Cosmetics in the EU & UK
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CERT provides specialist product legislation and technical support across food, supplements, and all categories of household products. The only exclusion is medicinal products. You are welcome to explore our website to see how we can support your business—or better still, give us a call or send us an email.

Below is a refreshed, modern overview of the cosmetics regulatory landscape and how CERT can support your compliance journey:

Overview

Europe leads in the global cosmetics sector, renowned for its innovation and the robust regulatory framework shaped by the EU. This framework governs market access, international trade, and regulatory harmonisation.

What is a Cosmetic?

A cosmetic is any substance or mixture intended for application to the external parts of the human body—such as skin, hair, nails, lips, and external genitalia—or to teeth and oral mucous membranes.

Cosmetics are primarily intended to:

  • Clean
  • Perfume
  • Alter appearance
  • Correct body odours
  • Protect or maintain the body in good condition

Chemicals used in cosmetics do not need to comply with the general chemical legislation if they instead meet the requirements of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The definition here is vital, as it determines the necessary labelling for product composition.

Defining a Cosmetic

For example, eye drops would not be classified as a cosmetic, as their site of application is not recognised under the Regulation for cosmetics.

When considering whether a product is a cosmetic, three key questions should be addressed:

  • Purpose: Does the product clean, scent, change appearance, protect, or keep the body in good condition?
  • Site of Application: Is the product designed for the skin, hair, nails, lips, external genital organs, teeth, or oral mucosa?
  • Composition: Does the product comply with the ingredient and compositional limits under the Cosmetic Regulation?

If the primary function or site of application does not align, the product is unlikely to be considered a cosmetic.

Labelling Requirements

All cosmetic products marketed in the UK and EU must display a full ingredients list. Ingredient names must conform to the International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), ensuring consistency and helping consumers identify possible allergens or substances to which they may be sensitive.

Composition Compliance

CERT supports businesses in verifying cosmetic ingredients against regulatory restrictions, including prohibited or restricted substances, preservatives, UV filters, and colourants. For instance, tooth whitening products can contain no more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide. Products exceeding this are deemed illegal.

Documentation

CERT provides detailed guidance on label design, including required symbols (such as the Period After Opening symbol), correct headings, and INCI compliance. The core compliance document is the Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR), which CERT can arrange on your behalf, ensuring compliance through a thorough toxicological assessment and expert product formulation review.

10 Key Principles for Supplying Cosmetics in the EU/EEA

  • Definition: The product must fit the definition of a cosmetic.
  • Responsible Person (RP) & Safety: A designated RP guarantees each product is safe and compliant.
  • Ingredients: Ingredients must be compliant with regulatory restrictions and prohibitions.
  • Good Manufacturing Practice: Products must be manufactured under GMP.
  • Documentation: Maintain a Product Information File (PIF) with all mandatory technical documentation, including the CPSR.
  • Labelling: Ensure all required information is indelible, legible, and visible.
  • Claims: Claims must be truthful and not misrepresent product functions.
  • Notification: Notify each cosmetic in the EU via the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) before market entry.
  • Adverse Effects: Report any serious undesirable effects quickly to relevant authorities.
  • Market Surveillance: Regulatory authorities may inspect, with the RP required to present complete technical files as needed.

CERT’s Cosmetic Sector Support Includes

  • Review and validation of CPSR and labelling details
  • Compiling Product Information Packs (PIP)
  • Acting as Responsible Person (RP)
  • Chemical analysis and ingredient testing
  • Toxicological risk assessments (TRA) without animal testing
  • Test report review and certificate validation
  • Assistance with poison centre notification
  • Guidance on CPNP registration for the EU and SCPN for the UK
  • Comprehensive support on labelling and regulatory layout
  • Advice on microbeads, allergens, and emerging compliance issues.

CERT provides bespoke, end-to-end solutions tailored to your product type and launch schedule, ensuring your cosmetics are not only safe and compliant but are market-ready and robustly documented.

Contact CERT for a solution built around your needs.

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