The EU Inventory of Cosmetic Ingredients contains over 5000 substances including 1400 vegetable based, 300 animal based and about 3300 synthetic ingredients (Commission Decision, 2006). In
particular, it was found that volatile organic compounds (VOCs),methacrylates, and phthalates are the most abundant components in hair-care products. In Italy, hairdressing products are cosmetics and their production and sale is regulated by EU Commission Directive 2010/4/CE. These products are divided into 5 classes depending on the different type of treatment/work they are used for and a list is included of the main substances which may determine pathological effects on humans under specific conditions of use (Commission Directive, 2010). In order to safeguard
health, the same legislation includes a number of prohibitions, restrictions and conditions of use related to the chemicals used in the formulation of these cosmetics.