The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) – the voice of the UK cosmetics, personal care and beauty industry – has unveiled its ‘Agenda for Government’.
It sets out proposals from the industry across five pillars: essentiality, regulation, science, sustainability and business.
A key request reflected the cosmetics industry’s absence as an initial priority sector in the Labour government’s Industrial Strategy.
The CTPA argued that cosmetics should be considered as a sub-sector of the life sciences sector.
It reasoned that both are closely linked, highly scientific, highly regulated, and focus on innovation and health.
The association also made the case for the framework of the UK Cosmetics Regulation (UKCR) being preserved.
They asked for it to continue to be sector-specific, risk-based, and regulate the safe use of cosmetic ingredients and finished cosmetic products.
It added that the new government should move fast to strengthen relations, reduce barriers to trade and increase regulatory cooperation with the EU, while ensuring that UK REACH (the country’s chemicals regulation) is delivered in a way that reduces costs and bureaucracy for companies of all sizes.
Also on the agenda was the publication of a strategy to integrate animal-free methods into the safety assessment of chemicals, which was committed to by the previous government.
Finally, on the topic of sustainability and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), the CTPA stressed the cosmetics industry would like to work with the government on the design and delivery of EPR.
“Our products are absolutely essential for everyday living, hygiene, self-confidence and self-esteem,” said Dr Emma Meredith, Director-General of the CTPA.
“Cosmetic products such as sunscreen and toothpastes are also vital for public health, while soap and hand cleansers help reduce the spread of disease.
“The sector is based on science and innovation, contains both multinational corporations and a huge number of SMEs, and is a major exporter.”
She added: “It is a major UK success story and we want to partner with the government on a dedicated strategy to secure the continued sustainable growth of this indispensable industry.”
The agenda was presented at a parliamentary reception in the Palace of Westminster on 3 December 2024, hosted by Caroline Nokes MP (Conservative).
Speakers included Thierry Cheval (Chair of CTPA, pictured right) and Dr Emma Meredith (Director-General of CTPA, pictured left).