Staying informed about regulatory changes in the cosmetics industry is vital for ensuring compliance, protecting consumer safety, and maintaining market access. With frequent updates to ingredient restrictions, safety standards, and labelling requirements, professionals need access to reliable and official resources.
Below is a curated list of official sources and tools that provide essential information for the cosmetics sector.
COSING, maintained by the European Commission, is an essential resource for professionals in the cosmetics industry. It provides comprehensive information on cosmetic ingredients, including their legal status under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Eur-Lex is the official website for accessing European Union legislation. It is a critical tool for monitoring updates to regulations such as the EU Cosmetic Regulation and related directives.
The International Fragrance Association (IFRA) plays a crucial role in the cosmetics industry by setting safety standards for fragrance ingredients used in cosmetic products.
The SCCS is an advisory body to the European Commission that provides scientific opinions on the safety of cosmetic ingredients. Their findings often influence regulatory changes.
- European Chemicals Agency (ECHA)
ECHA manages the implementation of REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation, and Restriction of Chemicals), which impacts the use of certain chemicals in cosmetic formulations.
The OECD’s eChemPortal provides information on the properties and safety assessments of chemicals, including those used in cosmetics.
- National Regulatory Agencies
In addition to international and EU-level resources, national regulatory bodies often provide localized guidance for compliance with cosmetic regulations.
- ANSM (France): Oversight of cosmetic safety in France.
- BfR (Germany): Scientific opinions on cosmetic ingredients.
- MHRA (UK): Guidance for cosmetic compliance post-Brexit.
Check your country’s official health or regulatory body for specific updates.