Hand holding a small glass bottle of essential oil, against a background of various colorful flowers.

IFRA standards in cosmetics: placing safe use limits for fragrances and essential oils

Cosmetic products contain various ingredients, including “active” ingredients that provide benefits to the skin, those that form the basis of the formulation, stabilising agents, and those that add colour and scent, making the product more appealing to consumers. In this article, we will discuss fragrances, essential oils, and certain plant extracts that may contain skin-sensitising …

serious health hazard pictogram

CMR substances: classification and regulations for cosmetics products

CMR substances are carcinogenic (C), mutagenic (M), or reprotoxic (R). This means they can alter genetic makeup, cause sterility, or harm the foetus. Additionally, some reprotoxic substances can affect the health of a newborn through breast milk. Although CMR substances and preparations may cause little or no noticeable adverse effects, prolonged contact can be harmful …

Two hands hold a lit candle in a glass container, with several other candles burning in the background.

CLP candle label regulations: Navigating the classification, labelling, and packaging of candles within the EU

From January 1, 2021, the European Union has further amended the regulations governing hazardous mixtures or substances. These amendments require specific labels indicating potentially harmful substances present in these mixtures, a category that includes candles. In this article, you will find clear and concise information to help you navigate this complex regulatory environment. The creation …

A dropper releasing a drop of oil into a small amber bottle, with a soft-focus background of white blurred flowers.

Essential oil regulations in the EU: A guide to intended uses and regulatory references

Essential oils are odorous products generally of complex composition, obtained from a botanically defined plant raw material both by distillation with water vapour and by pressing. These oils are naturally synthesised by plants for various purposes like defence against insects, reproduction, or communication. They are highly fragrant and volatile, with their quantity influenced by factors …

woman squeezing sunscreen product in her hand

European Regulations for sunscreen products

Although summer may seem far off, if you’re planning to launch a sunscreen product campaign in Europe during that season, it’s important to begin familiarising yourself with the regulations that apply to sunscreens. Understanding these rules is crucial as they will significantly influence the formulation of your product. Sunscreen product classification in Europe Unlike other …

closeup image of a microscope - nanomaterials in cosmetics

Nanomaterials in cosmetics: Safety assessment and regulatory considerations

What are nanomaterials? Regulation  (EC) 1223/2009 (click here for the current consolidated version)  describes nanomaterials as:  “any insoluble or biopersistent and intentionally manufactured material having one or more external dimensions, or an internal structure, measuring from 1 to 100 nm” Furthermore, the Commission Recommendation of 18 October 2011 elaborates on this definition: ‘Nanomaterial’ means a …

Spanish flag with a blue sky background - Requirements for Packaging and Plastic Tax in Spain

Requirements for Packaging, Circular Economy, Environmental Label, and Plastic Tax in Spain

On December 28, 2022, Royal Decree 1055/2022 was published in the Official State Gazette, focusing on Packaging and Packaging Waste. The aims of this decree are twofold: first, to align Spain’s packaging legislation with the new extended producer responsibility scheme initiated by the European Union, which now encompasses industrial and commercial packaging; and second, to …