The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemicals) (No. 2) Regulations 2024 were published on 11 December 2024, setting out new measures to protect public health by restricting the use of certain chemicals in cosmetic products. These regulations, which come into force on 31 January 2025 , introduce significant changes to the regulations applicable to cosmetic products in England, Wales and Scotland.
Table of contents
1. Summons and Application
The regulations may be cited as "The Cosmetics Products (Restriction of Chemicals) (No. 2) Regulations 2024".
Its implementation covers England, Wales and Scotland .
2. Key Modifications
Annex 2
Extension of the list of prohibited substances in cosmetic products. These include substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) categories 1A, 1B and 2.
Annex 3
Restrictions on the use of kojic acid , limiting it to 1% in face and hand products, due to potential risks to human health.
3. Transitional Provisions
Products containing regulated substances may be placed on the market within specific time periods before being withdrawn:
Substances with reference numbers 1680 to 1730: permitted until 20 October 2025.
Substances with reference numbers 1731 to 1743: permitted until 2 March 2026.
Existing products affected by other restrictions: may remain on the market until 1 November 2025.
4. Prohibited and Restricted Substances
List of Prohibitions (Annex 2)
Tetrafluoroethylene | Desmedipham (ISO) |
6,6'-di-tert-butyl-2,2'-methylenedi-p-cresol (DBMC) | Tellurium dioxide |
Pyriophenone | Tellurium |
Tolpyralate | Fluopicolide (ISO) |
3-methylpyrazole | Daminozide (ISO) |
Pydiflumetofen | Benzophenone |
Sedaxane | Acetamiprid (ISO) |
Thiophanate-methyl (ISO) | Dibutyltin di(acetate) |
Mancozeb (ISO) | Dibutyltin bis(2-ethylhexanoate) |
Trinickel disulfide | Cumene |
1,2-epoxy-4-epoxyethylcyclohexane | Barium diboron tetraoxide |
Isobutyl methyl ketone (MIBK) | Quinolamine (ISO) |
Carbendazim (ISO) | Pendimethalin (ISO) |
Dimethomorph (ISO) | Isoflucypram (ISO) |
1,2,4-triazole | Dimoxystrobin (ISO) |
Flumioxazin (ISO) | Perfluoroheptanoic acid |
Imazamox (ISO) | Bisphenol S |
Thiamethoxam (ISO) | Melamine |
Triticonazole (ISO) |
Restricted Substances (Annex 3)
Kojic Acid: Limited to 1% in cosmetic products for face and hands.
Implications for the Cosmetics Industry
Manufacturers and distributors must review their formulas to comply with the new regulations.
Chemical analysis and label adaptation are crucial to ensure compliance.
Those who use kojic acid in their products must reformulate or limit their concentration to 1%.
Conclusion
This regulation marks a significant step towards consumer protection by establishing stricter criteria for safety in cosmetic products. Although it represents a challenge for the industry, it also ensures greater confidence in the products available on the market.
Comments