February 2025 Updates to the Canadian Hotlist 

There are new updates to Health Canada’s Hotlist as of February 28, 2025. Please note that the long-awaited substance, Retinal, has now been added to the list of restricted substances. See the full list of new additions and updates listed below. 

New Items – Added to the Hotlist 

• Retinal – added to the restricted list due to the therapeutic effect and its risk for skin irritation.  
• Thioglycolic acid esters – added to the prohibited list due to the risk of skin sensitization. As no upper concentration limit was able to be determined, this substance will be added to the prohibited list. There is evidence that through prolonged exposure there is an increased risk of developing skin sensitization and long-term dermatitis for any person who may already be sensitized.  

Current Items – Amended on the Hotlist 

• Mixed cresols and derivatives – the single entry has been separated for the different cresols as each have different risks associated. P-cresol and mixtures thereof will remain on the prohibited list and o-cresol and m-cresol will be present on the restricted list. At lower concentrations these 2 derivatives present a lower risk.  
• Peroxide and peroxide-generating compounds – the entry has been amended to add restrictions based on the use of the substance. The oral concentrations have not been altered but there are new restrictions for use in hair products, eyelash/eyebrow products. Note that these ingredients are not permitted on products used around the genital area.  
• Benzoyl peroxide – this substance will only be permitted for use in nail products for professional use.  
• Retinol and its esters – the concentrations of this substance and its esters have been amended to reflect the Health Canada recommendations for tolerable intake levels of Vitamin A.  

Feel free to review our past blog to see the amendments made in May 2024. To see the full Hotlist follow this link. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about these updates.  

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