2026 EU Cosmetic Regulatory Updates: What Brands Must Comply With

Introduction

The EU is introducing new and stricter requirements for cosmetic ingredients and packaging. Updates in 2026 cover ingredient bans, enhanced labelling obligations, PFAS phase-outs, REACH SVHC additions, and upcoming PPWR milestones affecting cosmetics placed on the EU market. 

This guide summarizes the key EU cosmetic regulatory developments impacting the cosmetics sector through 2026, highlighting critical timelines and compliance considerations.

EU Implements New Restrictions on Cosmetic Ingredients Including 4‑MBC, Fragrance Allergens, and Formaldehyde‑Releasing Preservatives

The restrictions and prohibitions on certain cosmetic ingredients have officially taken effect in the European Union.

• 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC): Having been banned for placement on the market since May 2025, products containing 4-MBC must be completely withdrawn from shelves by May 1, 2026.

• Fragrance Allergens: From 31 July 2026, Cosmetic products containing any of the newly added 56 fragrance allergens that do not comply with the revised labelling requirements may no longer be placed on the EU market. From 31 July 2028, cosmetic products containing these substances and not meeting the labelling requirements may no longer be made available on the EU market

• Formaldehyde-Releasing Preservatives: For products containing authorized preservatives that release formaldehyde, a mandatory warning "releases formaldehyde" must be labeled if the total formaldehyde concentration exceeds 0.001% (10 ppm). Non-compliant products must be off-market by July 31, 2026.

Transitional Period Ends for PFAS in Cosmetics Under EU REACH

Under the EU REACH Regulation, transitional arrangements for PFAS in cosmetics are coming to an end.

From October 10, 2026, these substances shall not be placed on the market, or used, in a concentration:

• ≥25ppb sum of PFHxA and its salts;

• ≥1000 ppb sum of PFHxA-related substances.

EU Adds Four New Substances to REACH SVHC Candidate List in 2025

In 2025, four new substances were added to the REACH Substances of Very High Concern (SVHC) Candidate List. Among them, Methyltris(trimethylsiloxy)silane (CAS No. 17928-28-8) and Tetrasiloxane, decamethyl- (CAS No. 141-62-8) are classified as very persistent and very bioaccumulative (vPvB) substances.

Where used in cosmetic products or supplied within the EU, affected companies must fulfill applicable obligations, including safety information communication, notification to ECHA, and SDS revisions.

PPWR Implementation Advances Toward 2026 Milestones

The Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR) establishes a lifecycle-based regulatory framework, from its placement on the market to its end-of-life treatment. This framework centralizes Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), minimization, reuse, and recyclability as its core pillars.

By harmonizing packaging standards across all Member States, the PPWR aims to eliminate trade barriers while mitigating the environmental and health impacts of packaging waste, thereby accelerating the transition to a low-carbon and circular economy.

2026 Critical Regulatory Milestones:

• By February 12, 2026, the European Commission is expected to define harmonized formats for EPR registration and reporting, including data granularity and coverage of packaging types and materials.

• By August 12, 2026, the Commission is expected to adopt uniform labelling requirements and format specifications, including provisions for digital labelling to support packaging sorting and recycling.

For cosmetic brands selling packaged products in the EU, PPWR compliance may require a structured review of packaging materials, recyclability, labelling, EPR responsibilities, technical documentation and Declaration of Conformity. REACH24H can help brands assess packaging compliance gaps and prepare for upcoming PPWR milestones through its EU PPWR Packaging Compliance Services.