What Ingredients Are Banned in the EU Right Now?

By Dr. Helena Vos, Regulations & Ethics | International Institute of Beauty

The European Union continues to lead globally in setting stringent cosmetic regulations to protect consumer health. At the heart of these efforts lies a continually evolving list of banned and restricted ingredients substances considered unsafe, harmful to human health, or detrimental to the environment.

As of 2025, over 1,700 substances are banned from use in cosmetics under Annex II of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

This article provides a clear and up to date overview of the most recent changes to the EU’s list of banned cosmetic ingredients, including new updates introduced via Omnibus Acts VII and VIII, and what they mean for skincare brands, product developers, and regulatory professionals.

Contact us to report infringement.

Understanding the Regulatory Framework

In the EU, cosmetic product safety is governed by the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which applies across all member states. It sets out rules for labelling, safety assessment, product claims, and, importantly, ingredient restrictions.

Annex II of the Regulation contains the list of prohibited substances, while Annex III outlines substances subject to conditions or limits. Ingredients are banned or restricted based on evaluations conducted by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and, in many cases, due to their classification as:

• CMRs (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or toxic to Reproduction)

• Endocrine disruptors

• Environmental toxins

• Sensitisers or allergens

  
  

The Omnibus Acts: A Fast Track for Bans

The EU introduced the Omnibus Acts to swiftly incorporate changes to Annexes II V following updates to the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation. These updates align cosmetic safety with the latest scientific data on chemical hazards.

Omnibus Act VII (Effective from 1 September 2025)

Omnibus Act VII introduces 22 newly banned substances primarily classified as CMRs. These substances were previously permitted with limitations or unregulated but are now fully prohibited in all cosmetic formulations.

Examples include:

• Dimethyltolylamine: Commonly used in nail products as a curing agent.

• Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide (TPO): A photoinitiator found in UV cured gel polishes.

• Several azobenzene compounds: Associated with mutagenic risks.

  
  

All cosmetic products containing these substances must be reformulated or removed from sale by 1 September 2025.

Additional Updates: Nanomaterials and UV Filters

The EU has also issued bans and restrictions targeting nanomaterials and certain UV filters, reflecting growing concern over long term exposure and systemic absorption.

Banned Nanomaterials

As of 2025, several widely used nanomaterials are being prohibited, including:

• Colloidal silver (nano silver)

• Nano gold

• Nano platinum

• Copper nanoparticles

• Hydroxyapatite in nano form (except in toothpaste or mouthwash under strict conditions)

  
  

These bans stem from the SCCS's conclusion that the safety data for such materials is insufficient, particularly in terms of penetration and accumulation in the body.

Homosalate (UV Filter)

Although not entirely banned, Homosalate a common chemical UV filter has been heavily restricted. Its maximum allowable concentration has been reduced due to concerns about potential endocrine disrupting effects.

Brands using this filter must reformulate products by mid 2025 or withdraw them from EU markets.

Omnibus Act VIII (Coming in 2026)

Already notified to global regulatory bodies, Omnibus Act VIII will take effect in May 2026.

It introduces further amendments to banned and restricted lists, including:

• New prohibitions on additional CMR substances

• Revisions to the list of permitted preservatives and colourants

• Updates to maximum allowed concentrations for certain UV filters

  
  

While the full ingredient list is still being finalised, it signals the EU’s continued commitment to proactive consumer protection.

Industry Impact and Responsibilities

The implications of these updates are wide reaching.

Manufacturers and Responsible Persons placing cosmetics on the EU market must:

1. Conduct Regular Ingredient Audits

Review all current formulations against the updated Annex II list and upcoming regulatory acts.

2. Reformulate in Advance

Avoid last minute reformulations by beginning product adjustments as soon as new bans are published.

3. Update Product Information Files (PIFs)

Ensure that any changes to ingredients, safety assessments, or labelling are documented and compliant.

4. Communicate with Supply Chains

Keep raw material suppliers informed and request updated Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that reflect EU compliant formulations.

5. Educate Consumers Transparently

If reformulating popular products, communicate clearly about any changes and why they were necessary.

Global Considerations

While these bans are specific to the EU, they influence global markets. Many multinational companies adopt EU standards globally to ensure consistency and avoid costly recalls or reformulations.

That said, regulatory divergence is growing.

For instance:

• The United States has historically permitted ingredients banned in the EU, although recent regulatory reform under MoCRA is beginning to shift this.

• Asia Pacific markets vary widely. Japan and South Korea have robust safety frameworks, while other countries may follow less stringent protocols.

• The UK, post Brexit, continues to mirror many EU restrictions but may introduce its own updates through the UK Cosmetics Regulation.

  
  

Brands operating internationally must therefore balance compliance across multiple jurisdictions.

Final Thoughts

As of 2025, the list of banned ingredients in the EU has grown substantially reflecting a broader regulatory shift towards chemical transparency, consumer safety, and scientific vigilance.

The latest additions via Omnibus Act VII and the upcoming Act VIII highlight the importance of staying up to date with regulatory changes, particularly concerning CMRs and nanomaterials.

While these developments pose challenges for formulators and brand owners, they also offer an opportunity: to lead with science, elevate product integrity, and build trust in an industry where safety is non negotiable.

For those in the business of beauty, understanding the legal status of ingredients isn’t just a regulatory requirement it’s a professional responsibility.