Below is an overview of key regulatory developments and legislative updates that may impact the cosmetics industry across the European and American markets.
European Union
Number of Fragrance Allergens Requiring Label Declaration in the EU Increased to 81
In cosmetic products placed on the European Union market, fragrance allergens must be individually listed in the ingredient declaration when their concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
Under the new requirements, companies must ensure that labels of newly placed products comply with the updated provisions by 31 July 2026. For products already available on the market, the final compliance deadline is 31 July 2028.
Amendments Planned for the EU Cosmetics Regulation
On 8 July 2026, the European Union submitted notification G/TBT/N/EU/1219 to the World Trade Organisation. The proposal foresees amendments to Annex II (prohibited substances), Annex III (restricted substances), and Annex V (permitted preservatives) of the EU Cosmetics Regulation.
Public comments on the draft will be accepted until 6 September 2026. The measure is expected to be adopted in the fourth quarter of 2026 and to enter into force on the twentieth day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union.
Sweden Prepares to Ban PFAS in Consumer Products
On 23 July 2026, Sweden’s Ministry of Climate and Enterprise opened a proposal for a national ban on PFAS in certain consumer products for public consultation. Comments on the draft will be accepted until 30 November 2026.
The proposed ban covers clothing and footwear, waterproofing agents, cosmetic products, cookware, and ski waxes. The restriction is planned to take effect on 1 January 2028.
EU Proposal on the Use of Micron-Scale Silver in Cosmetic Products
On 30 July 2026, the European Commission submitted notification G/TBT/N/EU/1227 to the World Trade Organisation. The proposal suggests revising the restrictions and control requirements applicable to micron-scale silver particles under Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products.
The draft aims to align the legislation with the latest scientific opinion of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and to expand the permitted uses of micron-scale silver in cosmetic products by easing certain existing restrictions.
Americas
Brazil Plans Update to the List of Restricted Substances for Cosmetic Products
Brazil’s National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) opened a public consultation on 1 July 2026 regarding a draft update to “List of Restricted Substances – Part II” applicable to personal hygiene products, cosmetics, and perfumes.
Comments under Public Consultation No. 1,399/2026 will be accepted from 8 July to 8 September 2026.
FDA Proposes New Rules for Hair Straightening Products
On 3 July 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced two regulatory proposals of significant relevance to the cosmetics industry.
The first proposal seeks to prohibit formaldehyde and formaldehyde-releasing substances in hair smoothing and straightening products. The second proposal aims to require the disclosure of fragrance allergens on cosmetic product labels.
Illinois to Ban 24 Cosmetic Ingredients Starting 1 July 2028
On 10 July 2026, the Governor of Illinois signed the Chemical Safety for Cosmetics Act into law.
Under the legislation, cosmetic products containing any of the 24 intentionally added substances identified by the regulation, including PFAS, will be prohibited from being manufactured, sold, distributed, offered for sale, or held for sale within the state. The new requirements will take effect on 1 July 2028.