Raising the bar for safer cosmetics: Commission bans more hazardous chemicals in cosmetic products

The Commission is today prohibiting the use of 23 Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Toxic for reproduction (CMR) chemicals in cosmetic products, due to their long-term and serious effects on human health. The ban is applicable from 1 March 2022, to ensure that cosmetic products used daily by Europeans are safer, no matter which EU country they shop in and whether the products are EU-made or imported. This is the fourth Regulation adopted restricting and/or prohibiting the use of CMR substances in cosmetic products. The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) and various interested parties were consulted ahead of deciding on the ban. Over the years, the EU has significantly reduced citizens’ exposure to harmful chemicals. The Commission constantly evaluates how to further enhance the protection of consumers based on technical and scientific progress.