The year 2026 represents an important compliance period for the global cosmetics industry. New regulatory requirements introduced across the European Union, Canada, France and certain U.S. states directly affect cosmetic formulations, labels, notifications and market access conditions.
Major developments include expanded fragrance allergen disclosure requirements, restrictions on PFAS-containing cosmetics, revised warnings for formaldehyde-releasing preservatives and the prohibition of the UV filter 4-MBC.
Cosmetic manufacturers and brand owners operating in multiple jurisdictions should assess each product separately against the requirements and transitional deadlines applicable in its target market.
European Union Ban on Cosmetics Containing 4-MBC
The European Union has completed the phase-out of 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, also known as 4-MBC, in cosmetic products.
Under Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996:
- Cosmetic products containing 4-MBC could no longer be placed on the EU market from 1 May 2025.
- From 1 May 2026, cosmetic products containing 4-MBC could no longer be made available on the EU market.
The second deadline ended the sell-through period for products that had already been placed on the market.
Manufacturers of sunscreens and other cosmetic products containing UV filters should therefore confirm that their formulations no longer contain 4-MBC. (EUR-Lex)
Expanded EU Fragrance Allergen Labelling
Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/1545 expanded the number of fragrance allergens that must be individually declared on cosmetic product labels.
The regulation added 56 new fragrance allergens to the existing disclosure framework.
The designated allergens must be individually listed in the ingredients when their concentrations exceed:
- 0.001% in leave-on products;
- 0.01% in rinse-off products.
From 31 July 2026, cosmetic products that do not comply with the new requirements may no longer be placed on the EU market. Products placed on the market before that date may continue to be made available until 31 July 2028. (EUR-Lex)
Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservative Transition Ends
Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1181 reduced the threshold that triggers the mandatory warning for cosmetic products containing formaldehyde-releasing preservatives.
The previous threshold of 0.05% was reduced to 0.001%, equivalent to 10 ppm of total released formaldehyde in the finished product.
Where the released formaldehyde concentration exceeds 10 ppm, the product must carry the following warning:
“Releases formaldehyde.”
The deadline for placing non-compliant products on the EU market had already expired. The final sell-through period for products placed on the market before that deadline ends on 31 July 2026.
Companies using formaldehyde-releasing preservatives should review analytical results, preservation systems and product labels accordingly.
France Prohibits PFAS in Cosmetic Products
France introduced a national prohibition targeting PFAS-containing cosmetic products through Law No. 2025-188 of 27 February 2025.
From 1 January 2026, cosmetic products containing PFAS may not be:
- Manufactured;
- Imported;
- Exported;
- Placed on the market, whether free of charge or for payment.
Secondary legislation establishes residual concentration thresholds and specifies certain exemptions.
The French measure represents one of the most significant national restrictions on PFAS in cosmetics within Europe. (Légifrance)
Maine PFAS Ban Covers Cosmetic Products
In the U.S. state of Maine, sales prohibitions for several product categories containing intentionally added PFAS took effect on 1 January 2026.
The legislation prohibits cosmetic products containing intentionally added PFAS from being:
- Sold;
- Offered for sale;
- Distributed for sale in the state.
Limited exemptions may be available where the Maine Department of Environmental Protection determines that a specific PFAS use is currently unavoidable.
The Maine requirements form part of a growing body of state-level PFAS legislation affecting cosmetic companies in the United States. (Maine)
Washington Sell-Through Period Ends
Washington State’s Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act prohibited intentionally added PFAS in cosmetic products from 1 January 2025.
However, retailers were permitted to sell non-compliant inventory already held in the state before the effective date until 1 January 2026.
The relevant 2026 development in Washington was therefore the end of the existing-inventory sell-through period rather than the introduction of a new PFAS restriction. (Washington State Department of Ecology)
Canada Implements Fragrance Allergen Disclosure Requirements
Canada introduced the first stage of its fragrance allergen disclosure requirements on 12 April 2026.
A list of 24 fragrance allergens must be individually declared in the ingredients when present above:
- 0.001% in leave-on cosmetics;
- 0.01% in rinse-off cosmetics.
The presence of fragrance allergens above the applicable disclosure thresholds must also be communicated to Health Canada through the Cosmetic Notification Form process.
For new cosmetics, the disclosure list will expand to 81 fragrance allergens from 1 August 2026. A longer transition period applies to existing products. (Canada)
What Do the 2026 Cosmetic Regulations Mean for Companies?
The regulatory changes implemented in 2026 demonstrate that formulation compliance alone is not sufficient. Product labels, cosmetic notifications, safety assessments and technical documentation must also be updated.
Companies should review:
- Prohibited and restricted ingredients;
- Intentionally added PFAS;
- Fragrance allergen concentrations;
- Formaldehyde-releasing preservative systems;
- Ingredient lists and warning statements;
- Cosmetic product notifications;
- Raw material and supplier documentation;
- Country-specific placement and sell-through deadlines;
- Product safety and technical files.
A formulation or label accepted in one jurisdiction may not necessarily comply with the requirements of another market. Separate regulatory assessments should therefore be completed for each target country.
Why Is Global Cosmetic Regulatory Monitoring Important?
Cosmetic legislation continues to evolve in response to concerns relating to consumer safety, ingredient transparency and environmental protection.
New restrictions may require product reformulation, revised packaging or additional notification activities. Identifying regulatory changes too late may result in delayed market access, product withdrawals, packaging waste and additional compliance costs.
Cosmetic companies should therefore monitor regulatory developments at an early stage, assess their product portfolios according to risk and complete necessary compliance actions before the applicable transitional periods expire.