Title: Navigating the Government’s Summary of the Commission Regulation on Carcinogenic, Mutagenic and Reprotoxic Substances in Cosmetic Products

In the realm of cosmetic safety, regulatory clarity is paramount. Recent developments surrounding the Government’s summary of the Commission Regulation on the use in cosmetic products of substances classed as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction (CMR) have significant implications for manufacturers, retailers, and consumers alike. This post offers a concise, professional overview of what the summary communicates, why it matters, and how stakeholders can respond.

What the regulation covers
At its core, the regulation establishes strict controls on the inclusion of CMR substances in cosmetic products. Substances categorised as CMR pose potential risks to human health, and the regulation aims to mitigate these risks by:

– Defining which CMR substances are prohibited in cosmetics.
– Setting permissible concentrations for CMR substances where applicable, or banning use altogether in certain product classes.
– Outlining responsibilities for responsible parties, including responsible sourcing, documentation, and traceability.
– Providing a framework for enforcement, including conformity with testing, labeling, and reporting requirements.

The Government’s summary: key takeaways
The Government’s summary distils the regulation into actionable guidance for industry players. Notable points include:

– Prohibition and restriction: A clear list of substances barred from use in cosmetics, and, where relevant, specific uses or product categories remaining restricted.
– Regulatory alignment: How the regulation integrates with national and EU-wide safety standards, including compliance timelines and transition provisions.
– Documentation and compliance: The necessity of maintaining up-to-date ingredient inventories, safety assessments, and records demonstrating conformance to the regulation.
– Labelling and consumer information: What needs to appear on product labels to inform consumers about safety considerations, without compromising proprietary formulation details.
– Enforcement and penalties: Consequences for non-compliance, ranging from product recalls to fines, and the audit processes that assess adherence.

Implications for cosmetic manufacturers and suppliers
– Ingredient scrutiny: Expect heightened scrutiny of ingredient lists. Substances newly identified as CMR or restricted under the regulation may necessitate reformulation or product withdrawal.
– Supply chain diligence: Verification of suppliers’ compliance becomes a critical control point. Firms should implement robust supplier questionnaires, certificates of analysis, and batch-level documentation.
– Reformulation strategy: For products reliant on restricted CMR substances, alternative ingredients or formulations should be explored. This may involve pilot testing, stability studies, and market testing to ensure performance parity.
– Documentation and traceability: The regulatory framework emphasises traceability. Companies should enhance records, maintain historical ingredient usage data, and ensure easy retrieval for audits.
– Market timing: Compliance timelines in the Government summary dictate product lifecycle planning. Early action reduces disruption and allows for smoother transitions.

Practical steps for organisations
1) Conduct a comprehensive ingredient audit: Identify all cosmetic products in portfolio and their ingredient lists, flagging any substances on the CMR list or subject to restrictions.
2) Evaluate risks and options: For flagged products, assess whether reformulation, substitution, or market withdrawal is necessary. Consider efficacy, stability, safety data, and consumer expectations.
3) Engage with suppliers: Request up-to-date CMR classifications, safety data sheets, and compliance attestations. Establish contingency plans if a supplier no longer can provide a critical ingredient.
4) Update regulatory dossiers: Ensure safety assessments, exposure scenarios, and conformity assessments reflect the current regulatory position.
5) Revise labels and notices: Align product labels with disclosure requirements, maintaining transparency while protecting sensitive formulation details.
6) Plan for audits and training: Prepare for regulatory inspections and train staff on updated compliance procedures and documentation practices.
7) Communicate with customers: Where relevant, provide clear information about product safety and any changes resulting from regulatory compliance, reassuring consumers of continued commitment to safety.

What consumers should know
– Safety focus: The regulation underscores the ongoing commitment to consumer safety in cosmetics, particularly relating to substances with potential long-term health risks.
– Transparency: Companies adhering to the regulation should provide clear information about product ingredients and safety considerations.
– Availability and alternatives: Some products may be reformulated to remove CMR substances, offering equivalent performance using safer alternatives.

Conclusion
The Government’s summary of the Commission Regulation on the use of CMR substances in cosmetics marks a pivotal step in reinforcing safety and accountability within the industry. For manufacturers and suppliers, proactive engagement with the regulation—through rigorous ingredient governance, robust supplier management, and transparent communication—will minimise disruption and support consumer confidence. As the regulatory landscape evolves, a disciplined, forward-looking approach to compliance will remain essential for sustainable product stewardship in cosmetics.

February 16, 2026 at 11:05AM
政策性文件：关于特定物质在化妆品中使用的监管的执行稿（COM(2026)15）

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/em-on-regulation-on-cosmetics-of-certain-substances-com202615

政府对欧盟委员会关于将被归类为致癌、致突变或致生殖毒性物质在化妆品中使用的监管的要点总结。仅返回已翻译的文本。

阅读更多中文内容： 政府对化妆品中致癌、致变和致生殖毒性物质使用的委员会条例要点综述