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The European cosmetics regulatory framework is in a stage of significant evolution. Over the last two years, the European Commission has introduced new ingredient bans, updated annexes, expanded safety requirements and intensified discussions on the protection of vulnerable groups. These changes are reshaping the expectations placed on brands that market cosmetics in the EU and indicate a clear regulatory direction for the coming years. This article summarises the most relevant amendments published recently and explains how they are influencing compliance today and in 2026.
Updates to INCI Terminology and Labelling Requirements
Alongside ingredient restrictions, the European Commission has released an updated glossary of cosmetic ingredient names, the Implementing Decision (EU) 2025/1175 of the European Commission. The glossary defines the INCI terminology that must appear on product labels. Ensuring that the INCI list of each product matches the most recent glossary is essential in order to maintain consistent labelling across all EU markets. The adopted decision adds 348 new ingredient entities, bringing the glossary to a total of 30,418 ingredient names, and from 30 July 2026, the use of the updated INCI Glossary will become mandatory.
Fragrance allergens labelling expansion
The EU fragrance allergen regulation, Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545, significantly expanded the list of fragrance allergens that must be individually labelled on cosmetic products. This regulation amends Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, expanding the number of allergens that must be declared on product labels to 80 allergens when present above 0.001 percent in leave-on products or 0.01 percent in rinse-off products.
Products placed on the EU market must comply with these requirements by 31 July 2026, while non-compliant products already on the market may continue to be sold until 31 July 2028.
Recent Amendments to the Cosmetic Annexes
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/858 brought important modifications to Annex II and Annex III of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. 12 nano ingredients were added to the list of prohibited substances (Annex II), and Hydroxyapatite (nano) uses were updated following fresh toxicological evaluations. These adjustments, applying in February 2025, respond to ongoing work carried out by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and reflect the EU commitment to remove substances associated with unacceptable health risks.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996 added a second layer of changes. This amendment introduced the prohibition of use of an UV filter, 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, and refined the restriction limits of various ingredients used in everyday cosmetic formulations:
- Vitamin A derivatives (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate and Retinyl Palmitate).
- Alpha-Arbutin and Arbutin.
- Kojic Acid, Genistein, Daidzein.
- Triclocarban and Triclosan.
All sort of ingredients, preservatives, fragrance components, pigments and other functional ingredients were among the areas where adjustments occurred. The different entries were applying in February, May, October and November 2025.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/877 represents one of the most impactful changes for 2025. This regulation incorporates several newly classified CMR substances into Annex II, making them fully prohibited for cosmetic use in the European Union, enlisting the European Commission’s Omnibus VII Regulation (Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/877) to the Cosmetics Regulation. Two examples are Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, commonly known as TPO, and Dimethyltolyamine, which have been widely used in nail gels and UV curing systems. From 1 September 2025, products containing TPO can no longer be placed on the EU market.
Omnibus VI & Cosmetics
The so-called Omnibus VI, formerly named COM(2025)531 Proposal for a Regulation of the European Parliament and of the Council amending Regulations (EC) No 1272/2008, Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and Regulation (EU) 2019/1009 as regards simplification of certain requirements and procedures for chemical products, aims to further streamline and simplify key EU chemicals legislation. This includes simplifying hazardous chemical labelling rules, clarifying EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, and easing registration for EU fertilising products.
Omnibus VIII Regulation, Regulation EU 2024/2564
The EU’s Omnibus VIII Regulation is a significant update to cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009, that incorporates new CMR substance bans and restrictions, stemming from the 22nd CLP Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP 22). This publication arises to swiftly adapt the Cosmetics Regulation to new CMR classifications under the CLP Regulation (Regulation EU 2024/2564), targeting ingredients like silver nanoparticles, certain solvents, and hair dye intermediates, with a hard deadline for compliance and product withdrawal on 1 May 2026, impacting formulations and labelling across the EU market to enhance consumer safety.
Omnibus VI & Cosmetics
Growing Attention to Children’s Skincare
Although no formal amendment has been adopted yet, the safety of cosmetic products designed for children has become an important area of regulatory interest. Several Member States have increased their market surveillance activities and have requested additional examination of products intended for infants and young children. Brands producing baby care products are encouraged to follow these developments closely, as future regulatory measures may arise from ongoing scientific evaluations.
Preparing for the Next Stage of EU Compliance
The combined effect of these developments shows that regulatory expectations for cosmetics in the EU are becoming more comprehensive. Brands must ensure that their formulations comply with the latest annex updates, that CPSR and PIF documentation accurately reflects current requirements and that labelling corresponds to the most up to date INCI terminology.
How Cosmeservice Supports Your Compliance Journey
Cosmeservice assists international brands in meeting every requirement of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. Our team provides ingredient reviews, safety assessments, PIF development, labelling verification and ongoing regulatory monitoring, helping companies maintain compliance as the regulatory landscape continues to evolve. For personalised guidance on how recent and future regulatory developments may affect your products, contact us at info@cosmeservice.com.
