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1 min read
The year 2026 marks one of the most significant Regulatory turning points for the Cosmetics industry. Ingredient bans, stricter allergen disclosure rules, new chemical classifications, and heightened documentation requirements across the EU, GCC, Canada, and the U.S. are compelling brands to rethink formulation strategy and global compliance systems.
Global ingredient restrictions now span banned substances, concentration limits, allergen disclosures, heavy metal checks, and safety documentation updates. In key markets such as the EU and GCC, regulators will likely intensify inspections of banned and restricted substances, allergen labeling, preservative limits, and UV filter safety, all of which directly influence formulation decisions and product approvals.
1. Track New Regional Regulations Closely
The EU is implementing major updates through its 2026 Regulatory cycle, including the incorporation of newly classified CMR substances via the Omnibus VIII regulation, applicable from 1 May 2026, with no sell‑through period. Any non‑compliant product must be removed from the market immediately.
These changes include bans on multiple substances—such as perboric acid and variants of sodium perborate, as well as nano-silver—and strict restrictions on other silver compounds and the fragrance ingredient hexyl salicylate.
Meanwhile, GCC countries are aligning closely with EU ingredient bans and adding regional requirements such as Arabic labeling and scrutiny of whitening agents.
2. Prepare for Transparency and Allergen Disclosure Deadlines
2026 also brings synchronized global deadlines for ingredient transparency.
The updated EU INCI Glossary becomes mandatory by July 30, 2026, followed by the disclosure of 81 fragrance allergens by July 31, 2026, for placing a new product on the market. Canada enforces similar allergen disclosures in phases from April to August 2026, requiring brands to overhaul label templates and centralize ingredient data.
3. Strengthening Ingredient Governance and Supplier Validation
Authorities can examine ingredient lists, allergen declarations, safety margins, and completeness of PIF documentation. Brands must validate supplier SDS, CoAs, and IFRA certificates, ensuring all raw materials comply with the latest annexes.
4. Begin Reformulating High‑Risk Ingredients Early
High‑risk categories, including fragrances, preservatives, UV filters, whitening agents, PFAS, and nanomaterials, require immediate review. Global PFAS restrictions entering force in 2026 demand thorough supply‑chain screening and lab‑verified PFAS‑free claims.
Final Thoughts
Keeping pace with rapidly evolving cosmetic ingredient regulations across global markets can be challenging. With the right Regulatory partner like Freyr, brands can navigate these changes efficiently while safeguarding product integrity and market access. At Freyr, we support cosmetic brands with comprehensive ingredient analysis and formulation reviews based on region-specific Regulatory requirements. Our experts also assess colorants, preservatives, and fragrances and perform Regulatory evaluations of impurity and residual levels, ensuring alignment with global safety standards.
Stay ahead of ingredient restrictions and avoid costly compliance risks with Freyr’s global Regulatory expertise.
Connect with Freyr today to future-proof your cosmetic formulations and stay market-ready.
