THE WHAT? The Asean Cosmetic Committee has announced its intention to ban boron-based compounds in cosmetics, according to a report published by toxics watchdog group, EcoWaste Coalition.

THE DETAILS The EcoWaste Coalition has applauded the move, which would see ingredients such as sodium perborate and perboric acid, among others, prohibited from November next year.

THE WHY? The EcoWaste Coalition has been lobbying for this change following a recall in Europe of hair dye products containing boron-based compounds, which are said to be carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic to reproduction.