In May 2026, several jurisdictions updated or proposed measures affecting global cosmetics regulations, with a clear focus on cosmetic ingredient restrictions, prohibited substances, pre-activity notification requirements, and concentration limits.
Key Global Cosmetics Regulatory Updates in May 2026
EU: SCCS Issues Preliminary Opinion on Acetophenone as an NCS Component
On May 4, 2026, the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published a preliminary opinion on Acetophenone as a component of Natural Complex Substances (NCS).
According to the preliminary opinion, SCCS considers Acetophenone safe for use in cosmetic products when the maximum concentration does not exceed:
100 ppm, equivalent to 0.01%
The public consultation on the preliminary opinion is open until July 6, 2026.
Canada: SNAc Provisions Apply to Two Ester Substances Used in Cosmetics
On May 2, 2026, the Government of Canada announced the application of Significant New Activity (SNAc) provisions to two ester substances used in specific consumer products and cosmetics.
The substances are:
Alkanedioic acid, di-branched alkyl ester
Hexanedioic acid, 1,6-diisotridecyl ester
For applicable activities, companies must submit a Significant New Activity Notification (SNAN) at least 90 days before:
Manufacturing cosmetics containing the relevant substance at a concentration of 0.1% or above; or
Importing products containing the relevant substance where the total import quantity exceeds 10 kg in a calendar year.
This requirement may affect cosmetic manufacturers, importers, distributors, and brand owners using these substances in products intended for the Canadian market.
United States: Maryland Strengthens Cosmetic Ingredient Restrictions and Enforcement
On April 28, 2026, the Governor of Maryland signed the Crown and Care Act (SB 656/HB 1533).
The Act strengthens cosmetic ingredient control in Maryland by:
Expanding the list of prohibited cosmetic ingredients, including the addition of lead;
Granting broader enforcement authority to regulatory agencies;
Increasing civil penalties for non-compliance.
The new provisions will take effect on July 1, 2026.
For companies selling cosmetics in the United States, this update reinforces the importance of monitoring both federal requirements and state-level cosmetic ingredient restrictions. Compliance with federal requirements alone may not be sufficient where state laws impose additional or stricter obligations.
Ingredient Prohibitions and Use Limits in Argentina and Thailand
Argentina: TPO and DMPT Added to the List of Prohibited Cosmetic Substances
On May 15, 2026, Argentina's National Administration of Drugs, Foods and Medical Technology (ANMAT) issued an order incorporating Mercosur/GMC/Resolution No. 27/2025 into Argentina's domestic regulatory framework.
The update adds the following substances to the list of prohibited cosmetic substances:
Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide (TPO)
N,N-dimethyl-p-toluidine (DMPT)
Companies placing cosmetic products on the Argentine market should review formulas, raw materials, supplier specifications, and product portfolios to confirm whether TPO or DMPT is present.
Thailand: New Rules Clarify the Use of Piperonal in Cosmetics
On May 21, 2026, Thailand issued new rules on the use of Piperonal in cosmetics.
The rules clarify that Piperonal (CAS No. 120-57-0) may be used in various types of cosmetic products, subject to the following conditions:
The maximum concentration in the finished cosmetic product must not exceed 1%;
The concentration of Piperonal in raw materials must not exceed 10%;
Its permitted functions are limited to fragrance or skin conditioning.
Cosmetic companies using Piperonal should verify finished product concentrations, raw material specifications, intended use, and supporting documentation before market placement in Thailand.
Impact and Actionable Advice for Global Cosmetic Companies
The May 2026 updates show that cosmetic ingredient compliance is becoming more market-specific. A formula accepted in one jurisdiction may trigger notification requirements, concentration limits, prohibited substance controls, or enforcement risks in another.
Global cosmetic companies should consider the following actions:
Conduct market-specific formula reviews. Screen ingredients against the latest requirements in the EU, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Thailand, and other target markets.
Maintain a multi-market compliance matrix. Companies selling the same product across regions should map ingredient restrictions by jurisdiction and identify where reformulation, notification, relabeling, or market-specific documentation may be required.
How REACH24H Can Help
REACH24H supports cosmetic brands, manufacturers, exporters, importers, and ingredient suppliers in managing global cosmetics regulatory compliance and ingredient safety requirements.
Our services:
Not sure where to start? Our regulatory experts are ready to help.
Email: customer@reach24h.com
