Cosmetic regulations, answered
Plain-language answers to the regulatory questions cosmetics teams ask most, with the thresholds, dates and legal texts for each market.
EU · Cosmetics labelling
How many fragrance allergens must EU cosmetic labels list, and by when?
Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 takes EU fragrance allergen labelling from 24 to 81 entries. Thresholds, 2026 and 2028 deadlines, plus NI, GB and US status.
United States · Cosmetics · MoCRA
What does MoCRA require of cosmetics companies selling in the US?
MoCRA in 2026: FDA registration and listing, 15-business-day adverse event reports, safety records, label contact, and the GMP and allergen rules still pending.
United States · California & Washington · Ingredient bans
Which cosmetic ingredients are banned in California and Washington, and from when?
California and Washington cosmetic ingredient bans: listed substances, PFAS, lead and formaldehyde releasers, with 2025–2027 dates and statute references.
EU · REACH Annex XVII · Microplastics
When must cosmetics stop containing microplastics in the EU?
REACH entry 78 phases out microplastics in EU cosmetics: microbeads since 2023, rinse-off from 17 Oct 2027, leave-on 2029, make-up, lip and nail 2035.
EU · PPWR · Packaging
What must a cosmetics brand prove about its packaging under the EU PPWR, and from when?
EU PPWR for cosmetic packaging: technical documentation since 12 Aug 2026, volume-inflating double walls banned from 2030, recycled content and labels.