Client News

HPRA: Six in Ten Irish adults use cosmetics beyond their expiry or recommended shelf life

Six in Ten Irish adults use cosmetics beyond their expiry or recommended shelf life

HPRA urges public to follow shelf-life guidance and use products safely

New Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) research published today reveals that the majority of Irish adults continue to use cosmetic products beyond their expiry date or recommended shelf life. According to its national survey, six in 10 (60%) people are willing to disregard expiry dates or the ‘open jar’ symbol – an oversight that may pose health risks. The findings also highlight a significant gap in consumer understanding of cosmetic product labelling, with just four in 10 (41%) aware of the ‘open jar’ symbol. This symbol indicates the timeframe after opening during which the product remains safe to use. After this time, it may begin to degrade and pose a risk to consumers. The HPRA warns that using expired cosmetics can reduce their effectiveness and, in some cases, increase the risk of irritation or other adverse reactions.

“Cosmetics are a staple in many people’s daily routines with half of adults (49%) using four or more products each day. When used as intended, cosmetics are generally very safe,” said Lisa Byrne, Cosmetic Product Manager at HPRA. “However, our research reveals a clear gap in consumer understanding and awareness on product shelf-life – and a tendency to overlook expiry guidance”.

The research also found:

• More than a quarter (28%) of respondents have purchased what they suspected were counterfeit cosmetics. Of these, four in ten made their purchase online.
• Over one in three (35%) Irish adults reported experiencing a side effect from cosmetic products, most commonly skin irritation or rashes.
• Reports of side effects increased to 41% among those willing to use cosmetic products beyond expiry and use by dates, and to 54% among those who may have purchased counterfeit products.
• Consumers were far more likely to ‘always’ review instructions (37%) and ingredients (30%) on labels than to check best-before dates (23%).
• When deciding which cosmetic products to purchase, value for money was the most important factor (32%), followed by the product’s benefits (15%) and brand (15%).

Ms Byrne states that using products beyond their recommended use period can compromise both quality and safety.

“Ingredients can degrade or become contaminated, especially if exposed to light, air and bacteria. This can lead to chemical changes or the growth of harmful microbes, which may make the product unsafe for use. For example, over time the active ingredients in sunscreen, UV filters, may lose potency or efficacy, reducing its effectiveness to protect our skin from sun damage. We urge consumers to pay close attention to expiry dates and the ‘open jar’ symbol on all cosmetic labels, and to responsibly discard products that have exceeded their safe-use period.”

While one in three respondents say they have experienced a suspected side effect when using a cosmetic, our research shows this is more likely to happen among those who purchased cosmetics from unverified or unreputable sources and among those who do not engage with the expiry or use by date. By following a few simple steps – such as checking expiry dates, noting the ‘open jar’ symbol, and sourcing products responsibly – consumers can reduce the risk of undesirable effects, safeguard their health, and ensure their cosmetics perform as intended,” Byrne added.

 

HPRA tips for safer use of cosmetics:

• Do not use a cosmetic product beyond its recommended usage period or expiry date. The label on most products will feature either an ‘open jar’ symbol or a ‘best before’ date (known as a date of minimum durability).
• To help track the safe-use period, write the date of opening directly on the product label, making it easier to follow the timeframe indicated by the ‘open jar’ symbol.
• Follow the instructions on the label carefully.
• Ensure that the product is labelled with a European address. This means there is a company in Europe responsible for ensuring it complies with quality and safety requirements.
• Only purchase cosmetics from reputable, trusted outlets. Products sold via unknown platforms or through unofficial channels may not meet safety standards or comply with EU regulations.
• If you experience a serious reaction, report it directly to the HPRA at hpra.ie/report

The HPRA has a regulatory role in relation to the sale and supply of cosmetics in Ireland. This includes investigating non-compliance with EU regulations and monitoring reported undesirable effects and adverse reactions to products. To protect consumer health, it monitors the market in collaboration with the HSE’s National Environmental Health Service to identify and address safety and quality issues, undertaking investigations as appropriate when there are product safety concerns. Consumer reports of serious undesirable effects associated with cosmetic products play a vital role in helping the HPRA identify potential public health and safety concerns.

 

The HPRA commissioned this research to benchmark consumer understanding and behaviours in relation to cosmetic product use.

Health Products Regulatory Authority announces appointment of new Chief Executive

HEALTH PRODUCTS REGULATORY AUTHORITY

ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE

 

The Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) is pleased to announce that Ms Grainne Power has been appointed Chief Executive with effect from 1 January, 2026. Ms Power brings significant experience from across the health products sector and throughout her career has consistently demonstrated a strong commitment to both public and animal health. She is currently Director of Compliance at the HPRA where she is responsible for an extensive range of licensing, inspection, market surveillance and enforcement activities relating to medicinal products, blood, tissues and cells, controlled substances and cosmetics. Prior to that, she held the position of Director of Human Products Authorisation and Registration where she was responsible for overseeing the assessment of authorisation applications for medicines and clinical trials.

 

As Chief Executive, Ms Power will lead the HPRA in its mission to protect and enhance human and animal health through the regulation of health products. Her leadership will also steer the organisation’s strategic ambitions, beginning with the imminent launch of its new 2026–2028 corporate strategy. She succeeds Dr Lorraine Nolan, who’s tenure as Chief Executive is concluding at the end of this year.

 

Prof Michael Donnelly, Chairman of the Authority, welcomed Ms Power’s appointment; “The Authority is pleased to announce the appointment of Grainne Power as Chief Executive of the HPRA. On behalf of the Authority, I extend our sincere congratulations and a warm welcome to Grainne as she assumes this pivotal leadership role. Her appointment comes at a significant time for the organisation, and we look forward to working together to build on the organisation’s strong position. We look forward to supporting her leadership and wish her every success.”

 

Ms Power has over 20 years of regulatory, scientific and leadership experience in the health products industry, having held a number of senior management roles across both the public and private sectors. She joined the HPRA in 2018. Before entering the public sector, she held senior quality assurance roles in the pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical industries, managing systems and processes to ensure compliance with regulatory standards. She also gained earlier experience in quality-related roles within the veterinary medicines and medical devices sectors.

 

Ms Power holds a degree in Biotechnology from Dublin City University and postgraduate diplomas from both University College Dublin and Trinity College Dublin.

 

Ms Power is a current member of the Council of the pharmacy regulator, the PSI. Members are appointed by the Minister for Health to act in the public interest in overseeing the regulatory responsibilities of the PSI as the pharmacy regulator.

Irish Technology Consultancy Konversational Accelerates Expansion in United States

Irish Technology Consultancy Konversational Accelerates Expansion in United States

• Senior appointments charged with driving commercial growth in North American market

• Konversational Group targeting turnover of €20 million in 2026
• Dublin headquartered firm among the most experienced ServiceNow partners globally

 

Monday, Nov 24^: Konversational, the Irish technology consultancy is ramping up its operations in the United States with the appointment of Andrew Paolino and Chris Grassi to its senior leadership team. Both are vastly experienced technology leaders and will spearhead the firm’s commercial growth in the U.S following its opening in New York only four months ago. Konversational, one of the most experienced ServiceNow partners globally is targeting revenue growth of €20 million in 2026 across the group’s operations in Ireland, UK, Europe and the U.S.

 

Founded in 2020, Konversational is among the most experienced ServiceNow Customer Relationship Management Workflow partners globally. The launch into the U.S market comes less than two years after expansion into France, Switzerland and Germany. The appointment of both Paolino and Grassi represents a serious mark of intent by the Dublin headquartered firm to capitalise on the significant demand in the U.S for customer services technologies, with an estimated market value of €3.4 billion ($4 billion).

 

With a combined forty years’ experience, Paolino and Grassi will be chiefly responsible for commercial development in the North America market with a revenue target of over €5 million within the first twelve months. They will also lead talent acquisition with half of the 40 roles earmarked for the New York office already filled. Konversational currently employs 100 IT professionals across seven locations in Dublin, London, New York, Paris, Nantes, Zurich and Munich with that figure anticipated to reach 120 by 2026.

 

Paolino and Grassi have deep experience within the technology sector. Both held senior roles at Column Technologies, a global technology and software provider, before going on to co-found Highmetric in 2015. It developed deep expertise in the customer service area of the ServiceNow platform, scaling rapidly and was acquired via private equity in 2021 rebranding to NewRocket.

 

As an Elite partner of ServiceNow, Konversational are the preferred partner for the end-to-end deployment and implementation of ServiceNow’s AI-powered Customer and Industry Workflows platform. The platform, which encompasses the customer lifecycle from lead to cash, enables enterprise companies to grow faster, increase efficiencies, and provide enhanced customer service.

 

John Gilleran, Co-CEO Konversational said,

 

“We are pleased to announce the appointment of Andrew and Chris. Both are hugely experienced technology professionals with exceptional management and business development skills and bring a wealth of knowledge and depth of expertise to the team. They join the company at a key time as we continue to build and develop in the United States, a market that we regard as key to our continued commercial growth. I look forward to working closely with both and to bringing Konversational’s unrivalled knowledge of Customer Relationship Management on ServiceNow to clients in the U.S.

 

 

Andrew Paolino commented,

 

“Konversational is at an exciting point in its journey. Its move into the United States is a bold statement of intent and reflects its huge commercial ambitions. I have been impressed by the depth of talent, emphasis on high quality service-delivery, and industry knowledge and the significant opportunities that exist for the company and look forward to bringing this unrivalled expertise to clients in the North America market.”

 

Chris Grassi said,

 

“Konversational has scaled rapidly across the UK, Ireland and Europe and is hugely ambitious to expand even further. In a hugely competitive technology market, Konversational stands out. Its strong focus on Customer Relationship Management, its technical skills, sectoral knowledge and expertise are best-in-class. Significant opportunities exist in the United States, a market that has been identified as core to its continued growth. I am hugely excited about what lies ahead and about playing a key role in its next chapter.”

Barretstown calls on the nation to help ‘Sprinkle Some Magic’ this festive season

BARRETSTOWN CALLS ON THE NATION TO HELP ‘SPRINKLE SOME MAGIC’ THIS FESTIVE SEASON AND HELP CHILDREN WITH CANCER AND OTHER SERIOUS ILLNESSES

• Ireland’s leading provider of psychosocial care for children affected by cancer and other serious illnesses calls on the nation to donate and support its efforts to deliver services to children in need
• An estimated 18% of children in Ireland aged 2-17 have a long-standing illness or health problem * with on average 6 children being diagnosed with cancer every week**
• With just 4% of funding coming from Government, and remainder through donations, the Christmas appeal showcases impact of its services on children and families who share heartfelt personal stories

Thursday, 20^th November: Barretstown, Ireland’s leading provider of psychosocial care for children impacted by cancer and other serious illnesses today launched its annual Christmas appeal urging the nation to help “Sprinkle Some Magic” and put a smile on the faces of children and families battling serious illness. As part of the launch, the charity highlights that an estimated 18% of children in Ireland aged 2 to 17 years have a long-standing illness or health problem with on average six children being diagnosed with cancer every week.

Barretstown is calling on the public to dig deep this festive season and donate with all funds going towards delivery of its therapeutic recreation programmes which help children and young adults restore emotionally, socially and physically after experiencing cancer or another serious illness. To date, the charity has supported over 120,000 children and families through its free-of charge therapeutic recreation camps and programmes.

Barretstown supporters, former Miss Ireland and fashion model Sarah Morrissey and TV presenter Karen Koster joined campers Fióna O’Reilly (2), Meath, Katie Mooney (10), Dublin and Jonathan Lennon (12), Louth for this year’s launch appeal. Two-year old Fióna was diagnosed with a rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare soft tissue cancer at just 14 months old while Katie was diagnosed with cancer aged six with the detection of a Wilms tumour, in her kidney. Jonathan was diagnosed with large-cell anaplastic lymphoma, a type of blood cancer at the age of six. All three children and their families are sharing their personal stories of Barretstown and its impact on each of them.

Commenting at the launch, Sarah Morrissey said,

“As we prepare for the festive season, it’s an opportune time to take a moment and to think about how we can give back and help support. Barretstown is an organisation that is very close to my heart, and it is making a tremendous impact in the lives of so many children across Ireland. It’s an honour to join with Jonathan, Katie and Fióna, and hear about how they have overcome serious illnesses, and how Barretstown has played a part in this journey. By donating to Barretstown, you are helping children like Jonathan, Katie and Fióna.”

Supporter and TV Presenter Karen Koster added, “For a child or young adult to experience a serious illness, it has such an impact, completely altering the usual patterns of everyday life from school to family and home life. For children who can come to Barretstown, it’s a truly restorative experience helping them rebuild in so many ways. It’s incredible to see the progress of Fióna, Katie and Jonathan, and by them sharing their personal stories truly understand the life-changing impact of Barretstown.”

Dee Ahearn, CEO, Barretstown said, “At Barretstown our mission is to help children, young adults and families, restore their lives after the life-altering impact of cancer or another serious illness. As the leading provider in Ireland of psychosocial care for children and young adults through our therapeutic programmes, we know first-hand the impact these programmes have. The delivery of these programmes, which are considered to be a vital component of the Irish health system, are made possible through the extremely generous donations of the public. When you donate to Barretstown, you are making a difference in the lives of thousands of children and families, like Jonathan, Katie and Fióna. Your donation makes an impact, and that is what it is about, helping to make a positive difference. In the run-up to this Christmas season, on behalf of Barretstown, let’s bring a smile back to the faces of seriously ill children and Sprinkle Some Magic.

To donate to Barretstown this Christmas go to barretstown.org, in addition this December the charity will also team up with Flahavan’s to produce ‘Magical Reindeer Food’ which will be  available to purchase for just €2 in Applegreen and Dealz stores nationwide, with 100% of the proceeds of each packet going directly to the charity.

Movember Campaign Launch 2025

Over Half of Irish Adults Believe Men Need More Support To Manage Personal Health & Wellbeing

 

• Almost four in ten believe stigma around seeking help is a major barrier to men addressing health issues
• Two in five Irish adults feel men’s mental health is getting worse
• Cost of living and limited support for mental health – biggest pressures facing men
• Findings revealed as Movember launches 2025 campaign urging the nation to raise funds for men’s health

 

Wednesday, 22nd October 2025: Over half of Irish adults (56%) believe that men in Ireland need greater support to manage their health and wellbeing. Stigma around seeking help (34%) and an inability to ask for help (23%) were identified as major barriers to men addressing health concerns, while worryingly two in five feel men’s mental health is deteriorating reveals* Movember, the leading charity working to change the face of men’s health. Launching its annual nationwide campaign, Movember is calling on people across the country to raise vital funds to support men’s health initiatives, highlighting that men’s health is not just a men’s issue but a societal one impacting families, friends, and the wider community that support them. This year’s campaign is being championed by an impressive line-up of ambassadors, including former Munster rugby player Simon Zebo, broadcaster Darren Kennedy, former Mayo GAA footballer Pádraig O’Hora, and psychotherapist, author and pundit Richie Sadlier.

 

Drawing on findings from its landmark Real Face of Men’s Health* report which explores the attitudes and experiences shaping men’s health and wellbeing in Ireland today, it reveals that the cost of living (42%) and limited support for mental health (25%) were cited as the biggest pressures facing men.

 

Globally, a man dies by suicide every minute and in Ireland, four out of every five deaths by suicide are male. This is a national crisis that disproportionately affects younger, working-aged men. The findings from the report also indicate clear concerns for young men with half of Irish adults (50%) believing young men are becoming increasingly isolated, whilst 62% say they struggle to find purpose. Technology was cited by 35% of Irish adults as among the reasons it is more difficult for men to establish meaningful social connections while 70% of Irish adults believe greater efforts need to be made to tackle the epidemic of loneliness which is impacting men in Ireland, with the country already ranked as the loneliest in the EU.**

 

Prostate and testicular cancer awareness and early intervention remains central to the work of Movember. Through research, strategic partnerships and education the charity aims to support men achieve more positive health outcomes through earlier diagnosis and treatment. In Ireland, prostate cancer is the number one cancer affecting men (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer) with one in every six men diagnosed in their lifetime and 4,000 men diagnosed annually. Testicular cancer affects about 170 men in Ireland each year and is the most common cancer diagnosed in young men aged between 15 and 34 years.***

 

Speaking at the launch, Sarah Ouellette, Movember Country Manager, said,

 

“Movember as a campaign is all about having fun with impact, it’s about galvanising individuals and communities across the country to raise vital funds for men’s health. Poor men’s health is an issue that affects everyone, and its ripple effects are felt across families, workplaces, and society.

 

“Every man is a son, brother, friend, colleague or partner and it is important that we all recognise this and strive to create a society and health system that is gender responsive and empowers men to reach out and seek help earlier. Earlier supports and treatments lead to more positive outcomes.

 

“We know, Irish men are dying too young, and this must change. The moustache is a global symbol for positive change and we at Movember are appealing to the public to support the campaign this year. There are lots of ways to get involved, it’s about finding a way that works for you, whether that’s rallying your crew and getting a little creative while doing good for men’s health, or going solo. So why not grow a mo, host an event, move for mental health (60km walk or run); Mo your own way, or simply donate. Together we can all make lasting positive change and show up for the men in Ireland”.  

 

Since 2003, Movember has funded more than 1,300 men’s health projects globally, challenging the status quo, shaking up men’s health research and transforming the way health services reach and support men.

 

This coming Movember (November), supporters are encouraged to either grow a moustache, move 60km in the month, host an event or take on an epic challenge. The charity is appealing to the nation to get involved and support the health and wellbeing of the men in their lives.

 

Since 2008, over €29 million has been raised in Ireland with all funds go directly towards supporting men’s health research, programmes and community projects across mental health and suicide prevention, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer.

 

Grow a moustache. Raise funds. Save lives. Sign up now at Movember.com/support-us

Movember Launch Real Face of Men’s Health Report

Men in Ireland are dying too young of causes that are largely preventable according to new findings from the Real Face of Men’s Health report launched today by Movember. The report reveals that two in five (40.2%) of all male deaths were premature and that men are 40% more likely to die prematurely than women, across each of the five leading causes. Men living in the most deprived areas in Ireland were 150% more likely to die before the age of 75 than those living in the least deprived areas. Health economic analysis for the report also reveals that the five leading causes of years of life lost among Irish men cost over €1 billion in 2023 alone, €716 million which could have been prevented. The report, produced in partnership with the Men’s Health Forum in Ireland and the National Centre for Men’s Health (SETU) calls for cross Government support to expedite the roll out of the National Men’s Health Action Plan throughout Ireland. The report is a first of its kind to examine the reality of men’s health in Ireland today and is being supported by Irish Grammy winning musician Cian Ducrot and sporting legend Barry McGuigan.

The report provides a comprehensive assessment of men’s health in Ireland, combining new research and analysis. It details the barriers for men accessing healthcare, the wider impact of men’s ill health, beyond the individual, extending to partners, families and communities as well as the economic costs to the country. It is informed by a nationally representative sample of 2,000 Irish adults plus almost 1,000 caregivers and clinicians combined.

Key Findings:

 

Barriers to health: GPs said that the two biggest barriers to addressing men’s health issues were a lack of time and men’s reluctance to discuss sensitive topics. Fewer than one in three GPs (29%) felt they had a very good understanding of men’s health. When it came to men specifically addressing mental health concerns, GPs cited stigma, social norms around self-reliance, lack of support networks and fear of career impact as barriers to proactively seeking support.

 

Mental health: Mental health remains a critical concern. Men account for four in every five suicides (79%), and over nine in ten GPs (97%) encountered men presenting with suicide or suicidal ideation in the past year. On average GPs reported seeing 15 male patients per year presenting with suicidal behaviour with most cases in the 18–34-year-old and 35-54 age group.

 

The ripple effect of men’s health: The report highlights the ripple effect of men’s ill-health showing the impact goes beyond the individual, impacting families and communities. Six in ten (60%) carers of men – the majority women, reported a decline in their own mental health; 68% said there was an impact on personal energy, and over six in ten (65%) experienced frequent worry and anxiety because of caring responsibilities. Eight in ten carers (80%) said that the barriers they faced negatively affected the quality of care they are able to provide.

 

Financial Costs: New research by HealthLumen estimates the costs of the five causes of the largest number of years of life lost to ill health for men in Ireland – coronary heart disease; stroke; chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; lung cancer; and suicide. This means that if all these preventable health issues had been avoided in men, Ireland could have potentially saved a total of €716 million in 2023 alone.

 

Public concern and demand for action: The report calls on the Government to recognise the need to progress the National Men’s Health Action Plan 2024-2028 with a number of recommendations, including investing an initial €10m in the plan, in tandem with commissioning a full cost analysis, and prioritising the development of a cross-Government Policy Statement on Men’s Health. Men’s health is a unifying issue among the public with three quarters of Irish adults (75%) expressing concern around the current state of men’s health, in particular suicide (75%), loneliness (70%) and men’s mental health challenges (62%). Over six in ten adults (62%) believe young men are struggling to find purpose in society compared to previous generations. Three in five Irish dads (61%) also indicated they don’t feel supported within their roles and that there is a lack of understanding and support for men as part of the fatherhood journey.

 

Sarah Ouellette, Movember Country Manager speaking at the launch today stated that the report represents an important milestone in Ireland’s globally recognised national efforts to advance policy and actions to support men’s health.

 

“Put simply, Irish men are dying too young from preventable causes, and too many are living with poor health. Three quarters of the Irish public share this concern. There is also growing apprehension for the wellbeing of younger men with over half of Irish adults believing young men are growing increasingly disconnected from society and face greater difficulty in finding their place and purpose. We can see from the report, the huge unease around men’s mental health, with two in five believing that men’s mental health is getting worse while latest available figures show that four in five suicides are male, while worryingly suicide remains the leading cause of death among young men aged 15 to 29.

 

Men’s health is not only about men – it’s about families, carers, and society as a whole. We know that with earlier interventions, screening, and gender-responsive healthcare, we can respond to the challenges facing men’s health and bring about positive change. We are calling on the Government to commit to the ambitions of the National Men’s Health Action Plan and invest an initial €10 million to progress it. Investment in men’s health is not only for the benefit of men but for the whole of society.”

Dr Noel Richardson, Director, National Centre for Men’s Health, South-East Technological University & Lead Author states:

“This landmark report sheds considerable light on the state of men’s health in Ireland today and the range of factors that shape health outcomes in men. The depth and breadth of data contained in the report will be such an important resource for policy makers and practitioners working in men’s health in the years ahead. It makes a compelling case that men’s health matters and that improving men’s health benefits not just men but has important ripple effects for women’s and children’s health and for wider communities. Most importantly, the report can be a catalyst for positive change in men’s lives by appealing to men to protect their most valuable asset – their health.”

Speaking at the launch, Minister for Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill said:

“Ireland is a world leader in men’s health, and we were the first country to adopt a National Men’s Health Policy in 2009, followed by two action plans in 2017 and 2024. Throughout this period, significant progress has been made towards improving men’s health and there is a need to maintain the momentum and build upon the achievements to date. My department supports this important work with the provision of funding for the Irish Men’s Sheds Association, Men’s Development Network, Men’s Health Forum in Ireland, as well as working in partnership with our colleagues in the Department of Agriculture and the HSE.

“The research findings and analysis in the Real Face of Men’s Health report will serve as a valuable tool in building on the advancements made to date. I look forward to ongoing engagement with Movember to progress this agenda and congratulate them on this comprehensive research publication.”

Speaking at the launch, musician and Movember ambassador Cian Ducrot said,

“The work undertaken by Movember in collaboration with its research partners is extremely timely. The report findings are hard hitting, showing the health challenges, both physical and mental that face men in Ireland today. It shines a light on the lived experiences of men and spotlights the biggest barriers to a man in Ireland taking action to address a health concern. It is a wake-up call to all involved in men’s health to tackle these issues with courage, conviction, and work to make a real difference, for men, both young and old in this country.”

Barry McGuigan, Irish sporting legend and Movember ambassador said,

“It’s an honour to have the opportunity to support Movember on the launch of its Real Face of Men’s Health report which marks a milestone moment for men’s health in Ireland. The findings demonstrate the urgent need to take real and meaningful action to positively address the barriers to men accessing healthcare. The report findings are stark, but it also provides solutions to the issues. There is now a real opportunity for those involved in our healthcare system to really address the issues raised, and to implement initiatives that can have a real and positive impact in the lives of men in Ireland, and beyond in families and communities.