Brussels plots restrictions on parabens in cosmetics

Published: 12-Dec-2011
Ingredients Regulatory

Follows action in Denmark


The European Commission is planning a proposal to ban the use of certain paraben preservatives in cosmetics, and tightly restrict others.

A paper from the EU’s scientific committee on consumer safety said Commission officials are drafting a regulation prohibiting the use of five parabens in cosmetics: isopropyl, isobutyl, pentyl, phenyl and benzyl esters of 4-hydroxybenzoic acid and their salts. The reason, it said was “insufficient information to conduct a safety assessment”.

Furthermore, the Commission proposals would also reduce to 0.19% the allowed maximum concentration of propyl and butylparabens, used individually or combined in cosmetics.

The EU action comes as Denmark has banned the use of parabens in cosmetics products intended for children under three years old.
  • Companies:
  • European Commission
See more

You may also like

Regulatory

European commission adopts restriction on intentionally added microplastics

Read more
The new rules are expected to prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics

Trending Articles

  1. Breakthroughs in ingredient technology and packaging trends in the cosmetics industry The cosmetics industry is constantly evolving, driven by innovation in ingredient technology and packaging. As consumer expectations shift towards more sustainable, functional, and effective beauty solutions, brands are exploring new ways to differentiate themselves and capture market share. In 2024, several key breakthroughs in ingredient technology and packaging trends are reshaping the future of beauty products. Let’s dive into these exciting developments and explore how they are transforming the landscape
  2. Charlotte Tilbury setting spray withdrawal hits Puig shares The Barcelona-based conglomerate is the latest company to voluntarily withdraw product batches for quality issues
  3. Evolved By Nature launches new cosmetic bioactive: Activated Silk 8A-𝛼 Activated Silk 8A is a tone-boosting bioactive peptide that visibly brightens skin and reduces the appearance of hyperpigmentation, leading to a more vibrant, even complexion
  4. Registrar Corp Acquires Personal Care Regulatory (PCR), Expanding Global Cosmetic Regulatory Compliance Services Registrar Corp, the world's largest cosmetics compliance company, is pleased to announce its acquisition of Personal Care Regulatory (PCR) Group, a leading cosmetic regulatory, toxicology, and compliance company based in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland. This strategic acquisition extend Registrar’s global regulatory compliance capabilities
  5. Biova Applied Science. Innovative Ingredients. Better Products. Naturally.

Upcoming event

Launch Lab: Future-Forward Cosmetics – Beyond Packaging 2025 - WEBINAR

17 January 2025 See all

You may also like

Regulatory

European commission adopts restriction on intentionally added microplastics

The new rules are expected to prevent the release to the environment of about half a million tonnes of microplastics
Regulatory

European Commission announces roadmap to phase out animal testing

The Commission has promised a plan to accelerate the reduction of animal testing for chemicals legislation in response to the ‘Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics’ citizens’ initiative
Regulatory

Animal testing: Save Cruelty-Free Cosmetics ECI gets European Parliament hearing

The European Commission has promised a ‘final and detailed response’ to the initiative by the end of July
Ingredients

EU Commission extends list of hazardous chemicals for cosmetics

More than 20 ingredients have been prohibited for use in beauty products due to their long-term and serious effects on human health
You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Ingredients

Beauty brands blast EU to end ‘back door’ animal testing in open letter

Fronted by Cruelty Free Europe and PETA, as well as 450 other brands, the letter calls for the EU Cosmetics Regulation to uphold animal testing bans
Regulatory

Not playing by the rules: The hand san rogue traders taking advantage of the pandemic

As the hand sanitiser business catapults to new heights, Cosmetics Business finds out how some makers are negotiating around the regulations for commercial gain
You need to be a subscriber to read this article.
Click here to find out more.
Regulatory

Jeff Bezos’ Amazon gets second warning from EU Commission for breaching antitrust laws

The billionaire’s retail business is in hot water again with European lawmakers for allegedly giving preferential treatment to its own online offers and sellers that use its logistical services
Subscribe now