultimately biodegradable. (Link to biodegradability chapter)

Acute aquatic hazard/ Environmental concerns

In Europe, based on the composition of product, the pictogram Hazardous to the environment will appear on the label of household detergents and cleaning products in case there are environmental concerns when the product is directly released into surface waters. When the product is used according to the label and goes down the drain. These concerns are covered once the product reaches Sewage Treatment Plants, which is required by the Wastewater Treatment Directive. See https://cleanright.eu/en/faq.html (Detergents and our environment)

Flammable/explosive

This is not relevant for detergents due to the way these products are formulated either in water or as large granules thus eliminating the risk of flammability.

Do not mix with bleach activators

Some formulations can result in harmful chemical reactions if mixed with other ingredients. It is very important not to mix products together. Do not mix with other products

Release toxic gas if mixed with acid

Some formulations, especially those containing bleach, can result in release of toxic gas if mixed with acid. It is very important not to mix products together. Do not mix with other products

CMR properties

Each ingredient has a safe level below which it is safe for use. This ingredient is used in very small, and safe amounts, below the limit at which it cause any CMR properties. The final product will be safe for use.

Respiratory sensitization for Enzymes

Enzymes have been incorporated in consumer laundry and maintenance products since the 1970s. In case a high volume of airborne enzyme particles are repeatedly inhaled this might potentially lead to respiratory allergy. However, in laundry and maintenance products the enzymes are formulated in liquids or embedded in coated granulates. Thereby airborne enzyme particles is below safety concern and the risk which could potentially lead to respiratory allergy is removed. There is a lot of compelling evidence through widespread consumer experience over several decades that enzymes can be used safely in consumer products.

Acute toxicity/ Harmful if swallowed

Detergent and maintenance products should not be ingested Do not ingest. If product is ingested contact emergency health response.

Environmental concerns for phophates and phosphonates - Risk of eutrophication in surface water

Phosphates and Phosphonates are no longer used in EU detergents and cleansers. Limitations were imposed by the Detergent Regulation for their use in consumer laundry detergents and consumer automatic dishwasher detergents due to environmental concerns

Ingredient INCI NAME Amylaseview more
Other Chemical Names
EC number 232-567-7
CAS number 9000-92-4
Function

Amylase is used in Detergent and Maintenance Products as an Enzymes

Amylase enzymes break down starches and sugars for easier stain removal, such as gravy, ice cream, and condiments. Enzymes are catalysts that increase the rate of chemical reactions such as digestion and growth processes. In the laundry and dishwash detergent industry, commercial enzymes are used to ensure a higher degree of stain removal, whiteness, fabric and color care, and overall cleaning performance. They can also be found in some drain cleaners and other enzymatic cleaners.

Regulatory actions to ensure safe use

REACH registered

Safe use assessed by experts along the supply chain

Regulatory measure under consideration - Status
Date of updated information
Risks

The Risk of an ingredient is based on its’ Hazards related to the Exposure
Respiratory sensitization for Enzymes

Enzymes have been incorporated in consumer laundry and maintenance products since the 1970s. In case a high volume of airborne enzyme particles are repeatedly inhaled this might potentially lead to respiratory allergy. However, in laundry and maintenance products the enzymes are formulated in liquids or embedded in coated granulates. Thereby airborne enzyme particles is below safety concern and the risk which could potentially lead to respiratory allergy is removed. There is a lot of compelling evidence through widespread consumer experience over several decades that enzymes can be used safely in consumer products.

Ingredient INCI NAME Formic acidview more
Other Chemical Names
EC number 200-579-1
CAS number 64-18-6
Function

Formic acid is used in Detergent and Maintenance Products as a Preservative

Water-based liquid detergents need a method of preservation, without this they would be contaminated by micro-organisms and result in product going to waste. Preservatives thus play a fundamental role in preventing product damage. They ensure durable shelf and storage life, thereby reducing product losses, and support sustainability by optimising use of resources

Regulatory actions to ensure safe use

REACH registered
Safe use assessed by experts along the supply chain
Under review by EU Authorities for additional concerns

Reviewed under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EC) 528/2012 as well as REACH
https://echa.europa.eu/fr/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.000.52

Regulatory measure under consideration - Status Under assessment for potential Endocrine Disrupting properties - on ED list
Date of updated information Sep-21
Risks

The Risk of an ingredient is based on its’ Hazards related to the Exposure

Eye corrosion : Depending on the concentration at which the ingredient is added to make the final product effective, the final product may have eye corrosive properties. In Europe, the pictogram appears on the label of household detergents and cleaning products in case there is a risk of eye corrosion. It is important to read the whole label carefully and use the product as intended. Keep away from eyes. If product gets into eyes rinse thoroughly with water.

Skin corrosion Depending on the concentration at which the ingredient is added to make the final product effective, the final product may have skin corrosive properties. In Europe, the pictogram appears on the label of household detergents and cleaning products in case there is a risk of skin corrosion.

For products that are skin corrosive, avoid skin contact at all times. The use of gloves will be recommended. It is key to follow this instruction.

Ingredient INCI NAME AMYL CINNAMALview more
Other Chemical Names 2-Benzylideneheptanal
EC number 204-541-5
CAS number 122-40-7
Function

Amyl cinnamal is used in Detergent and Maintenance Products as a Fragrance

Fragrances provide many sensorial benefits when used in cleaning products and laundry detergents and play a major role in product choice for consumers. Its benefits are both emotional (such as by signifying cleanliness, freshness or comfort) and functional (masking malodour). Fragrance is a key differentiator between products.

Regulatory actions to ensure safe use

Safe use assessed by experts along the supply chain

https://echa.europa.eu/fr/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.004.129

Regulatory measure under consideration - Status
Date of updated information Aug-20
Risks

The Risk of an ingredient is based on its’ Hazards related to the Exposure

Skin sensitization : When exposed, those with an existing allergy may be triggered and have an allergic (skin) reaction to this ingredient. Thus, companies add these ingredients in the smallest effective quantity to ensure the positive effect in the detergent and list the ingredient on the label and online. This is done so that those with allergies can make informed choices and avoid products with ingredients that they are allergic to.

Ingredient INCI NAME Sodium Laureth Sulfateview more
Other Chemical Names Alcohols, C12-14, ethoxylated, sulfates, sodium salts
EC number 221-416-0/ - / 500-234-8 / - / 500-223-8 / 293-918-8
CAS number 3088-31-1 / 9004-82-4 / 68891-38-3 / 1335-72-4 / 68585-34-2 / 91648-56-5 
Function

Sodium Laureth Sulfate is used in Detergent and Maintenance Products as a Nonionic Surfactants

Surfactants are key ingredients. They act by changing the surface tension of water to assist cleansing, wetting surfaces, foaming, and emulsifying, to remove particles of dirt and soil.



These surfactants do not have an electrical charge, which makes them resistant to water hardness deactivation. They are excellent grease removers that are used in laundry products, household cleaners and hand dishwashing liquids

Regulatory actions to ensure safe use

REACH registered

Safe use assessed by experts along the supply chain

Under review by EU Authorities for additional concerns

Regulatory measure under consideration - Status Data generation, dossier evaluation
Date of updated information Aug-20
Risks

The Risk of an ingredient is based on its’ Hazards related to the Exposure
Eye corrosion Depending on the concentration at which the ingredient is added to make the final product effective, the final product may have eye corrosive properties.

In Europe, the pictogram () appears on the label of household detergents and cleaning products in case there is a risk of eye corrosion.

It is important to read the whole label carefully and use the product as intended. Keep away from eyes. If product gets into eyes rinse thoroughly with water.

Environmental concerns of surfactants To be placed on the market in Europe detergents have to follow the European Detergent Regulation which requires all types of surfactants used in detergents and maintenance products to be readily and ultimately biodegradable.

Ingredient INCI NAME Benzylhemiformalview more
Other Chemical Names Methanol, (phenylmethoxy)
EC number 238-588-8
CAS number 14548-60-8
Function

Benzylhemiformal is used in Detergent and Maintenance Products as a Preservative

Water-based liquid detergents need a method of preservation, without this they would be contaminated by micro-organisms and result in product going to waste. Preservatives thus play a fundamental role in preventing product damage. They ensure durable shelf and storage life, thereby reducing product losses, and support sustainability by optimising use of resources

Regulatory actions to ensure safe use

Reviewed under the Biocidal Products Regulation (EC) 528/2012 as well as REACH

For the Biocidal Products Regulation, under assessment of review programme (PT 6 & PT13)

https://echa.europa.eu/fr/substance-information/-/substanceinfo/100.035.065

Regulatory measure under consideration - Status No obvious regulatory activity
Date of updated information Sep-21
Risks

The Risk of an ingredient is based on its’ Hazards related to the Exposure
Skin sensitization When exposed, those with an existing allergy may be triggered and have an allergic (skin) reaction to this ingredient. Thus, companies add these ingredients in the smallest effective quantity to ensure the positive effect in the detergent and list the ingredient on the label and online. This is done so that those with allergies can make informed choices and avoid products with ingredients that they are allergic to.
Environmental Concerns In Europe, based on the composition of product, the pictogram ( ) will appear on the label of household detergents and cleaning products in case there are environmental concerns when the product is directly released into surface waters.

When the product is used according to the label and goes down the drain. These concerns are covered once the product reaches Sewage Treatment Plants, which is required by the Wastewater Treatment Directive. See https://cleanright.eu/en/faq.html (Detergents and our environment)

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