Key takeaways:
- The EU releases a new list of ingredients banned for cosmetics use
- From February 1, 2025, cosmetic products containing substances on this list and not complying with the restrictions shall not be placed on the Union market.
- Skin Match Technology’s (SMT) INCI explainer enables retailers to provide updated ingredient information to their customers
- 42% of consumers feel they don’t get enough information from brands about ingredient safety.
With the European Union’s latest revisions to the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, beauty brands face an urgent need to adapt to stricter ingredient regulations. These updates, which include new prohibitions on specific nanomaterials such as Styrene/Acrylates copolymer (nano) and Hydroxyapatite (nano), will take full effect by 2025. The updated rules reflect the EU’s commitment to consumer safety, particularly in addressing ingredients whose risks were previously underestimated.
Starting February 1, 2025, products containing these banned or restricted substances will no longer be allowed on the EU market. By November 1, 2025, any non-compliant cosmetic products must be removed from shelves. This tightening of regulatory controls puts significant pressure on beauty brands and retailers to ensure that their product formulations comply with these new standards. Whereas beauty brands have it easy to regulate their own products, this is a different story for retailers having to manage thousands of brands and products.
Find the full revised list here
In an industry where ingredient transparency is already a growing consumer expectation, these regulatory changes make it clear that understanding and communicating what’s in your products is no longer optional—it’s essential. Surveys show that 72% of consumers want brands to clearly explain the ingredients used in their products, and 42% feel they don’t receive enough information about ingredient safety from brands.
Skin Match Technology’s INCI Explainer: A Crucial Tool for Navigating New Regulations
To help beauty brands retail comply with these new regulations while enhancing customer trust, Skin Match Technology offers its cutting-edge INCI Ingredient Explainer Software. This easy-to-integrate solution provides brands with detailed ingredient lists and explanations, ensuring that both regulatory compliance and consumer transparency are addressed efficiently.
The software decodes over 60,000 ingredients, providing clear descriptions of their functions, sources, and potential safety concerns. With new EU regulations emphasizing safety, especially regarding nanomaterials, Skin Match’s ability to simplify and explain these complex substances is invaluable for retailers navigating this regulatory landscape.
Why Brands Need Skin Match Technology’s INCI Explainer Now More Than Ever:
- Compliance with Regulatory Changes: As new EU bans and restrictions on ingredients like colloidal silver (nano) and colloidal copper (nano) come into effect, retailers need to ensure that their product formulations comply with these updated guidelines.
- Build Consumer Trust through Transparency: In an era where consumers demand transparency, offering a full ingredient list with clear explanations helps build trust and loyalty. Studies reveal that 60%+ of consumers want to know the sources of ingredients in their products.
- Easy Integration and Global Reach: The INCI Explainer is fully customizable, allowing retailers to match the design of their online stores. It supports over 20 languages, making it ideal for global brands.
As regulations tighten and consumers become more informed and selective about what they put on their skin, retailers must act proactively. With Skin Match Technology’s INCI Explainer Software, beauty retailers can ensure compliance, transparency, and a seamless customer experience—all of which are vital to thriving in this evolving landscape.
