Switzerland changed its Cosmetics Ordinance so that a special rule on furocoumarins applies from 1 January 2026. The Federal Department of Home Affairs, through the Federal Food Safety and
peels and can react on skin when UV light hits them, which can lead to redness, swelling, and possibly genotoxic effects if exposure is repeated or
long term. This risk of phototoxicity has led Switzerland to put one of the strictest global limits on these compounds, covering not just sunscreens and self-tanners but all leave-on cosmetics that can be in direct sunlight. The rule also applies to Swiss-made and imported products alike because furocoumarins are taken out of the Cassis de Dijon Principle.
What the change means
- The 1 ppm cap now applies to just eight specific substances: byakangelicol (CAS 61046-59-1)
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Epoxybergamottin (CAS 206978-14-5)
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Isopimpinellin (CAS 482-27-9)
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5-Methoxypsoralen (5-MOP, Bergapten; CAS 484-20-8)
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8-Methoxypsoralen (8-MOP, Methoxsalen; CAS 298-81-7)
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Oxypeucedanin (CAS 737-52-0)
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Oxypeucedanin hydrate (CAS 2643-85-8)
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Psoralen (CAS 66-97-7)
These are the ones now regulated together under the amended provision.
How furocoumarins behave
Furocoumarins are natural compounds found in things like citrus peels. When they’re on skin and hit by UV light, they react with proteins and DNA, which can make skin red or swollen. If someone gets exposed again and again, there can be genotoxic effects that might raise carcinogenic risk.
Which products are covered
The updated rule applies to leave-on products that might be exposed to sunlight. That includes creams, lotions, gels, oils, lip care and makeup, sunscreens, and self-tanning or post-shave products. Nail and hair care products, oral hygiene items, deodorants, night skincare, rinse-off products, and perfumes or colognes are not in this rule’s scope.
When it takes effect
The new restrictions are effective from 1 January 2026. There is no transition period, so products that don’t meet the limit can’t be marketed after that date.
But products sold before 31 December 2025 can keep being sold until stock runs out.
What companies need to do
Because furocoumarins are excluded from the Cassis de Dijon Principle, the restriction hits Swiss and imported cosmetics equally. Makers and marketers of products in Switzerland should measure all leave-on items that might face sunlight and make sure the total of those eight substances does not go over 1 ppm. They should act quickly so they stay compliant and keep products in the market.
