Navegar por la normativa de la UE sobre cosméticos: Una vía para el progreso de las marcas

Are you ready to launch your cosmetics brand in the European market? Europe is a large and lucrative market for cosmetics brands, but it’s vital to understand local regulations – specifically the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

This regulation ensures the safety of all cosmetics sold in Europe and enforces strict quality assurance standards. By complying with these regulations, you gain the trust of European customers who prioritize brands that put health and wellness first. Compliance not only opens the door to this important market, it also lays a solid foundation for your brand’s long-term success.

Overview of the Core Contents of EU Cosmetics Regulations

Background and Importance of EU Cosmetics Regulation

The EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009) has been in effect since 2013 and aims to ensure the safety of cosmetics and the health of consumers. The regulation covers multiple aspects such as product ingredients, labeling, safety assessment, etc., and strengthens the protection of consumer health and safety.

Key Requirements of EU Cosmetics Regulation

All cosmetics must undergo a safety assessment before they are put on the market and submit a cosmetic safety report (CPSR). The report includes information such as product ingredients, physical/chemical properties, microbiological quality, etc. to ensure the safety of the product under normal use conditions.

Latest Revisions to EU Cosmetics Regulation in 2024

With the implementation of the new revised regulation in 2024 (EU 2024/858), the use of some ingredients such as nanomaterials y hydroxyapatite is subject to stricter restrictions. These updates reflect the latest research results of the Scientific Committee on consumer safety and require brands to adjust product formulas in a timely manner to meet the new standards.

Challenges Faced by Small Cosmetics Brand

Increased R&D Costs

Small brand usually have limited resources and may need to invest more money in product R&D and formula adjustments in the face of new ingredient restrictions and safety assessment requirements.

This means that existing product lines must be reviewed and new formulas may need to be developed to meet new regulatory requirements.

Compliance Management Complexity

The new regulations require companies to establish a more stringent compliance management system, including a comprehensive review of ingredients, updated safety reports and labeling information.

Small brand may lack a dedicated compliance team, resulting in difficulties in complying with regulations.

Market Access Barriers

With the tightening of regulations, small brand may face higher entry barriers when entering the market. It is necessary to ensure that all products meet the new standards in order to successfully enter the EU market, which is a big test of both funds and time.

The Impact of EU Cosmetics Regulations on Product Development

Overview of The New Regulations

The EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009) will undergo important revisions in 2024, especially Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/996, which strictly restricts the use of cosmetic ingredients, including vitamin A, α-arbutin, arbutin, and some substances that may have endocrine disrupting effects.

These revisions are intended to improve consumer safety and ensure that cosmetics sold on the market meet the latest scientific standards.

Specific Impact on Product Development

Ingredient screening and formulation design

The new regulations require brands to strictly review ingredients during product development to ensure that all ingredients used meet the latest safety standards.

For example, the use of vitamin A ingredients (such as retinol and retinyl esters) is restricted and must follow new concentration standards.

Brands need to re-evaluate existing formulas and may need to find alternative ingredients to meet regulatory requirements.

Safety assessment and documentation requirements

According to the new regulations, all cosmetics must undergo a comprehensive safety assessment before they are put on the market and update the cosmetic safety report (CPSR).

This means that R&D teams need to invest more resources in clinical testing and data collection to ensure that the product is safe under normal use conditions.

In addition, the completeness and transparency of documentation have become more important in order to provide the necessary information during regulatory review.

Labeling and Consumer Information

The new regulations require products containing specific ingredients (such as vitamin A) to be clearly labeled, such as “Contains vitamin A, please consider your daily intake.”

This means that brands need to add more information to product label design to ensure that consumers can fully understand the product ingredients and their potential effects.

Advantages of EU Cosmetics Regulations for Cosmetics Brands

Win Consumer Trust and Enhance Brand Image

Following strict compliance standards can not only enhance consumers’ trust in the brand, but also enhance the brand’s image in the market and attract more consumers who pay attention to safety and quality.

Compliant products are often regarded as a symbol of high quality.

Expand Opportunities in International Markets

Compliant products are more likely to enter Europe and other international markets, opening up new sales channels and growth opportunities for brands.

Products that meet EU standards are also more competitive globally.

Ensure Legal Compliance

By complying with EU cosmetics regulations, brands can effectively avoid legal risks and economic losses caused by non-compliance, thereby ensuring the long-term development of the company.

Especially in the face of a strict regulatory environment, compliance becomes an important guarantee for the survival of the company.

How Small Cosmetics Brands Cope With The New Eu Cosmetics Regulations

With the update of the EU cosmetics regulations, small brands face higher compliance pressure and market access barriers.

Despite limited resources, these brands can still adopt effective strategies to cooperate with factories with certain capital to ensure that products comply with the new regulations while remaining competitive.

Through this cooperation, small brands can obtain professional support to meet compliance requirements and enhance market competitiveness.

Strengthen R&D and innovation

Small companies can respond to regulatory challenges by increasing R&D investment, looking for alternative ingredients and developing new technologies.

For example, explore natural ingredients or new preservatives to meet consumer demand for safe and environmentally friendly products.

Our factory can assist customers in developing products based on natural ingredients to help them meet market demand.

Adjust and optimize product formulas and label information

With the implementation of the new EU cosmetics regulations, brands must comprehensively review and update their product formulas and label information to ensure that all ingredients meet the latest safety standards and usage restrictions.

For example, certain nanomaterials, such as colloidal silver and colloidal gold, are now banned. Brands need to find alternative ingredients that meet the new regulations. This involves not only adjusting the formula, but also rethinking how the product is presented to consumers.

If you need to reformulate, our factory is equipped with 12 formulators with more than 10 years of experience in the industry who can tailor solutions for you.

Optimize product development process

Product ingredient review and alternative ingredients

During the product development stage, brands should carefully review all product ingredients provided by their own factories or OEM factories to ensure that they meet the requirements of the new regulations.

For restricted or banned ingredients, find safe and compliant alternative ingredients in a timely manner.

For example, develop new formulas that do not require animal testing to meet the growing demand for ethical products in the current market.

Simplify the formula

Brands can communicate with the factory to consider simplifying the product formula and reducing the number of ingredients to reduce compliance risks and costs.

This not only helps to improve production efficiency, but also makes the product easier to manage and monitor.

In summary, the cosmetics landscape is changing, and brands must be agile, informed, and strategically aligned with regulatory requirements to thrive in the EU cosmetics market.