Great Britain is moving forward with a new set of cosmetic regulatory updates that will reshape compliance requirements for ingredients, labelling, and product reformulation. Companies currently trading in the UK—or planning to enter the market—will need to anticipate these changes early to avoid supply chain disruption and reformulation bottlenecks.
A regulatory proposal published by UK authorities and shared with the WTO is expected to be confirmed in early 2026. Among its key actions are tighter rules for substances that release formaldehyde, a full prohibition of the UV filter 4-MBC, and the addition of several ingredients newly classified as CMR under GB CLP rules. While the proposal remains open for consultation until late December 2025, no major revisions are anticipated.
What This New Update Means for the Cosmetics Sector
The upcoming amendment revises the UK’s version of the Cosmetics Regulation by reinforcing consumer safety measures and aligning ingredient oversight with the most recent chemical classifications. It introduces:
- A stricter trigger level for mandatory warnings on products containing formaldehyde-releasing ingredients.
- A market ban on 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC), previously used as a UV filter.
- A new list of 16 substances that will be prohibited in cosmetic products due to updated CMR classifications.
The central regulation is expected to take effect in July 2026, followed shortly by the CMR prohibitions in August 2026.
Tightened Rules for Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives
One of the most notable changes is the new, lower threshold at which products containing formaldehyde-releasing substances must include a clear label warning consumers of the potential presence of formaldehyde.
Manufacturers will need to:
- Recalculate formaldehyde release levels across all relevant formulas
- Update product labels
- Revise the toxicological assessments within the PIF
- Ensure consistency with supplier documentation
This reflects the UK’s increasing emphasis on consumer transparency and allergen/sensitisation risk management.
4-MBC Ban: Implications for Sunscreen Producers
The future prohibition of 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor means sunscreen manufacturers must plan for alternative UV filters that remain permitted in Great Britain. Reformulation will require revisiting:
- UV filter combinations
- Efficacy and stability testing
- Compatibility with packaging
- Updated PIF and Safety Assessment reports
A positive outcome is that many brands will benefit from greater alignment between EU and UK sunscreen rules, allowing for shared formulas across both markets.
Sixteen New CMR Substances to Be Removed from UK Cosmetics
The measure also extends the list of ingredients banned in the UK due to carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reproductive toxicity classifications. These restrictions will apply from 15 August 2026.
Substances to be excluded from cosmetic use include:
4-MBC, TPO, clothianidin, dimethyl propylphosphonate, dibutyltin compounds, tetrabromobisphenol-A, certain aromatic diamines, 4-methylimidazole, acetone oxime, benthiavalicarb derivatives, MWCNTs, 7-oxabicycloheptanyl esters, DMA-morpholino phenyl butanone derivatives, S-metolachlor isomers, and trimethyl borate.
Brands should review formulas not only for intentional use of these substances but also for their potential presence as impurities in raw materials—particularly in complex categories such as nail products, oxidising systems, hair colourants, and fragrances.
Timeline and Transition Periods
To support industry adaptation, the UK has set phased deadlines:
- 15 July 2026 – Main regulatory changes apply (labelling + 4-MBC prohibition)
- 15 August 2026 – New CMR restrictions enter into force
- Until 15 January 2027 – Sell-through period for products with 4-MBC or affected formaldehyde releasers
- Until 15 February 2027 – Sell-through period for products containing prohibited CMR ingredients
These dates should guide reformulation scheduling, artwork transitions, risk assessments, and stock management for the GB market.
Supporting Your Compliance Strategy for the UK Market
Adapting to the 2026 updates demands detailed technical review and coordinated regulatory planning. Ceway can help brands stay fully compliant through:
- Comprehensive ingredient checks and impurity verification
- Updated Safety Assessments and PIF documentation
- Labelling and warnings review
- Monitoring of UK regulatory developments
- Support from our team acting as UK Responsible Person
With our guidance, brands can confidently maintain access to the British market while preparing for the next regulatory phase.
