Frequently Asked Questions About Materials and Ingredients
At Pigeon, we make it our guiding principle to use only materials whose safety is guaranteed, offering peace of mind to customers and babies.
To ensure that our products can be used without any reservations, we have prepared the following information about the materials and ingredients subject to the most frequent customer inquiries.
Products Such as Nursing Bottles and Pacifiers
Skincare Products, Shampoos, etc.
list of ingredient information
Bisphenols (BPA, BPS)
What kinds of substances are bisphenol A (BPA) and bisphenol S (BPS)?
Bisphenols A and S (BPA and BPS) are widely used chemical compounds. BPA is chiefly used as the raw material for polycarbonate resin, while BPS is used as a substitute for BPA.
Concerns about reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption been raised in connection with BPA and BPS, leading to the tightening of regulations in the EU and elsewhere.
Selecting only materials that meet Pigeon’s internal safety standards
Pigeon prohibits the use of BPA or BPS in nursing bottles, pacifiers, and other products that might find their way into a baby’s mouth. We also prohibit the use of other bisphenols associated with endocrine disruption and other safety concerns. We will continue to follow reports from inside and outside Japan on the safety of various substances and pay close attention to the safety of our products to ensure that they can be used with peace of mind.
Going forward, we will continue to learn from the latest information and strive daily to products that offer our customers heartfelt peace of mind.
Phthalate esters
What kinds of substances are phthalate esters?
Phthalate esters are chemical compounds in widespread use, chiefly as plasticizers imparting flexibility and durability to PVC and other plastics.
Concerns have been raised over reproductive toxicity and endocrine disruption in relation to certain phthalate esters, including DEHP (bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate), DBP (dibutyl phthalate), and BBP (benzil butyl phthalate), leading to leading to stricter regulations in the EU and elsewhere. In Japan, use of these phthalate esters in food containers and packaging is restricted, chiefly under the Food Sanitation Act. The inclusion of certain phthalate esters in toys is also restricted, chiefly under the Food Sanitation Act and the voluntary standards of the Japan Toy Association.
Selecting only materials that meet Pigeon’s internal safety standards
Pigeon restricts the use of phthalate esters in nursing bottles, pacifiers, and other products that might find their way into a baby’s mouth. We will continue to follow reports from inside and outside Japan on the safety of various substances and pay scrupulous attention to the safety of our products to ensure that they can be used with peace of mind.
Microplastics
What kinds of substances are microplastics?
Microplastics are usually defined as pieces of plastic less than 5 mm in size. Due to their small size, microplastics spread widely and easily in the environment, and concerns have been raised about marine pollution and the impact of microplastics on ecosystems.
Safety research
On October 19, 2020, nursing bottles came in for scrutiny in an article published in the journal Nature Food about “Microplastic release from the degradation of polypropylene feeding bottles during infant formula preparation.”
In 2020 and 2022, the World Association of Manufacturers of Bottles and Teats (WBT) released a statement on microplastics. Based on research findings published by Marine Nadine Gerhard et al. (2021), the statement declared plastic nursing bottles safe. It noted that the tiny particles these bottles released were chiefly plastic additives, and that the quantities involved were well within the range considered safe.
At the same time, much remains unknown about the effects of microplastics on the human body, and research is continuing around the world.
Ensuring products can be used with peace of mind
In accordance with EU regulations (Food Contact Regulation (EU) 10/2011) and Japanese law (the Food Sanitation Act), Pigeon’s plastic nursing bottles undergo hygiene testing as materials in contact with food to confirm their safety. We also ensure safety by conducting trials based on the laws and regulations in each country of sale. To meet the diverse needs of our customers, we also offer glass bottles. We will continue to follow reports from inside and outside Japan on the safety of various substances and pay scrupulous attention to the safety of our products to ensure that they can be used with peace of mind.
BHT
What kind of substance is BHT?
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) is an antioxidant used in cosmetics and food products. It prevents degradation due to oil oxidization.
Globally recognized safety and Pigeon’s strict internal standards
The use of BHT in cosmetics and food is permitted by strict safety authorities around the world, including Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the US Food & Drug Administration, and the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. These authorities have determined that BHT has no effect on health at or below the concentrations permitted by standards.
Pigeon not only clears national standards, it also maintains its own even stricter internal quality and safety standards.
The presence of BHT in products can be determined from the ingredient label
Products that contain BHT always include “BHT” in their list of ingredients and components. If that list does not mention BHT, then the product does not contain it.
Squalane
What kind of ingredient is squalane?
Squalane exists naturally in our skin, playing an important role in preserving moisture. Its advanced moisture-retaining properties prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin and protect against dryness.
How Pigeon uses squalane
Squalane is a safe ingredient permitted for use in cosmetics in Japan and many other countries around the world.
Pigeon not only adheres to national standards, it also maintains its own even stricter internal quality and safety standards.
Plant-derived squalane for lower environmental impact
Pigeon products use plant-derived squalane obtained chiefly from olives and sugarcane. Pigeon selects high-quality squalane produced with thought for the environment in accordance with the Washington Convention, which aims to conserve wild animals at risk of extinction.
Talc
What kind of component is talc?
Talc is an extremely smooth white powder made by finely crushing a natural mineral (talc).
・Smooth and dry feel against the skin: Adding talc to products like baby powder makes them feel pleasant against the skin.
・Absorbing sweat and oil: Talc absorbs unwanted sweat and oil and keeps the skin clean and smooth.
・Uniform consistency: Talc helps ensure that products can be spread across the skin smoothly and uniformly.
Talc is a part of everyday life, used not only in cosmetics but also in paper, plastic, pharmaceuticals, and other familiar products.
Pigeon uses asbestos-free talc
Because talc is a naturally occurring mineral, concerns have been raised about occasional admixture with asbestos.
However, strictly enforced standards in countries around the world require talc used in cosmetics to be highly pure, containing absolutely no asbestos.
Pigeon not only adheres to these national regulations and standards, it also chooses materials based on its own strict internal quality and safety standards.
When making products that contain talc, Pigeon always tests for asbestos and only uses materials that are confirmed safe.
Talc-free products also available
To meet the diverse needs of our customers, we also offer “talc-free” products that do not use talc.
Parabens
What kinds of ingredients are parabens? Why are they needed?
Parabens are preservatives that have long been used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, foods, and a range of other products.
・Preserving product hygiene: By preventing the reproduction of bacteria and molds invisible to the naked eye, parabens ensure that products remain in a hygienic, sanitary state longer.
・Ensuring safety and quality: Parabens also play an important role in preserving quality after products are opened, allowing them to be fully used with peace of mind.
Globally recognized safety and Pigeon’s strict internal standards
The use of parabens in cosmetics is permitted by strict safety authorities around the world, including Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the US Cosmetic Ingredient Review and Food & Drug Administration.
These authorities have determined that there are no health concerns related to parabens in the quantities used in cosmetics.
Pigeon not only adheres to these national regulations and standards, it also chooses materials based on its own strict internal quality and safety standards.
When parabens are used in Pigeon products, they are used in accordance with the company’s internal standards, in extremely low concentrations known to be safe, to ensure that customers can use these products with peace of mind.
Paraben-free products also available
To meet the diverse needs of our customers, we also offer “paraben-free” products that do not use paraben.
Phenoxyethanol
What kind of ingredient is phenoxyethanol? Why is it needed?
Phenoxyethanol is a preservative used in cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, and various other products.
・Preserving product hygiene: By preventing the reproduction of bacteria and molds invisible to the naked eye, phenoxyethanol ensures that products remain in a hygienic, sanitary state longer.
・Ensuring safety and quality: Phenoxyethanol also plays an important role in preserving quality after products are opened, allowing them to be fully used with peace of mind.
Is phenoxyethanol the same as alcohol?
Because its name ends with “-ethanol,” phenoxyethanol is sometimes confused with the alcohol (ethanol) used in disinfectants and similar products. However, phenoxyethanol is a separate substance with a different chemical structure.
Globally recognized safety and Pigeon’s strict internal standards
The use of phenoxyethanol in cosmetics and food is permitted by strict safety authorities around the world, including Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the US Food & Drug Administration, and the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety. These authorities have determined that phenoxyethanol has no effect on health in the volumes permitted.
Pigeon not only adheres to these national regulations and standards, it also chooses materials based on its own strict internal quality and safety standards.
When phenoxyethanol is used in Pigeon products, it is used in accordance with the company’s internal standards, in extremely low concentrations known to be safe.
Mineral oils
What kinds of ingredients are mineral oils? Why are they good for the skin?
Mineral oils (a category which also includes Vaseline, paraffin, and so on) are made from highly refined petroleum from which the impurities have been removed.
・High moisture retention: Mineral oils create a thin, veil-like layer on the skin that prevents moisture from evaporating and protects against dry skin.
・Conserving smoothness: Mineral oils can make the skin softer and protect it from external irritants.
・Gentle on the skin: Mineral oils are relatively low-irritant and stable, making them suitable even for sensitive skin.
Uncompromising focus on quality and Pigeon’s strict internal safety standards
Some might be concerned to hear that mineral oils are made from petroleum.
The mineral oils used in cosmetics have been strictly evaluated for safety and approved for use in countries around the world, including Japan (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). The EU in particular only permits the use of “high-purity mineral oils” thoroughly processed to remove impurities.
Pigeon not only adheres to these national regulations and standards, it also chooses materials based on its own strict internal quality and safety standards.
Accordingly, only highly refined mineral oils known to be safe are used in Pigeon products.
Mineral oil–free products also available
To meet the diverse needs of our customers, we also offer “mineral oil–free” products that do not use mineral oils.
UV absorbers
What kinds of ingredients are UV absorbers? Why are they needed?
UV absorbers are substances included in sun block and similar products that catch UV (ultraviolet) light and convert it to another form of energy to prevent it entering the skin.
・Protection from sun damage: UV absorbers absorb the UV rays that cause discoloration and freckles (UV-A and UV-B) and protect the skin from sunburn damage, reducing the risk of future skin trouble.
・Protective barrier: UV absorbers also play an important role in protecting the skin from dryness and irritation caused by UV rays.
Globally recognized safety and Pigeon’ strict internal standards
UV absorbers have been strictly evaluated for safety and approved for use in countries around the world, including Japan (Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare). For example, specialist bodies in Europe have determined that one UV absorber (bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol methoxyphenyl triazine) raises no health concerns provided it is used at or below the specified concentrations. Individual ingredients are confirmed safe by various authorities in this way.
Pigeon not only adheres to these national regulations and standards, it also chooses materials based on its own strict internal quality and safety standards.
Accordingly, only UV absorbers known to be safe are used in Pigeon products, and at strictly managed concentrations.
Non-chemical products not using UV absorbers also available
To meet the diverse needs of our customers, we also offer “non-chemical” products that do not use UV absorbers.