tags

On 27 November, 2025, the United Kingdom submitted notification G/TBT/N/GBR/108 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), proposing amendments to the UK Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The proposed amendments mainly include the approval of Hexyl Salicylate by listing it as a restricted ingredient in cosmetics, as well as the prohibition of 13 substances classified as CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic). The amendments are scheduled to be officially published in February 2026, with the deadline for comments set for 26 January, 2026.

In November 2025, the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group of Chemical Safety of Non-food and Non-medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) issued an opinion on Hexyl Salicylate in Cosmetic Products.

In May, 2025, Scientific Advisory Group of Chemical Safety of Non-food and Non-medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) issued opinion on Homosalate in Cosmetics (Opinion 17).

On May, 2025, Scientific Advisory Group of Chemical Safety of Non-food and Non-medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-GS) issued opinion on 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) as a UV Filter in Cosmetic Product.

On 27 March 2025, the Secretary of State enacted the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, amending Annex III (List of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down) of the UK Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, to restrict the use of methyl salicylate in cosmetic products. The amendment has been laid before parliament on 31 March 2025 and will come into force on 30 September 2025. It applies to England, Wales and Scotland.

On January 16, 2025, the UK notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of the draft Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, proposing amendments to Annex III of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 on cosmetic products to restrict the use of Methyl Salicylate in certain cosmetic formulations. The regulation is scheduled to be adopted on April 30, 2025, and will officially come into effect on September 30, 2025.