European Commission updated list of ingredients restricted or prohibited for use in cosmetics

The European Commission has updated the EU list of ingredients restricted or prohibited in cosmetic products. In line with this regulatory change, we have updated the relevant section of our website and remind all cosmetics economic operators of their responsibility to stay informed of ingredient changes at EU level, particularly additions to the list of restricted and prohibited ingredients.

Omnibus Act VIII on CMR substances

The Commission published Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/78, amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products in January 2026. This Regulation is known as Omnibus Act VIII on CMR substances and introduces 18 new substances to the list of ingredients that are now restricted or prohibited in cosmetic products. The Omnibus Act VIII will apply from 1 May 2026.

Manufacturers and suppliers must take care to ensure that these ingredients are no longer used in cosmetic formulations where they are now restricted or prohibited. From the date of application, any cosmetic product containing these substances cannot be sold within the EU. It is important to note that there is no distinction between “placing on the market” and “making available on the market.”

For a full list of the newly added substances, please visit the HPRA webpage on Omnibus Act VIII.

European Commission process for updating cosmetic product ingredient restrictions

This update follows the European Commission’s standard regulatory process, under which ingredient safety is continuously reviewed to ensure a high level of consumer protection across the EU. 

The list of restricted and prohibited substances is maintained in Annexes II–VI of the EU Cosmetics Regulation. The newly added substances will be incorporated into these annexes.

Substances are added to the list when classified as hazardous under the CLP Regulation (Classification, Labelling and Packaging of chemical substances and mixtures), unless specific exemptions apply.

Responsibility for economics operators to remain compliant

Cosmetic economic operators, including manufacturers, distributors, and responsible persons, are required to stay informed of EU regulatory developments and ensure full compliance with current legislation.

Operators must keep up to date with amendments to both the Cosmetics Regulation and the CLP Regulation to ensure the continued safety and compliance of cosmetic products placed on the European market.

We also recommend monitoring substances currently under review by the SCCS, as these may be added to Annexes II–VI in future, depending on the outcomes of ongoing safety assessments.

For more detail, see HPRA webpage on Omnibus Act VIII.