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,...
Compliance with regulations regarding fragrance and aroma is vital for manufacturers aiming to ensure the safety. Two critical frameworks in this context are the International Fragrance Association (IFRA) standards, particularly IFRA 51, and the recent allergen regulations that have been established to protect consumers from potential allergic reactions. International Fragrance Association (IFRA) Standards IFRA is...
In recent years, the safety of cosmetic products has garnered significant attention, particularly regarding the presence of harmful substances. CMR, an acronym for “Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Toxic to Reproduction,” encapsulates a category of substances that pose serious health risks. Classified under categories 1A, 1B, and 2 in the CLP Regulation, these substances are evaluated based...
In the world of cosmetics, safety is the top priority for manufacturers. Understanding and following cosmetic regulations is crucial to ensure that products are safe for consumers. This article will explain the key elements of cosmetic regulation, focusing on the Annexes of Cosmetic Regulation, the Cosing database, and the role of the Scientific Committee on...
Nanomaterials are defined as insoluble particles smaller than 100 nm in one or more dimensions. According to Article 16 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation, “In addition to the notification under Article 13 (CPNP notification), cosmetic products containing nanomaterials (other than dyes, colorants and UV filters) must be notified to the Commission six months before they...
