The United Kingdom has taken a further step towards stricter regulation of cosmetic products. On 3 October 2024, the country notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a proposed amendment to the Great Britain (GB) Cosmetics Regulations, which includes a ban on 13 additional substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction (CMR).
New Chapter in UK Cosmetics Regulation
This new regulation represents the second wave of CMR substance bans in the UK , the first being in April 2024, when 52 substances were restricted through the same legislation. This series of amendments reflects the growing divergence between UK and EU regulations since Brexit, with the UK imposing restrictions on substances that remain permitted in the EU.
Substances Exclusively Banned by the United Kingdom
Substances banned by the UK under this new amendment include:
Thiophanate-methyl (ISO) – CAS: 23564-05-8
Mancozeb (ISO) – CAS: 8018-01-7
Carbendazim (ISO) – CAS: 10605-21-7
Trinickel disulfide; nickel subsulfide – CAS: 12035-72-2 / 12035-71-1
4-vinylcyclohexene diepoxide – CAS: 106-87-6
1,2,4-triazole – CAS: 288-88-0
Flumioxazine (ISO) – CAS: 103361-09-7
Tellurium – CAS: 13494-80-9
Daminozide (ISO) – CAS: 1596-84-5
Dimoxystrobin (ISO) – CAS: 149961-52-4
2-(2-methoxyethoxy)ethanol – CAS: 111-77-3
Divanadium pentoxide – CAS: 1314-62-1
2-ethylhexanoic acid salts
Comparison with the European Union
Despite areas of alignment between UK and EU regulations, the divergent approach is evident. The substances mentioned above are banned only in the UK, while the EU has chosen to ban other substances that are not restricted in the UK, such as:
Azamethiphos (ISO) – CAS: 35575-96-3
Pentasodium (carboxylatemethyl)iminobis(ethylenenitrile)tetraacetate – CAS: 140-01-2
Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzene)phosphine oxide – CAS: 75980-60-8, among others.
Impact of Revised Transition Periods
In addition to expanding the list of prohibited substances, the amendment introduces new compliance deadlines for cosmetic products containing the restricted ingredients.
As of April 20, 2025, companies will not be able to market products containing these ingredients, and October 20, 2025 will be the final deadline for such products to be available.
Also, in relation to the Kojic Acid , a skin lightening agent that was added in April 2024 to Schedule III of the UK Cosmetics Regulations, the new compliance deadlines are:
June 20, 2025 : Deadline for marketing products containing kojic acid.
November 1, 2025 : final date for these products to be available on the market.
The Impact of Brexit on Cosmetics Regulation
With this new amendment, it is clear that the UK is taking a separate regulatory approach to that of the EU. This post-Brexit divergence underlines the growing need for beauty brands to ensure that their products comply with both regulatory frameworks if they wish to market in both territories.
Conclusion: A Future of Greater Compliance and Oversight
The tightening of the UK’s CMR chemical regulations shows a firm commitment to consumer protection and product safety. However, these new measures also represent a challenge for businesses, which will need to adapt quickly to a changing regulatory environment to avoid market disruption and meet strict deadlines set by the UK government.
Links of interest
World Trade Organization (WTO) – where the UK notified the amendment to the UK Cosmetics Regulation. You can find information about trade notifications on the official WTO website .
UK legislation : For details of proposed and approved regulations on issues such as banning chemicals in cosmetics, please visit legislation.gov.uk .
European Union - Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 : For the current EU cosmetics regulations, you can consult the database on the official EU website .
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