The UK cosmetics industry is facing two key regulatory deadlines this June, as new restrictions on Kojic Acid and Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) come into effect under the UK Cosmetics Regulation. Beauty businesses marketing cosmetic products in Great Britain should take action now to ensure continued compliance.
Kojic Acid restrictions
Effective 20 June 2025, cosmetic products containing Kojic Acid (CAS 501-30-4) that do not comply with the following restriction, as outlined in Annex III, will no longer be allowed to be placed on the GB market:
- Kojic Acid is permitted at a maximum concentration of 1% in face and hand products.
BHT restrictions
Effective 24 June 2025, cosmetic products containing Butylated Hydroxytoluene (BHT) (CAS 128-37-0) that do not comply with the following concentration limits, as outlined in Annex III, can no longer be made available on the GB market:
- Up to 0.1% in toothpaste
- Up to 0.001% in mouthwash and leave-on oral care products
- Up to 0.8% in other leave-on and rinse-off products
What should cosmetic businesses do now?
Beauty brands are encouraged to review their product formulations to ensure that they meet the new restrictions. Audit your product formulations to check for compliance with the new restrictions.
Should the formulas not be compliant, businesses should work with suppliers and producers to reformulate products where necessary. The labels and product information files should be updated thereafter.
Do you have any questions on compliance of cosmetics in the EU, UK, US, or Canada? Get in touch.
References:
WTO. (2024). The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No. 2) Regulations 2024. Retrieved on 04/10/2024
WTO. (2024). Draft Annex to the Commission Regulation amending Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council as regards the use in cosmetics products of certain substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic for reproduction. Retrieved on 04/10/2024
Chiara Lai
Regulatory Intelligence & Innovation Junior Consultant
19/05/2025