Cosmetic Regulation Annexes
One essential part of formulating cosmetics is the Annexes of the Cosmetic Regulation. This lists of ingredients are either banned or restricted. Manufacturers need to carefully check the annexes, as using prohibited substances can lead to serious consequences. Regularly reviewing the Annex is vital because it gets updated frequently based on the latest scientific discoveries and trends in the market.
Annex-II/ List of Substances Prohibited in Cosmetic Products
Annex II to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 provides a comprehensive list of substances that are prohibited from being used in cosmetic products. This list includes substances that have been classified as carcinogens, mutagens or reproductive toxicants (CMR substances), and other harmful substances that pose significant risks to human health.
Annex-III/ List of Substances Which Cosmetic Products Must Not Contain Except Subject to the Restrictions Laid Down
In addition to prohibited substances, Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 also identifies certain ingredients that are subject to restrictions in cosmetic use. These restrictions may refer to the product type, body parts, maximum concentration of use in the ready-for-use preparation, or other factors related to the use of the ingredients in cosmetic products.
Annex-IV/ List of Colorants Allowed in Cosmetic Products, Annex-V/ List of Preservatives Allowed in Cosmetic Products and Annex-VI/ List of Uv Filters Allowed in Cosmetic Products
Alongside prohibited and restricted substances, Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 also provides a positive list of permitted colorants (Annex IV), preservatives (Annex IV) and UV filters (Annex V) that are deemed safe for use in cosmetic products. These permitted ingredients undergo rigorous evaluation and assessment by scientific experts to ensure their safety and suitability for cosmetic formulations.
Using the Cosing Database
The Cosing database is a valuable tool for anyone in cosmetic manufacturing. It contains detailed information about cosmetic ingredients, including their legal statuses and safety assessments. By using Cosing during product development, manufacturers can ensure that their formulations comply with EU regulations. This proactive approach helps protect consumers and supports the integrity of the brand.
The Role of SCCS in Safety Evaluation
The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) is crucial in assessing the safety of cosmetic products. This committee provides guidance to the European Commission on ingredient safety. Manufacturers should stay updated on the opinions published by the SCCS, as these can influence regulations and best practices in the industry. By consulting the SCCS, companies can make informed decisions about new ingredients.
In summary, formulating safe cosmetics involves understanding and adhering to various regulations. By staying informed about the Annexes of prohibited and restricted ingredients, the Cosing database, and following guidance from the SCCS, cosmetic manufacturers can create products that are both effective and safe.
Formulating safe cosmetics can be hard. If you need assistance for formulating regulatory compliant cosmetics, feel free to check out our Cosmetic Product Safety Assessment services.
