UK Cosmetics Regulations Update: Chemical Restrictions

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Stay compliant with the UK's revised Cosmetics Regulations. Learn about new chemical restrictions and sunscreen agent updates. Essential for manufacturers.

On July 6,2023,the UK issued the new 2023(Regulation on the Restriction of Chemical Substances),which has revised the "List of Restricted Substances in Cosmetics" (Appendix 3) and the "List of Permitted UV Filters in Cosmetics" (Appendix 6).

Background of UK Cosmetic Regulations

After the UK concluded its Brexit transition period on January 1,2021,although it still adopted the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 for cosmetic supervision,the regulatory updates are no longer synchronized with the EU,now referred to as the "UK Cosmetics Regulation." This set of regulations applies to England,Wales,and Scotland,while cosmetics in Northern Ireland remain under the control of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.Therefore,companies exporting to the UK need to pay attention to the differences in regulations based on the destination and take corresponding measures accordingly.

This Amendment Content

Amendment of restricted substances

The regulation adds the following substances to the "List of Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients" (Appendix 3):

Amendment of restricted substances

Common ingredient nameMethyl-N-methylanthranilate

Methyl o-aminobenzoate

CAS number85-91-6
EC number201-642-6
Product Type(a) Leave-on products

(b) Rinse-off products

Maximum concentration(a) 0.1%

(b) 0.2%

OthersFor (a) only: Not to be used in sunscreen products and products exposed to natural or artificial UV light.

For both (a) and (b):

- Do not use with nitrosating agents;

- Maximum nitrosamine content: 50μg/kg;

- Store in containers free of nitrites

Transitional requirementsIt will take effect on July 6,2024.

Cosmetics placed on the market before the effective date may continue to be sold until July 6,2026.

Revision of the UV filter list

The regulation adds the following substances to the "List of Permitted UV Filters in Cosmetic Products" (Appendix 6):

Revision of UV filter list - non-nano

Common ingredient name1,1’-(1,4-piperazinediyl)bis[1-[2-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl]phenyl]-methanone

1,1’-(1,4-piperazinediyl)bis[1-[2-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl]phenyl]methanone

Common ingredient nameHAA299 (non-nano)
CAS number919803-06-8
EC number485-100-6
Maximum concentration10%
OthersWhen using both HAA299 (non-nano) and HAA299 (nano) ingredients,the total content shall not exceed 10%.
Effective dateJuly 27,2023

Revision of UV filter list - nano

Common ingredient name1,1’-(1,4-piperazinediyl)bis[1-[2-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl]phenyl]-methanone

1,1’-(1,4-piperazinediyl)bis[1-[2-[4-(diethylamino)-2-hydroxybenzoyl]phenyl]methanone

Common ingredient nameHAA299 (nanometer)
CAS number919803-06-8
EC number485-100-6
Maximum concentration10%
OthersOnly nanomaterials with the following characteristics are permitted:

- 純度≥97%,

-Median particle size ≥50nm.Not to be used in applications for consumers that may lead to lung exposure by inhalation.

When using both HAA299 (non-nano) and HAA299 (nano) ingredients,the total content shall not exceed 10%.

Effective dateJuly 27,2023

The UKs regulatory amendments primarily reference the assessment opinions of the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety and the amendments to the (EC) No 1223/2009 Cosmetic Regulation.

Previously,the EU had implemented identical regulatory updates for the aforementioned substances,with relevant details as follows:

1.Methyl-N-methylanthranilate has been added to the "List of Restricted Substances in Cosmetics." This change took effect on January 21,2022.From August 21,2022,products containing this substance that do not meet the relevant conditions may not be placed on the EU market,and from November 21,2022,they may no longer be sold on the EU market.

2.The "List of Sunscreen Agents Permitted for Use in Cosmetics" has been updated to include HAA299 (non-nano) and HAA299 (nano).This change took effect on November 30,2022.

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