UK announces new restrictions on cosmetics from 2026

Daniel Jiménez
Nov 11
2 min read

The British government has published the draft of The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2026, a proposal that once again focuses on chemical safety within the cosmetics sector. If ultimately approved, the new regulations will come into force on July 15, 2026, and will entail several significant changes for manufacturers, importers, and distributors who market products in Great Britain.

Among the most notable measures are the prohibition of the sunscreen Enzacamene (3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)-camphor), the reduction of the warning threshold for formaldehyde-releasing preservatives—which will now be required when concentrations exceed 0.001%—, and the inclusion of several substances classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to reproduction), such as tetrabromobisphenol-A, dibutyltin compounds or 4-methylimidazole, within the list of prohibited ingredients.

These modifications are based on recommendations issued by the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS), the British scientific committee that assesses the safety of non-food and non-medicinal consumer products. Their aim is to strengthen consumer protection against substances that, although still used in a limited way, are causing increasing concern within the scientific community.

The draft also includes transition periods until early 2027, during which products already on the market before the regulation comes into effect can continue to be sold. This will allow companies a reasonable amount of time to adapt their formulas, labels, and technical documentation.

Although the United Kingdom continues to base much of its legislation on the old Regulation (EC) 1223/2009, this new step confirms an increasingly clear trend: the country is moving towards its own regulatory framework, more dynamic and with decisions independent of the European Union.

For brands and laboratories exporting to the British market, these changes mean a mandatory review of their Product Information Files (PIFs) and Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSRs), as well as their labels if they use formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. It will also be crucial to review the UV filters used and verify whether any of the added CMR compounds are listed in their product portfolio.

At Belab Services, we are closely monitoring the development of this draft and any public consultations that may be launched in the coming months. Our recommendation is that companies begin now to identify potentially affected products and plan for the necessary reformulations or updates, especially if they sell in the UK through retail or e-commerce channels.

This move confirms a global trend: the cosmetics industry is moving towards greater control over ingredients, with potential long-term risks. Anticipating these changes will be the best strategy to avoid regulatory issues and maintain consumer confidence.