1. Ingredient Transparency: INCI and Beyond
EU and UK law require full disclosure of all cosmetic ingredients using the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI). This means:
- Every product label must list ingredients in descending order of weight.
- Allergens and certain preservatives must be highlighted.
- New in 2025: Stricter scrutiny of nanomaterials and microplastics. Any use must be declared and justified, with additional safety data submitted to authorities.
Tip: Regularly review the EU’s CosIng database and the UK’s Cosmetic Ingredients database for updates and banned substances.
2. Digital Labeling and E-Commerce Rules
With more beauty sales moving online, digital compliance is under the spotlight:
- Mandatory digital labeling: From July 2025, all online listings must display the same ingredient and safety information as physical packaging.
- Language requirements: Information must be available in the language(s) of each target market.
- Claims compliance: Avoid unsubstantiated claims (e.g., “organic,” “hypoallergenic”) unless you have robust evidence and, where required, third-party certification.
Case in point: In 2024, several brands faced removal from EU marketplaces for failing to provide digital ingredient disclosures.
3. Safety Assessments and Responsible Person
Every cosmetic product must undergo a safety assessment by a qualified professional. The resulting Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) must be available for inspection.
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Responsible Person:
- In the EU, this is an EU-based entity (manufacturer, importer, or appointed agent).
- In the UK, a UK-based Responsible Person is required.
- The Responsible Person is liable for compliance, product registration, and adverse event reporting.
Don’t forget: Upload product details to the EU’s CPNP (Cosmetic Products Notification Portal) or the UK’s SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notifications) before placing products on the market.
4. Packaging, Sustainability, and EPR
Eco-compliance is now a must:
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Packaging regulations:
- Restrictions on certain plastics and requirements for recyclability.
- EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) fees apply for packaging waste.
- New labeling for recyclability and disposal instructions is mandatory in many EU countries.
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Green claims:
- Any environmental claim (e.g., “biodegradable,” “eco-friendly”) must be verifiable and not misleading.
- The EU Green Claims Directive (2025) will require third-party substantiation for most green marketing.
Tip: Use the EU Ecolabel or similar certifications to build credibility.
5. Brexit: Key Divergences for Sellers
While EU and UK rules remain closely aligned, differences are emerging:
- Separate product notifications are required for each market.
- The UK maintains its own banned/restricted substances list, which may diverge from the EU’s.
- Northern Ireland follows EU rules for cosmetics under the Windsor Framework.
6. Enforcement and Penalties
Authorities are ramping up enforcement with:
- Random testing and marketplace sweeps
- Immediate removal of non-compliant products
- Fines and recalls for labeling, ingredient, or safety failures
In 2024, UK and EU authorities issued record fines for non-compliant digital labeling and greenwashing.
Conclusion: Compliance Is Your Competitive Advantage
In the crowded beauty and cosmetics market, compliance is more than a box-ticking exercise. It’s a signal of quality, safety, and brand integrity. By staying ahead of evolving EU and UK rules, investing in transparent labeling, and embracing sustainability, your brand can win consumer trust—and thrive in 2025 and beyond.
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Sources: EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, UK Cosmetics Regulation SI 2019/696, CPNP, SCPN, European Commission, UK OPSS, Cosmetics Europe