2025 European Cosmetics Regulation Updates (March)

2025 European Cosmetics Regulation Updates (March)

1. Phenol and Other Non-Compliant Substances Reported on the EU Safety Gate: The EU Safety Gate reported 60 batches of non-compliant cosmetics in February 2025. Perfume products accounted for 50% of the reported non-compliances. Multiple countries issued notifications regarding cosmetics containing Lilial (BMHCA). Other non-compliances included the presence of trisodium nitrilotriacetate, microorganisms, new Lilial, citral, lead, clobetasol propionate, benzophenone, N-nitrosodiethanolamine, N-nitrosodibutylamine, methylisothiazolinone, and various pigments.
2. Proposed Update to the EU’s List of Common Cosmetic Ingredient Names: On March 13, 2025, the EU notified a cosmetic-related measure (G/TBT/N/EU/1116) proposing an update to the list of common ingredient names in the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This update also includes the repeal of Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/677 to standardize ingredient labeling and improve ingredient identification. The public consultation period ended on May 12, 2025.
3. SCCS Final Opinion on Benzophenone-1: On April 1, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on Benzophenone-1 (SCCS/1672/24). The SCCS concluded that Benzophenone-1 is not safe for use as a UV filter in cosmetics due to: 1) evidence suggesting genotoxic potential; and 2) evidence indicating endocrine-disrupting properties, exhibiting significant estrogenic and weak anti-androgenic activity in vivo and in vitro, and potential anti-thyroid activity in vitro. Further details can be found in the SCCS final opinion on Benzophenone-1.
4. UK Adjustment to Methyl Salicylate Restrictions: On March 31, 2025, the UK published The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, effective September 30, 2025. These regulations adjust the restrictions on methyl salicylate, specifying different maximum permitted concentrations depending on product type and age group. These restrictions differ from those in the EU. Furthermore, the UK currently has no requirement for allergen labeling of methyl salicylate as a fragrance ingredient.