The EU Updates Cosmetics Regulations to Restrict Hazardous Substances
The European Union has published a legal amendment that directly affects cosmetic products marketed in its territory. This act, identified as Regulation (EU) 2026/78, entered into force on January 13, 2026, and adjusts the framework established by the previous regulation. Its main objective is to better protect public health by addressing risks identified in new research. 🧪
What exactly does the new regulation modify?
The regulation amends the base Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, focusing on the annexes that list ingredients. It restricts or completely eliminates the use of certain compounds that the latest scientific assessments classify as potentially harmful. These include substances that could be carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction. The European Commission thus seeks to harmonize the rules with the current opinion of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety.
Main adjustments to the lists of substances:- New ingredients are prohibited: Specific compounds are added to the prohibited list.
- Maximum concentrations are reduced: For other substances, stricter usage limits are established.
- A transition period is established: Manufacturers have a transitional period to comply.
The regulation seeks to eliminate real health risks, prioritizing consumer safety over traditional formulations.
Consequences for manufacturers and end users
This update requires the cosmetics industry to review and, in many cases, change the composition of their products. Companies must verify that their products do not exceed the new permitted thresholds for the now more controlled substances. For consumers, this measure reinforces confidence that cosmetics purchased in the European market meet the most rigorous and up-to-date safety standards.
Key points of the impact:- Mandatory reformulation: Many products must alter their formula to continue being sold.
- Inventory control: Time is allowed to deplete products manufactured under the old regulation.
- Market surveillance: National authorities will oversee the application of these new rules.
The path to safer cosmetics
The entry into force of this regulation marks another step in the European regulatory evolution, which constantly reevaluates the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Although some joke about a future where makeup only includes a "tone of moralizing," the reality is that these rules respond to concrete scientific evidence. The end result is a market where safe innovation and user protection prevail. ✅