2025 has ushered in a wave of regulatory changes that are reshaping the cosmetics industry across key markets. From ingredient bans and allergen labelling to sustainability mandates, brands must now navigate a more complex compliance landscape than ever before. Whether you're formulating skincare, haircare, or makeup products, staying informed is no longer optional—it's essential.

This article breaks down the most critical updates from the European Union (EU), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and the United States (US) to help you future-proof your formulations and packaging strategies.

European Union: Ingredient Overhauls, Allergen Labelling & Sustainability Push

1. Banned Ingredients (Annex II Updates)
The EU continues its crackdown on harmful substances:

• 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (UV filter) – banned from May 2026.
• Triphenyl Phosphate – removed due to genotoxicity risks.
• Nanomaterials like Colloidal Gold, Platinum, Copper – banned in anti-aging products.

2. Restricted Ingredients (Annex III & V Updates)
Formulators must now adhere to tighter limits:

• Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Palmitate) – max 0.05% in body lotions, 0.3% in other products.
• Kojic Acid – capped at 1% in facial/hand products.
• Alpha-Arbutin – 2% in facial creams, 0.5% in body lotions.
• Triclosan & Triclocarban – stricter limits in oral and rinse-off products.

3. Fragrance Allergen Labelling Expansion
Under Regulation 2023/1545, the number of allergens requiring disclosure jumps from 26 to 82.

• Thresholds: 0.001% for leave-on, 0.01% for rinse-off.
• Compliance deadlines:
• New products by July 2026
• Existing stock by July 2028

4. Sustainability & Packaging Compliance
The EU’s new Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation introduces:

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and eco-modulated fees
• Deforestation-free sourcing for ingredients like palm oil and cocoa

Gulf Cooperation Council: Quiet but Strategic Alignment

While the GCC hasn’t released a unified 2025 update, countries like UAE and Saudi Arabia are increasingly mirroring EU standards:

• Emphasis on fragrance allergen labelling
• Adoption of SCCS opinions on ingredients like salicylic acid and butylparaben
• Focus on CMR substances and harmonization with EU Annex II & III

United States: MoCRA Momentum & State-Level Bans

1. MoCRA (Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act)
The US is catching up with global standards:

• Fragrance Allergen Disclosure – Proposed rule expected January 2025
• Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) – Proposed rule expected October 2025
• Talc-Asbestos Testing – Mandatory via PLM and TEM methods

2. State-Level Ingredient Bans
States are taking bold steps:

• California, Maryland, Washington – bans on 24+ toxic ingredients including formaldehyde, parabens, phthalates
• PFAS bans:
• Effective in California, Colorado, Minnesota (2025)
• Coming to Maine, Vermont (2026)

Final Thoughts: Compliance Is the New Competitive Edge

The global cosmetics regulatory landscape is evolving fast. To stay ahead:

• Audit your formulations for banned and restricted ingredients.
• Update product labelling for allergens and warnings.
• Prepare for sustainability and packaging mandates.