Estée Lauder Fined $750K for Using Undeclared ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Eyeliners
Estée Lauder has been fined $750,000 for violating environmental regulations by using undeclared “forever chemicals” in its eyeliners. The fine stems from a guilty plea to two counts of breaching the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.
Details of the Violation
In May 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada discovered that Estée Lauder was selling eyeliner products containing perfluorononyl dimethicone. This chemical, a silicone polymer, enhances durability and water resistance in cosmetics. It belongs to a larger group of chemicals known as PFAS, which are notorious for their persistence in the environment and the human body.
Legal Requirements and Non-compliance
According to the Canadian environmental agency, Estée Lauder was obligated to notify the government before importing or selling products containing this substance. The company failed to meet this requirement, thereby preventing the government from assessing potential health or environmental impacts.
Consequences of Non-compliance
- In June 2023, an environmental protection compliance order was issued to Estée Lauder, detailing necessary corrective actions.
- The company did not adhere to the order.
- A court ruling from Ontario mandated that Estée Lauder notify its shareholders regarding the conviction.
- The company will be added to the environmental offenders registry.
Funding for Environmental Projects
The fine will contribute to the federal government’s environmental damages fund. This fund is used for initiatives aimed at repairing environmental damage and promoting sustainability.
Advocacy Groups Respond
Environmental organizations, including Environmental Defence and Ecojustice, welcomed the enforcement of chemical reporting rules against Estée Lauder. They emphasized the need for Canada to tighten regulations on PFAS to avoid becoming a dumping ground for products banned in other jurisdictions.
Future Regulatory Action
Advocacy groups urged the Canadian government to finalize the listing of PFAS under the Environmental Protection Act. They also called for ongoing funding to enhance chemicals management and regulatory enforcement.
In related news, Estée Lauder is not alone in facing penalties for the use of perfluorononyl dimethicone. In March 2024, neighboring company Groupe Marcelle Inc. received a $500,000 fine for similar violations involving its cosmetic lines.
The issue of “forever chemicals” continues to be a concern, prompting ongoing studies and regulatory scrutiny in Canada. Researchers have indicated that these chemicals are infiltrating wildlife, raising further alarms about their environmental impact.
