Core Viewpoint - Several major international cosmetics companies, including Estée Lauder, Shiseido, and Unilever, are facing lawsuits for selling products containing carcinogenic substances without warning labels, following a similar incident involving L'Oréal earlier this year [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuits were initiated by a consumer safety organization named Initiative for Safer Cosmetics, which filed four independent lawsuits in Los Angeles [2][3]. - The lawsuits claim that these companies violated California's Proposition 65 by selling products containing diethanolamine (DEA) without proper warnings [3][4]. - The Initiative for Safer Cosmetics is seeking civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation, an injunction to stop the sale of the offending products, and reimbursement for legal fees [3][4]. Group 2: Proposition 65 Overview - Proposition 65 was established to protect California's drinking water from specific chemical contaminants and to inform citizens about potential exposure risks [4][5]. - Companies with 10 or more employees are required to provide warnings if their products contain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm [4][5]. - The law applies to products sold in California or online to California customers, regardless of the company's location [4]. Group 3: Diethanolamine (DEA) Specifics - Diethanolamine has been listed as a carcinogenic substance in California since 2012, based on evidence from animal studies [8][9]. - The concentration of DEA in cosmetics can range from 1% to 25% [6]. - While DEA is not banned in the U.S., it is prohibited in cosmetics in the EU due to its potential to form carcinogenic nitrosamines when combined with certain preservatives [12][14]. Group 4: Regulatory Implications - The increase in violations related to DEA has surged in 2024, with over 300 notifications reported, primarily targeting personal care and cosmetic products [12]. - Companies must ensure compliance with local regulations to mitigate legal risks, reflecting a broader trend of increasing regulatory scrutiny in the global market [14].