Two ultraviolet (UV) filters are currently under scientific review by the European Union’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), highlighting the continued regulatory scrutiny applied to sunscreen ingredients. While no immediate legislative changes have been introduced, the outcomes of these evaluations could influence future amendments to the EU Cosmetics Regulation. The substances under review are...
California has expanded its chemical safety requirements by designating nail products containing triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) above specified concentrations as Priority Products under the state’s Safer Consumer Products (SCP) regulations. The measure, adopted by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), will take effect on 1 October 2026 and introduces new obligations for manufacturers supplying these...
China’s National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) has launched a public consultation on two draft analytical standards aimed at strengthening cosmetic testing practices. The proposals introduce updated methodologies for detecting Pseudomonas aeruginosa and for analysing ethanol alongside 39 additional compounds commonly found in cosmetic products. The consultation reflects China’s continued efforts to modernise...
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has included two long-awaited cosmetic regulations in its 2026 regulatory agenda, signalling renewed progress on measures that could significantly affect cosmetic manufacturers, importers, and consumers. The planned proposals address the use of formaldehyde in hair straightening products and the mandatory declaration of fragrance allergens on cosmetic labels. Although...
For years, the term “reef safe” has become a familiar marketing claim on sunscreen packaging. It appeals to environmentally conscious consumers and suggests that a product is harmless to coral reefs. However, as scientific knowledge evolves and the European regulatory framework becomes increasingly focused on preventing greenwashing, the claim is coming under growing scrutiny. Today,...
India is considering one of its most significant updates to fragrance ingredient regulation in recent years. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has released a draft standard proposing the prohibition of 64 fragrance raw materials across products that rely on fragrance compositions, including cosmetics, personal care products, household products and incense. The proposal is currently...
Brazil has introduced significant updates to its cosmetic legislation, revising both the lists of prohibited substances and ingredients that may only be used under specific conditions. The changes were approved by the National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) through RDC No. 1029/2026 and RDC No. 1030/2026, published in the Official Gazette on 15 June 2026. The...
Retinal (also known as retinaldehyde, CAS No. 116-31-4) has become one of the most sought-after vitamin A derivatives in cosmetic formulations. Positioned between retinol and retinoic acid in the metabolic pathway, it is widely used in anti-ageing and skin renewal products because of its balance between efficacy and tolerability. However, companies intending to place retinal-containing...
The United Kingdom has introduced its first major update to the UK REACH Candidate List of Substances of Very High Concern (SVHCs) since establishing its independent chemicals regulatory framework after Brexit. On 15 June 2026, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) added 15 new substances and substance groups to the list, increasing the total...
Canada has announced new regulatory measures affecting several substances used in cosmetic formulations, combining an immediate restriction on one ingredient with proposed notification requirements for others. The measures were published in the Canada Gazette in late June 2026 under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA). While some provisions are already in force, others are...
