EU News
Updated European Cosmetic Ingredients Glossary Becomes Mandatory on 30 July 2026
The European Glossary of Common Ingredient Names was published in July 2025 and will become mandatory on30 July 2026. It provides the official INCI-style names that must appear in ingredient lists on cosmetic product labels.
What this means for brands:
- Check that your ingredient lists use the names from the latest Glossary.
- Review your current labels and PIFs to confirm they match the updated ingredient names before the deadline.
Formaldehyde Releaser Labeling: New EU Requirements Fully Apply from 31 July 2026
Regulation (EU) 2022/1181, adopted on 8 July 2022, updated the rules for authorized preservatives in the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. It introduces a new threshold for labeling formaldehyde releasers. This requirement will apply to all products on the market from 31 July 2026.
What this means for brands:
- Update labels for products containing preservatives that release formaldehyde, so they meet the new threshold by this date.
- Review your product formulas and ask your suppliers if any ingredients could release formaldehyde.
Fragrance Allergen Labeling: The First Compliance Deadline Has Arrived
31 July 2026 is the first step in putting Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 into effect. From this date, all new cosmetic products on the EU market must list any allergens from the official list in the ingredients section on the label. The list now includes more than 80 substances.
- Confirm which of the 80+ listed allergens are present in current formulations, even at trace/fragrance level.
- Update labeling artwork ahead of placing new products on the market from 31 July 2026.
Omnibus Act IX on CMRs and 3rd Omnibus on Ingredients – New ingredients banned in the EU from 1 February 2027
On 8 July 2026, the European Commission introduced a draft “Omnibus+” Regulation with two main goals:
- Prohibiting the use in cosmetics of substances classified as CMR under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1222 (23rd ATP to the CLP Regulation).
- Introducing or amending restrictions for several ingredients recently assessed by the SCCS.
What this means for brands:
- Begin checking your formulas for any substances that have been newly reclassified as CMR.
- Keep track of the adoption timeline, since more restrictions on SCCS-assessed ingredients could be added.
Amendment to Annex II: new banned substances
This amendment adds 16 new substances to Annex II, the list of ingredients prohibited for use in cosmetic products.
The newly banned substances are:
- 2-ethylhexanoic acid, monoester with propane-1,2-diol (CAS No. 85114-00-7)
- α,α’-propylenedinitrilodi-o-cresol (CAS No. 94-91-7)
- ozone (CAS No. 10028-15-6)
- dinitrogen oxide (CAS No. 10024-97-2)
- 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)-, sulfonated, potassium salts [1]; reaction products of fatty acids, C18 (unsaturated) alkyl with sulfur trioxide, potassium salts [2]; 9(or 10)-sulphooctadecanoic acid, potassium salt [3] (CAS Nos. 68609-93-8 [1]; [2]; 67968-63-2 [3])
- 2,3-epoxypropyl isopropyl ether (CAS No. 4016-14-2)
- tetrahydrofurfuryl methacrylate (CAS No. 2455-24-5)
- trimethyl phosphate (CAS No. 512-56-1)
- fluoroethylene (CAS No. 75-02-5)
- 2-bromo-3,3,3-trifluoroprop-1-ene (CAS No. 1514-82-5)
- 2-phenylpropene (α-methylstyrene) (CAS No. 98-83-9)
- 2,4-dihydroxybenzophenone [INCI: Benzophenone-1] (CAS No. 131-56-6)
- 2,2′,4,4′-tetrahydroxybenzophenone [INCI: Benzophenone-2] (CAS No. 131-55-5)
- 8-[(4-Aminophenyl)diazenyl]-7-hydroxy-N,N,N-trimethylnaphthalen-2-aminium chloride [INCI: Basic Brown 16] (CAS No. 26381-41-9)
- 3-[(4-amino-6-bromo-5,8-dihydro-1-hydroxy-8-imino-5-oxo-2-naphtyl)amino]-N,N,N-trimethylanilinium chloride [INCI: Basic Blue 99] (CAS No. 68123-13-7)
- Prostaglandines and their analogues
The first 11 substances on this list are banned on the basis of their CMR classification and become prohibited from 1 February 2027. The remaining five (Benzophenone-1, Benzophenone-2, Basic Brown 16, Basic Blue 99, and Prostaglandines and their analogues) follow the standard transitional periods described below.
Amendment to Annex III: new ingredient restrictions
The draft amends the restrictions applicable to Hydroxyapatite (nano) under entry 372 of Annex III by significantly increasing the maximum concentrations permitted in toothpastes and mouthwashes, to 29.5% and 10% respectively. The ingredient remains prohibited in all other cosmetic product categories, and its use is barred from any application that could expose the end user’s lungs through inhalation. The nanomaterial must also meet defined particle specifications: at least 87% of particles (by number) must be rod-shaped with an aspect ratio of 3 or below, the remainder capped at an aspect ratio of 9, with particles uncoated and unmodified and a maximum length of 122 ± 43 nm.
The Regulation also introduces two new Annex III entries:
Cannabidiol (CBD) (CAS No. 13956-29-1), which may be used in leave-on, rinse-off, and oral care products at a maximum concentration of 0.19%. The presence of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as an impurity must not exceed 0.00025% (2.5 ppm).
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA) (CAS No. 25013-16-5), which may be used in leave-on and rinse-off products at a maximum concentration of 0.07%. However, its use is not permitted in oral care products or in products that may result in exposure of the end user’s lungs through inhalation.
Both new Annex III entries fall under the standard 12/24-month transitional periods rather than the 1 February 2027 date.
Annex V updates: new restrictions, prohibitions, and authorisations for preservatives
Entry 12a of Annex V has been amended to remove Butylparaben and its salts, which are being transferred to a new Entry 12b with specific concentration limits applicable to products intended for children. The existing concentration limits, conditions of use, and warning requirements applicable to Propylparaben and its salts remain unchanged.
Under the new entry 12b, Butylparaben and its salts remain capped at 0.14% (as acid) individually and 0.8% (as acid) for mixtures with propylparaben across entries 12, 12a and 12b combined, but for products intended for children under 10 years of age, the limits tighten further: 0.14% in rinse-off products, 0.002% in leave-on products, and 0.092% in oral care products. Sprayable products, including mouth spray, that could expose the user’s lungs are banned outright. Leave-on products for children under three may not be applied to the nappy area, and this restriction must be stated on the label.
In addition, entries 16 and 17 of Annex V have been deleted, marking the completion of the phase-out of mercury-based preservatives in cosmetic products. As a result, the general prohibition of mercury and its compounds under Annex II is extended to all mercury-containing substances without exception, removing the remaining authorisations for preservatives such as Thiomersal (Thimerosal) and phenylmercuric salts. This change is reflected in the amendment to entry 221 of Annex II introduced by this draft regulation.
Deadline for compliance
The amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 that are based on the classification of the relevant substances as CMR substances under Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1222 – namely the first 11 new entries in Annex II and entry 12b of Annex V – will apply from the same date as those classifications, i.e. 1 February 2027.
The remaining bans and restrictions will be subject to transitional periods:
From 12 months after the entry into force of the Regulation, non-compliant cosmetic products may no longer be placed on the Union market.
From 24 months after the entry into force of the Regulation, such products may no longer be made available on the Union market.
Note that the Commission’s annex is still in draft form, with placeholder dates and unfilled entry numbers, so final numbering and exact dates may shift before adoption.
PPWR: First Packaging Obligations Begin Applying in August 2026
The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) introduces new rules that will start affecting cosmetic companies in August 2026.
Many companies still have open questions, including:
- What documentation will be required?
- What information should be requested from manufacturers and suppliers?
- Which responsibilities apply to each operator across the supply chain?
To prepare for compliance, coordinate closely with your internal teams and outside partners. Having a clear plan will help ensure a smooth transition.
USA News
California Introduces New Requirements for Nail Products Containing TPhP
California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) has finalized a new rule for nail products with Triphenyl Phosphate (TPhP) above 250 ppm. Starting 1 October 2026, these products will be classified as Priority Products under California’s Safer Consumer Products framework.
Key points for companies:
- The 250 ppm threshold applies whether TPhP is intentionally added or present as a residue, impurity, or contaminant.
- The regulation does not automatically prohibit the sale of affected products.
- Manufacturers must submit a Priority Product Notification by 30 November 2026.
- Further actions may include reformulation, withdrawal from the California market, or an Alternatives Analysis.
What this means for brands:
If you sell nail polishes, gels, artificial nail systems, or other nail products in California, start reviewing your formulas, raw material details, and supplier documents now.
