The EC Strengthens Cosmetic Safety with a New Regulatory Update
The European Commission has put forward a draft to update Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, aiming to further reinforce cosmetic safety. The main goal is to enhance consumer protection. This revision is based on recent scientific assessments from the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The aim is for the rules to reflect the most up-to-date knowledge.
Key points from the draft:
- The draft fully bans the use of Triphenyl Phosphate, a chemical compound with possible toxicity concerns.
- It also introduces new restrictions for several ingredients. These include water-soluble zinc salts, as well as the aromatic compounds citral, geranial, and neral, widely used in fragrances. Benzyl salicylate, another fragrance ingredient, will also be restricted.
- Products containing aluminium-derived ingredients must comply with new requirements, given ongoing health concerns. Acetylated vetiver oil will also come under stricter regulation.
- For hair dyes, HC Blue 18, HC Yellow 16, HC Red 18, and p-phenylenediamine derivatives will face specific restrictions to help prevent allergies and adverse reactions.
- A positive development is the approval of silver-zinc-aluminum-ammonium silicate as a preservative, providing new options for maintaining product quality.
- For UV filters, restrictions on DHHB, a common sunscreen ingredient, will be tightened to ensure consumer safety.
- The proposal updates Annexes II, III, V, and VI of the regulation, which govern banned, restricted, and authorised ingredients. Continuous adaptation to scientific evidence is a central focus.
When will it apply?
Adoption of the amended regulation is planned for the first quarter of 2026, with entry into force 20 days after its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union. Public comments will be accepted until 14 September 2025 to increase transparency and public participation in the regulatory process.
These changes aim to protect human health, improve cosmetic safety, and boost consumer confidence across Europe.
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See the full European Cosmetics Regulation here.
