THE WHAT? The UK Government has announced that it is planning to update the technical annexes to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on Cosmetics Products in order to either prohibit the use of specific chemicals or reduce the permitted level.

THE DETAILS The chemicals in question can be grouped into three categories: chemicals assessed by the Scientific Advisory Group on the Chemical Safety (SAG-CS) of non-food and non-medicinal consumer products; chemicals classified as Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reprotoxic under the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging Regulations; and fragrance allergens.

With assessments already carried out on deoxyarbutin in cosmetics and salicylic acid in beauty products, the former will be prohibited while the use of salicylic acid for uses other than as a preservative at 0.5 percent in body lotion, eye shadow, mascara, eyeliner, lipstick, and roll-on deodorant applications has been given the green light.

THE WHY? The government has considered the advice of SAG-CS regarding the above chemicals in these opinions and used this to inform decisions regarding restrictions of these chemicals in products.