Microneedling is getting more attention in the UK beauty and aesthetics sector, especially around safety and training standards. A new guide called the Sharp Standards Guide was launched by Dermalogica in partnership with BABTAC. The document focuses on professional microneedling practice and aims to support safer treatment procedures. Concerns around infection control, cross-contamination, incorrect needle...
Fragrance allergen labeling is becoming an increasingly important compliance topic for cosmetic manufacturers exporting to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Recent regulatory developments indicate that Gulf authorities are strengthening transparency requirements for cosmetic ingredients, particularly substances associated with allergic reactions. A key reference in this transition is GSO 1943:2024, the Gulf Standard...
The publication of ISO 23675 and ISO 23698 marked one of the most significant developments in sunscreen testing in recent decades. For years, the cosmetic industry relied almost exclusively on the traditional in vivo SPF method defined in ISO 24444, based on erythema formation on human volunteers after UV exposure. While this method became the...
Pet cosmetics are becoming a much bigger market, though EU cosmetic rules do not apply to animals. Using cosmetics made for humans on pets can be risky and sometimes harmful. Products for dogs and cats should be developed specifically for animals, with veterinary input and proper safety standards. Over the last few years, the pet...
China’s customs authorities are introducing a new set of rules for cosmetics traded across its borders. On May 6, 2026, the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China (GACC) issued Decree No. 284 and published the Measures for the Inspection and Quarantine Supervision and Administration of Import and Export Cosmetics of the...
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...
