The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No. 2) Regulations 2025
These regulations, effective January 21, 2026, amend UK law to restrict the use of 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone/Oxybenzone (Oxybenzone) in cosmetic products due to potential health concerns.
The regulations specify different maximum concentrations depending on the product type and incorporate a transition period until July 21, 2026, for products already on the market.
The changes are based on scientific advice and aim to ensure public health and safety while providing a transition period for businesses.
Arguments For
Protecting Public Health: The regulations aim to mitigate potential health risks associated with Oxybenzone in cosmetics, based on scientific evidence.
Consistency with EU Standards: Aligning UK regulations with EU standards on cosmetic safety ensures a level playing field and maintains consumer trust.
Precautionary Principle: The restrictions reflect a precautionary approach to chemical safety, prioritizing consumer well-being even with incomplete scientific certainty.
Evidence-Based Regulation: The decision to restrict Oxybenzone is based on advice from the Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products.
Arguments Against
Economic Impact on Businesses: Manufacturers may face costs associated with reformulating products to comply with the new limits, potentially increasing prices.
Limited Scientific Consensus: While some evidence suggests potential health risks, the extent of the risk and the effectiveness of the restrictions may be debated within the scientific community.
Impact on Consumer Choice: The restrictions may limit the availability of certain cosmetic products to consumers, reducing choice for some consumers.
Regulatory Burden: The new regulations add to the regulatory burden on cosmetic manufacturers, requiring compliance and potentially leading to increased administrative costs.
- Citation, commencement, extent and interpretation (1) These Regulations may be cited as the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No. 2) Regulations 2025. (2) These Regulations come into force on 21st January 2026. (3) These Regulations extend to England and Wales and Scotland. (4) In these Regulations “the Cosmetic Regulation” means Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council on cosmetic products.
This section establishes the title, effective date, geographical scope, and definition of 'the Cosmetic Regulation' used throughout these regulations.
The regulations are titled Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No. 2) Regulations 2025 and take effect January 21, 2026 and apply to England, Wales and Scotland.
For clarity, 'the Cosmetic Regulation' is defined as Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.
- Amendments to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 In the Cosmetic Regulation, in the table in Annex 6 (list of UV filters allowed in cosmetic products), at reference number 4 (2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone/Oxybenzone)— (a) in column f (product type, body parts) insert—"Product types— (a) skin products, other than those listed in paragraph (b), including all propellant and pump spray skin products; (b) face products, hand products and lip products (excluding propellant and pump spray face products, hand products and lip products); (c) all other cosmetic products."; (b) for the text in column g (maximum concentration in ready for use preparation) substitute—"For product types— (a) 2.2%; (b) 6%; (c) 0.5%; (c) for the text in column h (other) substitute—"For product types (a) and (b), not to be used at more than 0.5% to protect product formulation. If used at 0.5% to protect product formulation, the levels used as UV filter must not exceed, for product types— (a) 1.7%; (b) 5.5%.”.
This section details the specific amendments to Annex 6 of Regulation (EC) 1223/2009.
It modifies the permitted levels of 2-Hydroxy-4-methoxybenzophenone/Oxybenzone (Oxybenzone) based on the type of cosmetic product.
New maximum concentration limits are set for different product categories, with additional restrictions for use in specified situations.
The changes specify product types and associated maximum concentrations and conditions of use.
- Transitional Provision (1) Despite the amendments made to Annex 6 of the Cosmetic Regulation by these Regulations, where paragraph (2) applies, a cosmetic product may continue to be made available on the market until the end of 21st July 2026. (2) This paragraph applies where the cosmetic product— (a) is placed on the market before 21st January 2026; and (b) complies with the requirements of the Cosmetic Regulation as it has effect before 21st January 2026.
This section provides a transition period, extending to July 21, 2026.
This allows time for businesses to adjust to the new regulations.
Cosmetic products already marketed before January 21, 2026, and compliant with pre-amendment regulations, are permitted until the later date.
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