When you decide to turn a hobby into a professional business, the shift from “crafting” to “manufacturing” brings a wave of new responsibilities. One of the most common questions for artisans entering the market is whether handmade or small-batch products are subject to the same rigorous testing as those from global beauty giants. Under European...
Bringing a cosmetic product to market in the European Union is not just a creative or commercial exercise—it is a regulated activity governed by Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. This framework establishes clear obligations to ensure that all products are safe for human health. When a product does not meet these requirements, it...
Placing a cosmetic product on the European Union market involves more than formulation and branding. One of the key legal requirements is the designation of a Responsible Person (RP). This role is central to ensuring that every cosmetic product made available to consumers complies with EU safety and regulatory standards. For new businesses and manufacturers,...
Across Europe, Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are emerging as a vital tool in supporting clarity, sustainability, and traceability for all types of goods. This movement, spurred by the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR), aims to overhaul the way product data is gathered, stored, and accessed. While the cosmetic industry is not the first one...
The European Union has taken a decisive step in regulating cyclic silicones with the adoption of Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/1328, amending the REACH framework. This update significantly reshapes the future use of D5 (Decamethylcyclopentasiloxane) and D6 (Dodecamethylcyclohexasiloxane) in cosmetic products, marking a transition that both manufacturers and consumers should understand. What are D5 and D6,...
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has published its final opinion on Tea Tree Oil (TTO), one of the most widely used natural antimicrobial ingredients in cosmetics. The document brings long-awaited regulatory clarity for manufacturers, formulators and safety assessors working with essential oils and “natural” cosmetic claims. Tea Tree Oil, listed in...
Recent updates to European cosmetic regulations are reshaping how ingredients can be used across a wide range of products—from fragrances to hair dyes and oral care. These changes, based on scientific evaluations, aim to reduce health risks while maintaining product performance. Here’s a clear breakdown of what’s changing and why it matters. High concern: potential...
The European Union is taking a major step toward simplifying recycling across its internal market. A recent technical report from the Joint Research Centre (JRC) outlines how a harmonised waste-sorting label system could work in practice—potentially reshaping packaging requirements across sectors, including cosmetics. However, it is important to clarify from the outset: this document is...
Animal testing remains one of the most debated and misunderstood topics in the cosmetics industry. Many consumers assume cosmetic animal testing has been banned worldwide, while manufacturers often struggle to understand which regulatory obligations still apply when selling products internationally. The reality is more complex. Depending on the market, cosmetic products may face very different...
Selecting a cosmetic testing laboratory is no longer only a technical decision. For companies planning to commercialize products internationally, the laboratory becomes a key partner in regulatory compliance, product safety, and market access. A laboratory report may support product registration in the European Economic Area (EEA), help substantiate safety under US regulations, or form part...
