Navigating the UK in 2025
Navigating UK Cosmetic Regulations: key ingredient updates and insights
With our last few articles focusing on changes to the EU ingredient regulatory landscape, we conclude our series with recent developments in the UK Cosmetic Regulation. Here are the key updates and what they mean for your cosmetic brand.
Cosmetic Regulation Update
The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 (Statutory Instrument 2024 No. 1334) comes into force on 31 January 2025. Key updates include:
64 CMR substances have been added to Annex II, prohibiting their use in cosmetics.
Kojic Acid is restricted to concentrations below 1% in face and hand products. Products exceeding this limit will be non-compliant from 20 June 2025 for new stock and 1 November 2025 for existing stock already on the market.
All restrictions and prohibitions have previously been published in the EU with earlier deadlines applicable.
Draft Cosmetics Regulation
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) notified to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) on 20 January 2025 proposed restrictions for Methyl Salicylate, with new limits based on product type and intended use.
Implementation deadlines:
Placing on the market: 30 September 2025
Off-shelf availability: 31 March 2026
The draft legislation is open for comments until 20 March 2025.
Methyl Salicylate is already restricted in the EU however this entry would diverge from the EU entry by including specific lower levels for some product types where they are intended for children between 0.5-1 years.
OPSS call for data
On 24 October 2024, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued a call for data on the safety of a number of cosmetic ingredients for their review. The ingredients of interest are listed below.
Prostaglandins and prostaglandin analogues: due to their potency, concerns over use in the proximity of the eye (already under EU review)
Isopropyl closprostenate (CAS 157283-66-4)
Bimatoprost (CAS 155206-00-1)
Ethyl tafluprostamide (CAS 209860-87-7)
Norbimatoprost
Methylamido dihydro noralfaprostal
Alpha and beta arbutin: concerns relating to their degradation to hydroquinone (prohibited) under common storage conditions (already restricted in the EU)
Vitamin A: concerns when concentration exceeds certain levels (already restricted in the EU).
The deadline for submitting information is 30 April 2025.
Update on tea tree oil
On 21 August 2024, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) released a technical report addressing the mandatory classifications for tea tree extract and oil under the GB Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation.
The report proposes classifying tea tree extract and oil as CMR 1B substances (reprotoxic) under the GB CLP framework. Similarly to the situation in the EU, this could lead to a future ban in cosmetics, so brands should monitor these developments.
How We Can Help
With these ingredients under regulatory scrutiny, it’s essential for cosmetic brands to stay informed and adjust formulations accordingly to ensure continuous compliance with UK regulations. We are here to support you, please do get in touch today if you have any questions or concerns about the changing landscape!
Laila Manshi