The above matter has come to our attention. We have come across similar emails, reviewed the original source of what is being circulated and found the contents to be malicious, misleading and devoid of facts. We believe this has been done with intent to harm the leading shampoo brand in the country.
At the outset, we wish to clearly state that our products are absolutely safe for their intended use. The safety of the consumer is of foremost importance to us. All Unilever Philippines products are therefore rigorously tested and assessed for safety and thorough quality procedures are employed at sourcing, manufacturing and distribution.
We wish to share with you facts about the safety of our hair care products and about formaldehyde. The facts are as follows:
Formaldehyde is widely used around the world at very low levels in cosmetic products. Its use is approved by many regulatory agencies, including Philippines, USA (FDA), Europe, Canada & South Africa. Like any other chemical, formaldehyde can be harmful to human health at very high levels or when used in the wrong way. This is why there are limits for its safe use in cosmetics which are set by government and assure consumer safety. Unilever strictly complies with these limits in all markets worldwide.
Unilever Philippines products are evaluated and registered by the Philippines’ Department of Health through BFAD (Bureau of Food and Drugs). Before this, each and every Unilever product undergoes a strict safety clearance procedure by our global Safety & Environmental Assurance Centre (SEAC). The safety testing procedures and process comply with international requirements.
Formaldehyde is used to prevent the growth of germs in Sunsilk. Germs can damage consumer health and spoil the product, particularly in warm climates. The preservative is therefore used to ensure consumer safety during use and storage.
Our comments on some specific misleading allegations made in the aforementioned email are:
“Everytime na nag shampoo tayo ng may Formaldehyde ingredients, parang enembalsamo na rin natin ang ating mga sarili.” (Every time we use a shampoo with formaldehyde, we are getting ourselves embalmed).
A more correct statement is that every time we use a shampoo with formaldehyde we are reassured that product is well preserved and is free of bacterial contamination. Formaldehyde is currently widely used as a preservative in personal care and other every day use products and has been safely used for many years. Comparing embalming to shampooing is totally absurd.
“Everyday tayo gumagamit, everyday din nadadagdagan ang amount na nilalagay natin sa ating ulo na Formalin”. (Every day we use shampoo, everyday the amount of formalin is accumulated on our head).
All ingredients used in shampoo are safe at the levels used in the products. Our products are therefore safe for their intended everyday use and handling. Safety tests adequately reflect the intended product usage. Hence, shampoos containing formaldehyde at the levels permitted are safe when used everyday.
“Products containing this chemical should be considered unacceptable”.
As explained, formaldehyde is safe at the low levels used in our products. When used at these levels they do not cause any increased health risk and help to keep the product free from germs.
Like most malicious rumours being passed around in the Internet, this is a recycled one. It is unfortunate that whoever recycled this decided to cite and single out the No. 1 shampoo brand in the country, which has a rich heritage in the Philippines and all over the world.
In summary, Formaldehyde as used in our products – like Sunsilk – is absolutely safe for our consumers.
For further concerns, feel free to contact Unilever Consumer Advisory Service at 1-800-10-5647258 or (02) 588-8800.
Again, thank you for your continued support and patronage!
Consumer Advisory Service
Unilever Philippines
25 May 2007
