Omnibus Act VIII – Further upcoming restrictions
The European Union is introducing significant changes to cosmetic ingredient regulations under Omnibus Act VIII, which will take effect on May 1, 2026. The above Act expands the list of substances classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Toxic for Reproduction (CMRs) that are either banned or subject to strict restrictions in cosmetic products. All non-compliant cosmetic products must […]
EU Regulatory update for tea tree oil
After several years of debate regarding the safety of tea tree oil (TTO) in cosmetic products, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its final opinion on 14 November 2025. The SCCS concluded that TTO can be considered safe as an anti-seborrhoeic and anti-microbial ingredient in four specific product categories, subject to strict […]
Belgium – Garcinia cambogia & its anticipated formal ban
Garcinia cambogia & its anticipated formal ban In December 2025, the Belgian Advisory Commission for Plant Preparations published an opinion on the use of Garcinia cambogia in Food Supplements. The Commission recognised the traditional food and medicinal use of Garcinia cambogia in Asia and confirmed the following: […]
Spain Introduces Draft on Accessible Labelling for Consumer Products
Just before Christmas, the Spanish Government formally requested the European Commission, via the TRIS system, to withdraw the draft Royal Decree on accessible labelling of consumer products. The request concerns the measure notified under Directive (EU) 2015/1535, reference 2025/0311/ES. Background to the Withdrawal» The draft Royal Decree was notified to the Commission and EU Member […]
Netherlands – The use of the terms “Probiotics” and “Prebiotics”
Dutch regulator narrows the use of “Probiotics” and “Prebiotics” to a category designation The Dutch Inspection Board for the Promotion of Health Products (Keuringsraad), responsible for monitoring health product advertising, has announced that the terms “Probiotic” and “Prebiotics” can no longer be used as a product name; they may only be used […]
EU: EFSA boosts Vigilance of Food Supplements
EFSA boosts Vigilance of Food Supplements During its last meeting in Parma, Italy, EFSA’s Emerging Risks Network spotlighted a tightening of surveillance on Food Supplements. It was made clear that authorities and the Member States are developing a proactive approach to identify potential concerns related to Food Supplements. […]
Europe: Updated list of permitted substances in Denmark + Update on EU Maximum Permitted Levels
Denmark: Update of the National Positive List of Substances Permitted in Foods and Food Supplements Early in December, Danish authorities published an updated list of substances, other than vitamins and minerals, that are permitted in Foods, including Food Supplements. This update, detailed in BEK 1522, replaces the previous BEK 616 published […]
France Proposes EU-Wide Restriction on Octocrylene in Cosmetics
The French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) has submitted a dossier to the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) under the REACH Regulation, proposing a significant restriction on the use of octocrylene in cosmetic products. Octocrylene is a commonly used UV filter, photostabiliser, and UV absorber, frequently found in sunscreens, color cosmetics, […]
EU Amends Cosmetics Regulation on Substances with Potential Endocrine-Disrupting Properties
The European Commission has amended Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 regarding the use of several cosmetic ingredients with potential endocrine-disrupting properties. The updates affect Annexes II, III, V, and VI and introduce new restrictions and prohibitions on specific substances. Annex II (Prohibited Substances) 3-(4′-methylbenzylidene)-camphor [INCI: 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor] From 1st May 2025: Products containing this substance shall not […]
EU Proposes Major Amendments to Cosmetics Regulation
The European Commission submitted a draft regulation to the World Trade Organization (WTO) proposing updates to four Annexes of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation). These changes are based on recent safety evaluations by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). The proposed changes in the draft are: 1. List of Prohibited Ingredients: 1 revised […]
