In a recent statement, chemist Magdalena Kaczanowicz criticized the practice of advertising cosmetics with the term "free from" certain ingredients, which is often referred to in the cosmetic industry as "meringues." She argues that such descriptions are misleading and violate fair competition laws. According to Kaczanowicz, only safety-related claims, such as the absence of alcohol or fragrances, should be allowed on product packaging. This perspective highlights the need for stricter regulations regarding ingredient labeling in the cosmetics industry to avoid misinformation to consumers.

Kaczanowicz emphasizes that ingredients like parabens, PEGs, SLSs, and silicones can be perfectly safe within the appropriate concentrations assessed by safety evaluation committees. This underscores a belief that the standards applied in Poland are among the most stringent in the cosmetic sector, warranting that the inclusion of such ingredients is not inherently unsafe. The chemist's insights aim to inform consumers about the realities of cosmetic formulations and promote a better understanding of ingredient safety.

Overall, this discussion sheds light on the ongoing debate around cosmetic marketing practices and the implications for consumer safety. It suggests a need for clearer regulations surrounding ingredient claims to help consumers make informed choices, while also supporting the integrity of the cosmetic industry, which must ensure their products meet safety standards through rigorous testing protocols.