We all know that the European Union has stringent health and safety standards and has now introduced a new regulation revisiting the existing rules on cosmetic ingredients.
This update is designed to ensure that the products we’re using, are not only effective but also safe. From hormone-disrupting chemicals to widely-used skincare additives, the latest EU regulation scrutinizes a range of substances, setting new limits and requirements to safeguard consumers.
What Are the Key Changes?
- Restricted Substances: Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate), Alpha-Arbutin, Arbutin, Genistein, Daidzein, Kojic Acid, Triclosan, and Triclocarban will be allowed in cosmetic products but with concentration limits.
- Banned Substance: 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor will be completely banned from use in cosmetic products.
- Labeling Requirements: Enhanced labeling rules will inform consumers about the presence of certain ingredients, like Vitamin A, and provide warnings for age restrictions on products containing Triclosan and Triclocarban.
Let’s break it down, ingredient by ingredient:
- Vitamin A: You might know this as retinol. It’s great for smoothing wrinkles and improving skin texture. However, too much can be a problem. The new rules say body lotions can only have a tiny amount of retinol, 0.05%. Other skin products can have a bit more, up to 0.3%. You’ll also see a warning on labels about Vitamin A, reminding you to think about how much you’re getting from your diet too.
- Alpha-Arbutin and Arbutin: These are used to lighten skin. The new rules set limits on how much can be in face creams and body lotions.
- Genistein, Daidzein, and Kojic Acid: These are also used in skincare. They’ll be allowed but in very small amounts.
- Triclosan and Triclocarban: These are common in things like toothpaste and hand soap to keep them germ-free. The new rules keep them around but tighten the limits on how much can be used. Plus, they are being banned from some products altogether, like mouthwash for everyone and toothpaste for young kids.
- 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor: This is used in sunscreens. The EU is phasing it out completely because it might mess with hormones. By May 2025, you won’t see it in new products, and by May 2026, it will be gone from shelves.
Why the changes?
- Safety first: The EU’s main goal is to make sure cosmetics are safe for everyone. The new rules are based on scientific studies looking at what happens when people use these ingredients over time.
- Endocrine disruptors: The EU is especially concerned about things that can interfere with hormones, which can have all sorts of effects on our bodies.
- Transparency: The new rules include more information on labels so you can make informed choices about what you put on your skin.
Before You Leave
If this article piqued your interest in retinol, we have an article that covers everything you need to know about it: Retinol 101| Benefits, Expectations and More!
And if you’re curious about retinoids or looking for an alternative to retinol then these articles are a must-read:
Retinoids vs Retinol: The Key Differences You Need to Know! and Bio-Retinol: Is it the New Retinol for Sensitive Skin?