The EU has introduced new regulations to improve the safety and transparency of skincare and cosmetics products, which will have significant implications for the use of many key ingredients and products that now need reformulation.
This is especially true of Vitamin A products, which are now being strictly limited.
If you need help to get your products approved in the European market and need reformulation services, this is something we at Kosmetikk Laboratoriet can offer.
Among the affected ingredients are:
Kojic acid, which can now only be used in concentrations of 1% in face and hand products. Genistein, which is now limited to 0.007%, and Daidzein, which is limited to 0.02%. Non-compliant products must be removed from the market by the second quarter of 2025, and compliant products must be launched by the third quarter of 2024.
The UV filter 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor is now banned in cosmetics due to potential health hazards, and non-compliant products must be removed from the market by the fourth quarter of 2025.
Alpha-Arbutin can only be used up to 2% in face creams and 0.5% in body lotions, while Arbutin can be used up to 7% in face creams. Products that comply with these guidelines must be on the market by the third quarter of 2024, and products that do not must be removed by the second quarter of 2025.
There are also restrictions on concentrations of Vitamin A compounds such as Retinol and Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate etc. in cosmetics, where the limit is set at 0.05% for body lotions and 0.3% for other leave-on and rinse-off products. Products containing these ingredients must be labeled with: "Contains Vitamin A related compounds, which contribute to your daily intake of Vitamin A."
The deadlines for the implementation of these rules are as follows: 18 months to ensure that all new products in the market are compliant with the rules (Q2 2025) and 36 months to remove non-compliant products (Q4 2026).
The use of Triclocarban is now limited to 0.2% in all cosmetic products, except mouthwash, while Triclosan is limited to 0.3% in toothpaste, soaps, shower gels, deodorants (except sprays), powders, tire failure products, and in products used to clean before applying artificial nails. Both ingredients are prohibited in products used on children under the age of six.
All products must comply with the rule change by the third quarter of 2024, while non-compliant products must be removed by the second quarter of 2025.
These new regulations reflect the EU's commitment to ensure higher standards of consumer protection and strive for a more responsible cosmetics market. It is crucial for manufacturers and distributors in the cosmetics industry to be aware of these changes and adapt to ensure compliance and continued success in the market.