Cosmetics

In the cosmetics industry, beauty moves fast – and so do the rules. Whether it’s ingredient restrictions, sustainability labeling, or nanomaterial disclosure, cosmetics brands are expected to meet strict and rapidly evolving compliance requirements across global markets.

Cosmetics Global Coverage

Compliance & Risks helps leading cosmetic companies stay ahead of regulatory change and bring safe, compliant products to market. Our targeted intelligence tools and expert insights support your teams from formulation to labeling and distribution.

According to the EU cosmetics regulation, “cosmetic product” means any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odors.

Our coverage extends to regulations and supporting documents concerning legal requirements relating to the: safety; testing; certification; labeling (principle display panel (PDP)) contents; quantity statements; ingredient disclosures; allergen disclosures; manufacturer and “responsible person” identification/contact information; lot or batch identification; warnings and directions for safe use; etc); restriction of substances and packaging of cosmetic products. Requirements that specifically relate to products for children and/or infants are also covered.

Our coverage of restricted substances and materials includes, but is not limited to, PFAS, VOCs, microbeads/microplastics, heavy metals, and other substances that are considered carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction.

Compliance & Risks’ coverage is historically comprehensive and includes, but is not limited to:

Framework Regulations

EU: Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) 1223/2009
USA: Food Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 21 U.S.C. 301, 1938
USA: Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act ,2022
Canada: Food and Drugs Act, 1985
Canada: Cosmetic Regulations CRC. 869, 2021
China: Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR)

Chemical / Substance / Ingredient Restrictions

Louisiana (USA): Mercury Risk Reduction Regulations, OS077, Final Rule, 2009
Canada: “Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist,” Health Canada, 2024
China: List of Ingredients Used in Cosmetics, Notice No. 61, 2025

Labeling / Marking

EU: Glossary of Common Ingredient Names in the Use of Labelling Cosmetic Products, Decision (EU) 2025/1175
USA: Regulation of Sunscreen Active Ingredients, Senate Bill 2141 Enacted, 2014
Hawaii (USA): Labeling Requirements for Certain Premoistened Nonwoven Disposable Wipes, House Bill 918, 2025
Massachusetts (USA): Cosmetic Labeling, House Bill 458, 2025
Minnesota (USA): Restrictions on PFAS, Lead, and Cadmium in Products, and Food Package Labelling, House File 2310 Enacted, 2023

Registration / Notification

Brazil: Registration of Personal Hygiene Products, Cosmetics and Perfumes, Portaria No. 296, 1998
China: Cosmetics Registration and Notification Management, Order No. 35, 2021
Portugal: Resolution RDC No. 906 on procedures and requirements for the registration of cosmetic products for straightening or curling hair, 19 September 2024

Talk to an expert