The UK will ban Wet Wipes that Contains Plastic

Regulatory impact on cosmetics and personal care products

The United Kingdom continues to strengthen its environmental legislation to reduce plastic pollution, introducing restrictions that will directly affect manufacturers and brands of personal hygiene, cleaning and cosmetic products.

On February 10, 2026, Scotland adopted the Environmental Protection (Wet Wipes Containing Plastic) (Scotland) Regulations 2026, which establishes a ban on selling or supplying to consumers wet wipes containing plastic from August 11, 2027.

Table of contents

• Which products are affected?

• One key point: Exceptions are very limited

  • 1. Medical or health uses

  • 2. Certain industrial or professional uses

• Calendar and regulatory forecast

• Why is this regulation important for the cosmetics sector?

• What should companies do now?

• Conclusion

This measure is part of a broader UK strategy to reduce marine pollution, blockages in sewer systems and the release of microplastics into the environment.

The UK will ban Wet Wipes that Contains Plastic

Which products are affected?

The regulation targets single-use wet wipes that contain plastic .

For regulatory purposes, a “wet wipe” is understood to mean:

A pre-moistened non-woven fabric that is not designed for reuse.

This may include:

• Cosmetic makeup remover or facial cleansing wipes

• Baby wipes or personal hygiene products

• Household cleaning wipes

• Pre-moistened face masks (sheet masks)

For the cosmetics sector, the potential inclusion of masks is especially relevant, since many substrates contain synthetic fibers derived from plastic polymers such as polyester or polypropylene.

One key point: Exceptions are very limited

Although the prohibition is broad, the legislation provides for very few exceptions, and these are designed for specific situations, not for the general consumer market. Key exceptions identified:

1. Medical or health uses

Exceptions are foreseen for products used in healthcare settings or by medical professionals, where plastic-free alternatives may not be suitable.

In Scotland, impact documentation also considers the possibility of access to certain products through pharmaceutical channels for people with specific medical needs.

2. Certain industrial or professional uses

Limited exceptions may exist for business-to-business (B2B) supplies or specialized industrial applications, provided they meet established regulatory criteria.

However, for the vast majority of cosmetic brands that sell to consumers, the practical conclusion is clear: it will be necessary to use plastic-free substrates, unless an applicable exception can be demonstrated.

Calendar and regulatory forecast

Although implementation in Scotland is scheduled for August 2027, the regulatory context indicates a trend towards alignment across the UK.

This means that companies that market products in England, Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland should anticipate similar requirements in the future.

Since product development cycles in cosmetics can last between 12 and 24 months, early planning is essential.

Why is this regulation important for the cosmetics sector?

This regulation is not an isolated case, but part of a broader trend towards:

• Reduction of plastics and microplastics

• Environmental regulation of consumer products

• Sustainability claims review

• Circular economy and ecological design

Companies that anticipate They will have competitive advantages, both regulatory and commercial.

What should companies do now?

It is recommended to start an internal analysis as soon as possible:

✔ Audit the portfolio of products that may be considered “wet wipes”

✔ Verify the composition of the substrates with suppliers

✔ Evaluate plastic-free alternatives (cellulose, natural fibers, etc.)

✔ Plan reformulation or change of materials

✔ Review technical documentation and environmental claims

✔ Evaluate the impact on the UK market strategy

Conclusion

The UK's ban on plastic-wrapped baby wipes represents a significant change that will also affect the cosmetics sector.

Although there are some exceptions, these are limited and specific, so most consumer products will need to adapt by using plastic-free materials before 2027.

Companies that begin the transition now will be better positioned to comply with regulations and respond to the market's growing sustainability expectations.

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