The changes form part of a broader effort to harmonize cosmetic regulations across Mercosur countries and bring regional requirements closer to international safety standards. Companies placing products on the Argentine market should review their portfolios carefully, as the new rules introduce restrictions affecting a wide range of commonly used ingredients.
New Ingredient Prohibitions
One of the most notable aspects of the reform is the expansion of the list of prohibited substances. Several ingredients that have been subject to safety concerns in other jurisdictions are now formally banned from use in cosmetic products marketed in Argentina.
Among the newly prohibited substances are various boron-based compounds, including boric acid and several borates and perborates. These ingredients have historically been used in certain cosmetic and personal care applications and will now require reformulation where applicable.
The updated regulation also introduces restrictions on a number of substances associated with sensitization or toxicological concerns. Notably, Butylphenyl Methylpropional (commonly known as Lilial) and Hydroxyisohexyl 3-Cyclohexene Carboxaldehyde (HICC), both fragrance ingredients that have already faced regulatory scrutiny in other markets, are now prohibited in Argentina.
Additional substances added to the ban include dichloromethane, ketoconazole and several specific polyurethane compounds.
Updates to the Restricted Substances Framework
The reform is not limited to the addition of new banned substances. Regulatory authorities have also reviewed existing entries, updating the scope and description of certain ingredients already subject to controls.
At the same time, several substances have been removed from the prohibited list. These include hydroquinone, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and methyl eugenol. However, their removal should not be interpreted as unrestricted authorization for use.
In many cases, ingredients withdrawn from a prohibited list may instead become subject to specific conditions of use, concentration limits or labeling requirements under separate regulatory provisions. Manufacturers should therefore verify the current status of each substance before making formulation decisions.
Compliance Deadlines
To facilitate the transition to the new requirements, Argentine authorities have established implementation periods for products already authorized on the market.
Most products affected by the new prohibitions will benefit from a transition period of approximately one year. For formulations containing Lilial or HICC, a longer adaptation period has been granted, recognizing the potential reformulation challenges associated with replacing these fragrance ingredients.
Products affected by changes to the restricted substances framework will generally have a longer compliance window, allowing companies additional time to update formulations, product information files and labeling.
What This Means for Cosmetic Manufacturers
The Argentine reform highlights the growing trend toward regulatory convergence in the cosmetics sector. Many of the substances affected by the new measures have already been reviewed or restricted in other major markets, particularly in Europe.
For manufacturers and exporters, the priority should be a comprehensive review of product formulations intended for the Argentine market. Particular attention should be paid to products containing boron-derived ingredients, fragrance allergens subject to recent restrictions and substances whose regulatory status has changed from prohibited to restricted.
Early assessment of formulations and regulatory documentation can help companies make full use of the transition periods and avoid potential market access disruptions once the new requirements become fully applicable.
