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The UK has recently proposed new restrictions on Benzophenone-3 (also known as oxybenzone), a UV filter commonly used in sunscreens and other personal care products. This update, notified the WTO on the 8th of May 2025, is set to impact how cosmetic products are formulated and marketed in the UK.
If your products contain this ingredient, now is the time to assess your compliance strategy. For now, this is not formally adopted, the dates will be soon released.
Benzophenone-3 limits by product type
The new proposal introduces concentration limits for Benzophenone-3 based on the type of cosmetic product. For face, hand and lip applications (excluding sprays), the allowed limit would be up to 6%. In body products, including sprays and dispensers, the concentration must not exceed 2.2%, while all other product categories will be restricted to 0.5%.
Importantly, when used as a stabiliser rather than a UV filter, Benzophenone-3 may still be present at low levels. However, the total contribution to UV protection remains capped depending on the product type. These limits are based on a safety assessment by the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group and mirror existing EU restrictions introduced through Regulation (EU) 2022/1176.
Implementation dates and deadlines
- Expected adoption: July 2025
- Entry into force: January 2026
- Sell-through deadline: July 2026
Cosmetic products placed on the UK market before January 2026 may continue to be sold for an additional six months.
What UK Benzophenone-3 restrictions mean for your brand
This update is more than just a technical adjustment. It may require changes to product formulas, labelling, or documentation, especially if Benzophenone-3 plays a functional role beyond UV filtering. Even low levels used for stabilisation purposes must be properly documented and justified.
For brands operating both in the UK and the EU, the good news is that these new limits closely align with European regulations. However, UK compliance must still be addressed independently, particularly with local labelling.
How Cosmeservice can support your compliance
Understanding how regulatory changes affect your products isn’t always straightforward. At Cosmeservice, we help cosmetic companies ensure full compliance with the latest UK requirements without slowing down their commercial strategy.
From reviewing your formulas and updating your Product Information File (PIF), to advising on correct product classification, we work alongside your team to keep your business aligned, compliant, and ready for the market. Contact us directly at: info@cosmeservice.com
Stay ahead. Stay compliant. Stay confident.
References
- UK Notification to the WTO: G/TBT/N/GBR/102
https://docs.wto.org/dol2fe/Pages/SS/directdoc.aspx?filename=q:/G/TBT/NGBR102.pdf - CTPA summary on benzophenone-3 updates (May 2025)
https://www.ctpa.org.uk/news/updates-to-the-uk-cosmetics-regulation-notified-to-wto-benzophenone-3-8353 - Regulation (EU) 2022/1176 amending Annex VI of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009
- SCCS Opinion on Benzophenone-3 (SCCS/1625/21)
- SAG-CS UK Scientific Opinion (October 2024)
