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The United Kingdom is preparing a significant update to the UK cosmetics regulation that will impact ingredients, labelling rules and market access. For companies selling or planning to expand into Great Britain, these changes are essential. Understanding the amendments, the ingredient restrictions and the 2026 deadlines will allow brands to prepare their compliance strategy in time.
The measure, nowadays in draft, notified the WTO in October 2025, introduces stricter labelling over formaldehyde releasing substances, a full ban on 4-MBC (4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor), and the prohibition of 16 new CMR substances. These updates strengthen consumer protection and require companies to review formulations, documentation and regulatory pathways ahead of mid-2026.
Although the draft is open to comments until the 30 of December 2025, we do not expect changes to the text published.
What the New UK Measure Will Change
The amendment updates how Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 applies in Great Britain, focusing on ingredient safety and labelling. It lowers the threshold for mandatory labelling of formaldehyde releasing substances, bans the UV filter 4-MBC and introduces a prohibition on sixteen additional substances newly classified as CMR under the GB CLP Regulation.
The measure is expected to be adopted in January 2026 and will apply from 15 July 2026, while the CMR-related changes will apply from 15 August 2026. Products placed on the market before these dates benefit from transitional periods until January 2027 and February 2027, depending on the substance involved. All updates apply to any cosmetic product placed on the GB market.
Formaldehyde Releasing Substances
The update lowers the threshold that triggers mandatory labelling for formaldehyde releasing substances. This means labelling must be updated to reflect the new threshold, Safety Assessors must verify updated calculations for formaldehyde content. This reflects the UK’s intention to increase consumer transparency and reduce exposure to sensitising ingredients.
Ban on 4-MBC and Impact on Sunscreen Formulations
The complete ban on 4-MBC, a UV filter historically used in sunscreen formulations, will require reformulations before the 2026 enforcement date. Brands must identify alternative UV filters permitted in the UK, update Product Information Files and Safety Assessments, and conduct stability, compatibility and performance testing for the new formulation. This aligns the regulations in both, the EU and the UK markets, banning the ingredient for sunscreen products, allowing the companies to sell the same product in the EU and UK.
New CMR Substances Prohibited in Great Britain
Sixteen additional substances classified as CMR under the GB CLP Regulation will be banned in cosmetic products. The newly prohibited ingredients are:
- Enzacamene or 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC).
- Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide – Known also as TPO.
- Clothianidin.
- Dimethyl propylphosphonate.
- Dibutyltin maleate.
- Dibutyltin oxide.
- Tetrabromobisphenol-A.
- 1,4-Benzenediamine, N,N’-mixed Ph and tolyl derivatives.
- 4-Methylimidazole.
- Acetone oxime.
- Benthiavalicarb isopropyl 2,3-epoxypropyl neodecanoate.
- Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (MWCNT).
- 7-oxabicycloheptanyl esters.
- Dimethylamino-methyl-morpholino phenyl butanone derivatives.
- S-metolachlor and related isomers.
- Trimethyl borate.
Brands should review formulations and supplier documentation to ensure none of these substances are present, including as impurities. This is particularly relevant for categories such as nail care, hair products, colour cosmetics and fragranced formulations.
Key Deadlines for the 2026 UK Cosmetics Amendment
These are the essential dates that brands, regulatory teams and UK Responsible Persons must monitor: 15 July 2026 for the main amendment, 15 August 2026 for new CMR restrictions, 15 January 2027 for sell-through of products containing 4-MBC or formaldehyde releasers and 15 February 2027 for products containing newly banned CMR substances. These deadlines must guide reformulation plans, PIF updates and regulatory risk assessments.
How Cosmeservice Can Help You Adapt to the 2026 Changes
Cosmeservice supports brands through the entire adaptation process to ensure full compliance with the updated UK Cosmetics Regulation. Our team can assist you with ingredients review, safety assessments, labelling review and continuous monitoring. Our goal is to help you maintain seamless market access in Great Britain with a clear, proactive regulatory strategy. Contact us for more information at: info@cosmeservice.com
