As part of the P&G family of brands, Ariel ensures its safety is verified through a rigorous, science-based process that is executed by over 500 in-house experts. Our approach is built on three pillars: 1) designing safety into every product from the start by carefully managing ingredients; 2) applying the proven scientific principle of risk assessment (Risk = Hazard x Exposure); and 3) ensuring full compliance with all stringent EU laws and regulations. This thorough approach helps ensure that every Ariel product is safe for you and your family, and non-harmful to the environment when used as directed.
How does Ariel's scientific process ensure safety?
At Ariel, safety is never an afterthought; it is intrinsically designed into every product from the very beginning. Every ingredient we use has a role to play in delivering brilliant product performance and is used at an optimal concentration to ensure safety, performance and value are met. The amount of each ingredient depends on its properties, anticipated exposure, and how the product will be used. We adhere to proven scientific methods and stringent regulatory guidance, applying conservative safety margins that are typically 100 to 1000 times lower than an ingredient’s safety limit to proactively prevent harmful effects.
Applying the proven scientific principle of risk assessment (Risk = Hazard x Exposure)
To ensure product safety, we start with a fundamental scientific principle that forms the basis for all modern safety assessments worldwide: the crucial distinction between a “hazard”, exposure and “risk.”
Hazard: The intrinsic property of a substance to potentially cause a harmful effect.
Exposure: The amount, duration and route of contact with a substance under real-world conditions.
Risk: The likelihood that a harmful effect will occur, based on both the hazard and the specific exposure.
The relationship is captured in a simple equation: Risk = Hazard x Exposure
Our entire safety process - both for consumers and the environment - is designed to apply this principle. We identify any potential hazards and then manage exposure through careful formulation and by applying conservative safety margins to proactively prevent harmful effects.
What are the main EU laws governing the safety of Ariel products?
The main EU laws governing the safety of Ariel products are:
REACH. This regulation requires companies to register necessary chemical substances, evaluate their properties and risks, obtain authorisation
for substances of very high concern if necessary, and adhere to restrictions on their use if deemed harmful.
CLP (Classification, Labelling and Packaging). This mandates that companies placing hazardous chemical substances and mixtures on the EU market classify them according to identified hazards, label them with clear pictograms and safety advice, and package them safely. It also requires harmonised classification for certain substances and submission of information to Poison Control Centres (PCCs).
Detergents Regulation (EU) 2026/405. This requires companies to ensure that the surfactants in their detergents achieve high levels of biodegradability, mandates specific labelling for ingredients, and requires the provision of technical documentation. Additionally, it sets limits on phosphate and phosphorus content.
General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988. This requires companies to ensure products are safe by design, provide essential product safety and traceability information on products or their packaging, and share information on accidents with national market surveillance authorities.
Ariel’s adherence to these laws proves the inherent safety of every product we bring to the market.
Which other EU regulations apply to Ariel detergents?
In addition to the main laws governing safety listed above, Ariel’s products must adhere to the following EU regulations:
Which voluntary initiatives and frameworks do Ariel support?
Beyond mandatory laws, we also proactively engage in shaping initiatives that define the long-term strategic direction for innovation and sustainability within the detergent industry, including:
Human & Environmental Risk Assessment (HERA) project: coordinated by Detergents Europe and the European Chemical Industry Council , this provides a transparent, peer-reviewed evaluation framework that integrates hazard data with realistic use, dilution, and disposal scenarios to assess safety.
DetNet: a voluntary initiative that promotes the sharing of data, expertise and best practices between manufacturers of detergent and cleaning products to support scientifically accurate and regulatory compliant product classifications (Petry et al., 2024, Tenside Surfactants Detergents).
Detergent Europe’s Charter for Sustainable Cleaning: a voluntary industry initiative that supports the whole industry to undertake continual sustainability improvements and encourages consumers to adopt more sustainable ways of doing their washing, cleaning, and household maintenance.
Safe and Sustainable by Design (SSbD): an assessment framework promoting the integration of safety and sustainability considerations into the design and development of chemicals, materials, and products from the earliest stages.
Zero Pollution Action Plan: aims at reducing air, water, and soil pollution to levels no longer considered harmful to health and natural ecosystems, by emphasizing pollution prevention and clean production.
