ECHA Proposes EU-Wide Restriction on Octocrylene in Cosmetic Products 
Ingredient: OCTOCRYLENE

Date of publication: 24 September 2025

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has launched a public consultation on a proposal to ban Octocrylene in finished cosmetic products in a concentration equal or higher than 0.001% w/w. The consultation is open until the 24th of March 2026.

What’s new?

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) opened a public consultation on a French proposal to restrict the use of the ultraviolet (UV) filter Octocrylene (CAS No. 6197-30-4) in cosmetic products. The proposal was submitted by the French Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety (ANSES) under the REACH Regulation framework.  

Octocrylene is widely used across Europe for its ability to act as a UV filter and light stabilizer in cosmetic formulations, offering sun protection. Currently, this ingredient is authorized under Annex VI of the European Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 at maximum concentrations of 10% in finished products and 9% in propellant aerosol sprays. 

ANSES conducted an assessment demonstrating that Octocrylene use contaminates aquatic environments and soil, posing risks to the reproduction and growth of aquatic species and organisms. The proposal wants to ban this ingredient when present in cosmetic products in a concentration equal or higher than 0.001% w/w.

What now?

The proposed restriction is open for consultation until the 24th March of 2026, in order to give the industry the opportunity to submit its comments and it is estimated that ECHA will publish its final opinion by autumn 2026.  

Following the final decision, a transition period of 24 months would be granted.  

References:

European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) – Proposed restriction on octocrylene in cosmetic products. Public consultation opened 24 September 2025, closing 24 March 2026.

Linkedin Instagram Facebook

other REGULATORY UPDATES

UK Responsible Person Labelling Deadline Extension

RESPONSIBLE PERSON

Date of application: 31/12/2025

The UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) have reviewed the requirement to label the product with the UK Responsible Person and have decided to extend this transitional provision for a total period of five years, until 31 December 2025.

Read More »
Any REGULATORY QUESTION?
E-mail

Italy and France – Environmental Labelling of Cosmetic Products

PACKAGING WASTE MANAGEMENT

Date of application:01/01/2023

Although the European Cosmetics Regulation is applicable to every cosmetic product made available in the European Union market, some national legislations may also apply. Environmental regulations in Italy and France specify mandatory labelling requirements applicable to packaged products marketed in these countries.

Read More »