A gloved hand holding a petri dish - cosmetic shelf life

Understanding cosmetic shelf life: Key differences between Date of Minimum Durability (DMD) and Period After Opening (PAO)

Regulatory Requirements and Practical Implications The expiry date of cosmetic products indicates the period within which the product must be used, provided it has been stored correctly. If a cosmetic product has a shelf life of less than 30 months from the date of production, its label must display the words “Best before …” followed …

Furocoumarins in Switzerland

Furocoumarins in Switzerland

What are furocoumarins? Furocoumarins are natural substances found in a wide variety of plant species used as ingredients in fragrances and cosmetic products. These substances are recognized as phototoxic, photomutagenic and photocarcinogenic. When furocoumarins are activated by UVA radiation, they can react with the DNA in the skin. These reactions can alter skin cells, causing …

The International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) Name Registration Process

What is the INCI? The International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredient (INCI) names are systematically recognised worldwide for identifying cosmetic ingredients. They are developed by the International Nomenclature Committee (INC) and published by the Personal Care Products Council (PCPC) in the International Cosmetic Ingredient Dictionary and Handbook, which is also available electronically as wINCI. PCPC oversees the …

a laptop on a desk - Cosmetic Product Notification Portal

A Comprehensive Guide to the Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP)

As established by Article 13 of EU Regulation 1223/2009, before placing a cosmetic product on the European market, the responsible person must submit a series of details in electronic format to the European Commission. The Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (CPNP) is the European portal for the notification of cosmetic products, allowing the responsible person or …

a group of yellow and white helmets in a cage-general product safety regulation

General product safety regulation (GPSR) – EU regulation 2023/988: Enhanced consumer protection

In May 2023, the European Union published the General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR), No. 2023/988. This regulation applies from 13 December 2024 to products not covered by sector-specific legislation. It replaces the General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) and introduces requirements for areas not previously addressed, such as distance selling and e-commerce. Article 19 of the …

a hand in a glove holding a spray bottle - safety and transparency in the detergent sector

Ensuring safety and transparency in the detergent sector: the importance of CLP and Regulation 648/2004 compliance

Understanding Detergents: Types and Uses in Cleaning and Washing Operations Detergents are chemicals or mixtures used in all washing and cleaning operations, with the exception of personal cleaning operations. This term generally indicates: In practice, all types of soap—whether liquid, spray or solid—used in common washing procedures, from floors to clothes, and applied with any …

A hamster sitting on a counter - alternative methods to laboratory animals scientific research

Are there alternative methods to the use of laboratory animals in scientific research?

In 1959, British academics W.M.S. Russell and R.L. Burch, members of the Universities Federation of Animal Welfare, published The Principles of Humane Experimental Technique. In this treatise, they proposed a model for more ethical animal experimentation that aimed to minimise the suffering of laboratory animals in scientific research. The primary objective of applied animal experimentation …

A pair of metal double doors with "Hazardous Waste Storage" signs - Classification Labelling Packaging Chemicals (CLP)

Classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals (CLP) Product Registration Guide

What are “CLP products”? “CLP products” are chemical products that must comply with Regulation (EC) No. 1272/2008. This regulation, introduced in the EU in 2009, is based on the United Nations’ Globally Harmonised System (GHS) and aims to standardise the classification, labelling and packaging of chemicals and hazard information globally. The Objectives of the CLP …

A dropper bottle of CBD oil surrounded by marijuana leaves on a white surface - cbd cosmetics regulation

CBD cosmetics regulations: A guide to ensuring compliance

In recent years, cannabidiol (CBD) has gained popularity as an ingredient in cosmetic skincare products. CBD, a key compound derived from the cannabis plant, is distinct from THC in that it has no psychoactive effects. Several studies have highlighted CBD’s anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and moisturising properties, making it a promising addition to skincare formulations. Let’s delve …

A white security camera mounted on a gray wall - cosmetovigilance in cosmetics regulations

Cosmetovigilance in cosmetics regulations: A guide to adverse effects and regulatory frameworks

The year 2013 marked a pivotal moment for the European cosmetics industry with the implementation of the new European Regulation 1223/2009. This regulation replaced the previous Directive 76/768/EEC, bringing significant updates to cosmetic legislation across the EU. One of the most important—but often overlooked—changes introduced by this regulation was the systematic integration of Cosmetovigilance, a …