Ensuring that a cosmetic ingredient is legally permitted is one of the first and most critical steps in formulation compliance. Whether you are an independent formulator, a startup founder, or part of an established brand, understanding how to verify ingredient compliance under European legislation is essential to placing a safe and lawful product on the...
For anyone working with cosmetic formulations in the European Union, understanding how to verify ingredient compliance is essential. One of the most practical tools available for this purpose is the CosIng database. Developed by the European Commission, CosIng is a publicly accessible resource that compiles information on cosmetic ingredients and their regulatory status under Regulation...
Understanding restricted substances is a key step in ensuring cosmetic compliance in the European Union. While much attention is often given to banned ingredients, many substances are actually permitted—but only under specific conditions. These are known as restricted substances, and they are primarily regulated under Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. For formulators and...
Understanding which ingredients are banned in cosmetics is a fundamental step for anyone working in formulation, manufacturing, or product development within the European Union. Under EU law, safety is the cornerstone of cosmetic regulation, and certain substances are strictly prohibited to protect consumer health. This article explains how banned ingredients are regulated, where to find...
In the European Union, the use of preservatives in cosmetic products is strictly regulated to ensure consumer safety while maintaining product integrity. The cornerstone of this framework is Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products, which harmonizes rules across all EU Member States. Under this regulation, preservatives are defined as substances exclusively or mainly intended...
Fragrance is one of the most appealing aspects of a cosmetic product, shaping user experience and brand identity. However, it is also one of the main sources of skin sensitization. Certain fragrance ingredients can trigger allergic reactions in susceptible individuals, leading to conditions such as contact dermatitis. To protect consumers, the European Union has developed...
Fragrance is one of the most important elements in cosmetic formulation. It defines the sensory identity of a product, influences consumer perception, and often becomes a key part of brand recognition. However, fragrance ingredients are also among the most regulated substances in the cosmetic industry due to their potential to cause skin sensitisation, irritation, or...
Titanium dioxide (TiO₂),essential in cosmetics, paints, plastics, pharmaceuticals, and once in food, faced a decade-long debate over its safety. The European Union classified certain powdered forms as a possible carcinogen if inhaled. On 1 August 2025, the Court of justice of the European Union (CJEU) reversed this status after multiple legal and scientific challenges.This decision...
On 10 February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) shared its latest Response to Comments (RCOM) regarding the sodium fluoride classification proposal. This announcement followed a 90-day public review of France’s submission to classify sodium fluoride as a Repr. 1B substance under the Classification,Labelling and packaging (CLP) Regulation for Substances and Mixtures. The focus...
Monitoring cosmetic ingredients is essential for ensuring product safety, regulatory compliance, and consumer trust. Several resources and systems have been developed to assist manufacturers, regulators, and consumers in assessing and understanding cosmetic ingredients. This article explores key tools and databases—Cosing, Cosmetic Ingredient Review (CIR), COSMILE Europe, and INCI Decoder—that provide vital information on ingredient safety,...
