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...
The European Commission has published an updated version of the REACH Restrictions Roadmap Rolling List, providing an overview of substances currently under consideration for future restrictions under Regulation (EC) No. 1907/2006 (REACH). The update, released on 2 July 2026, is intended to give businesses greater visibility into the restriction process and help them prepare for...
South Korea is continuing to modernize its cosmetics regulatory framework with a new proposal that would introduce detailed implementation measures for recent amendments to the Cosmetics Act. Published by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) on 8 July 2026, the draft Enforcement Rule clarifies how several key reforms will be applied in practice,...
Three linear siloxanes widely used in cosmetic formulations could soon face increased regulatory scrutiny in the European Union. Octamethyltrisiloxane (L3), Decamethyltetrasiloxane (L4) and Methyl Trimethicone (M3T) are expected to receive a harmonised classification under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation, following recent changes to EU chemicals legislation. Although this development does not immediately prohibit...
Ukraine has launched a public consultation on proposed amendments to its Technical Regulation on Cosmetic Products, introducing changes that could provide cosmetic manufacturers with additional time to comply with the country’s regulatory framework. The draft proposal, notified to the World Trade Organization (WTO) on 3 July 2026, includes two significant measures: extending the transitional period...
