Ingredient

USA

Benchmarking the EU: Illinois Passes Legislation Banning 12 Categories of Cosmetic Ingredients

On July 10, 2026, the State of Illinois officially enacted the Chemicals in Cosmetic Products Act. The legislation aims to align state standards with prohibitions established under EU Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 and its subsequent amendments regarding intentionally added chemical ingredients in cosmetics, signaling a growing trend toward global convergence in cosmetic safety regulation. Core Provisions of the Act Beginning July 1, 2028, except under specified circumstances, no entity or individual may manufacture, transport, store, or sell cosmetic products within the State of Illinois containing any of the following intentionally added ingredients: Exemption Criteria The act establishes a specific trace impurity exemption: if a cosmetic product is manufactured using processes designed to comply with the legislation, the presence of technically unavoidable trace amounts resulting from impurities in natural or synthetic ingredients, manufacturing processes, storage, or primary packaging shall not constitute a violation. Industry Impact and Outlook The passage of the

Benchmarking the EU: Illinois Passes Legislation Banning 12 Categories of Cosmetic Ingredients Read More »

Brazil

Brazil ANVISA Issues New Cosmetics Regulations: Updated Prohibited and Restricted Ingredient Lists

On June 11, 2026, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (ANVISA) approved two technical resolutions—RDC No. 1,029/2026 and RDC No. 1,030/2026—significantly updating ingredient compliance for personal hygiene products, cosmetics, and perfumes. Officially published in the Diário Oficial da União (DOU) on June 15, 2026, these regulations internalize Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR) resolutions to align regional safety standards. Below is an overview of the regulatory changes, specific chemical impacts, transition timelines, and actionable steps for brand owners, exporters, and ingredient manufacturers. Key Regulatory Highlights 1. RDC No. 1,030/2026 — Updated Prohibited Substances List Amending the annex of RDC No. 529/2021, this resolution incorporates MERCOSUR GMC Resolution No. 07/25 to expand and refine the list of banned substances. 2. RDC No. 1,029/2026 — Updated Restricted Substances List This resolution revokes and replaces RDC No. 530/2021, internalizing MERCOSUR GMC Resolution No. 06/25. It establishes mandatory conditions, maximum allowed concentrations, and required label warnings. Implementation

Brazil ANVISA Issues New Cosmetics Regulations: Updated Prohibited and Restricted Ingredient Lists Read More »

EU

EU Notifies WTO of Draft Cosmetics Regulation Revision: Total Ban on Mercury, Strict Limits Introduced for CBD and BHA

On July 8, 2026, the European Commission notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. The draft was developed in reference to the new classification of Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic (CMR) substances introduced under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2025/1222, as well as the latest scientific evaluation results released by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) between 2025 and 2026. The public comment period runs through September 6, 2026, with adoption expected in the fourth quarter of 2026. Revisions and Additions to Annex II (List of Prohibited Substances) Revisions and Additions to Annex III (List of Restricted Substances) 1. Revision of Permitted Conditions and Restrictions for Hydroxyapatite (nano): Permitted Product Types and Maximum Concentration in Cosmetics Other Restrictions Hydroxyapatite (nano)(a) Toothpaste: 29.5%(b) Mouthwash: 10% For items (a) and (b):– Shall not be used in applications that may lead to exposure

EU Notifies WTO of Draft Cosmetics Regulation Revision: Total Ban on Mercury, Strict Limits Introduced for CBD and BHA Read More »

ASEAN

2026 ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) Annex Updates: Major Restrictions and Bans Enforced for Kojic Acid, Preservatives, and Other Ingredients

The ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) is a regional agreement designed to harmonize technical requirements for cosmetic products across ASEAN member states, eliminating technical barriers to trade and facilitating free market circulation. The ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) and the ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body (ACSB) convene biannually to review and update regulatory standards. On June 30, 2026, official revisions were promulgated for Annex II (Prohibited Substances), Annex III (Restricted Substances), Annex IV (Allowed Colorants), and Annex VI (Allowed Preservatives). I. Annex II — Prohibited Substances List Key updates to the prohibited list involve newly added antifungal agents, tightened thresholds for hazardous impurities, and item adjustments: (Note: The four substances added above are antifungal ingredients commonly used in pharmaceuticals and are now explicitly banned from cosmetic formulations across ASEAN.) II. Annex III — Restricted Substances List Revisions to the restricted list directly alter maximum concentration limits for formulations, with significant restrictions placed on

2026 ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) Annex Updates: Major Restrictions and Bans Enforced for Kojic Acid, Preservatives, and Other Ingredients Read More »

Close-up of SPF 60 UV protection cream for skincare, featuring floral accents and a natural setting.
USA

FDA Officially Approves Next-Generation Sunscreen Ingredient Bemotrizinol: A New Era for U.S. Sun Protection Begins

On June 10, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a landmark regulatory decision—Final Administrative Order OTC000039. This order officially amends Over-the-Counter (OTC) Sunscreen Monograph M020 to approve the use of the brand-new sunscreen active ingredient Bemotrizinol (Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine) in OTC sunscreens at a maximum allowable concentration of 6%. This marks the first time in over two decades that a truly modern, innovative chemical UV filter has been added to the U.S. sunscreen monograph, signaling a monumental milestone for the American sun care market. I. What Did the FDA Declare? According to the comprehensive 35-page final administrative order, the FDA thoroughly reviewed voluminous scientific safety data and public comments submitted by the requesting manufacturer, DSM Nutritional Products. The agency formally concluded that Bemotrizinol is Generally Recognized as Safe and Effective (GRASE) for use as a sunscreen active ingredient at concentrations up to 6%. II. Two Core Foundations

FDA Officially Approves Next-Generation Sunscreen Ingredient Bemotrizinol: A New Era for U.S. Sun Protection Begins Read More »