Restricted ingredients
An important amendment of the Annexes II and V of the EU cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 was published in April.
The most important changes to the Regulation are the following:
- Isopropylparaben, Isobutylparaben, phenylparaben, benzylparaben, pentylparaben can no longer be used in cosmetic products
- Measures on propylparaben and butylparaben are under preparation
- Triclosan is banned in certain products, restricted to 0.3% in toothpastes, hand soaps, body soaps/shower gels, deodorants (non-spray), face powders and blemish concealers, nail products for cleaning the fingernails and toenails before the application of artificial nail systems; and restricted to 0.2% in mouthwash products
- Entry 12 of Annex V to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 specifies a maximum concentration of 0,4 % for single ester and 0,8 % for mixtures of esters in relation to the use of parabens as preservatives in cosmetic products, under the denomination 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and its salts and esters.
- The application of the above-mentioned restrictions should be deferred to allow the industry to make the necessary adjustments to product formulations. In particular, undertakings should be granted six months to place on the market compliant products, and 15 months to stop making available on the market non-compliant products after the entry into force of this Regulation, in order to allow existing stocks to be exhausted
