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...
by 31 July 2026, all cosmetic items sold in the European Union must follow revised labelling rules for fragrance allergens. Labels will need too highlight the inclusion of 56 newly regulated allergenic ingredients when present. This shift marks a major change for cosmetics businesses. companies will need to check all product recipes, update supporting records,...
This overview presents the most influential regulatory changes introduced in March 2026 and highlights critically important developments from late February which set the current direction for the global regulatory habitat. The article offers a precise and actionable guide to recent changes shaping the international cosmetics sector. This update helps businesses track newly enacted rules for...
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), sometiems labeled as “forever chemicals”, are under rising scrutiny by chemical regulators worldwide.new rules for cosmetics in 2025-2026 signal a shift-regulatory bodies are replacing inconsistent oversight with comprehensive, wide-reaching restrictions on PFAS use in this sector. This overview examines three core regulatory changes impacting the cosmetics industry: progress on the...
Regulatory standards for cosmetics across Europe are entering a new phase, with one of the most notable changes arriving through Regulation (EU) 2026/78. The core idea behind this update is that whenever the classification of a chemical’s hazards is updated, its approval for use in cosmetics must be reviewed under the latest scientific understanding. Known...
The United Kingdom has confirmed a legal ban on the sale and distribution of wet wipes containing plastic fibres to support nationwide efforts against microplastic contamination. The change is being enacted in multiple stages: Scotland has already enacted the restriction and the rest of the UK is following a phased roll-out. Cosmetics brands that...
The new EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation, Regulation (EU) 2025/40 (PPWR), marks a significant shift in how packaging is designed, placed on the market, and managed across Europe. It is important to distinguish between two key dates: The regulation entered into force in 2025, shortly after its publication in the Official Journal of the...
In October 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its preliminary assessment on the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in cosmetic products. After the public consultation period and review of stakeholder comments, the final opinion was adopted in April 2026. It is important to remember that the SCCS provides scientific guidance on safety, not...
