On 28 April 2026, the Commission published Regulation (EU) 2026/909 in the Official Journal of the European Union, amending Annexes II, III, V, and VI to Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 to update the conditions of use for 12 ingredients. Its provisions will enter into force from 1 January 2027.
The key points of Regulation (EU) 2026/909
• This text bans Triphenyl Phosphate due to its potential genotoxicity.
• It adds a preservative to Annex V, Ammonium Silver Zinc Aluminum Silicate (previously banned).
• It introduces restrictions on the use of ingredients containing aluminum, Acetylated vetiver oil, and four hair coloring ingredients (HC Blue 18, Hydroxypropyl-p-Phenylenediamine and its dihydrochloride salt, HC Yellow No. 16, and HC Red No. 18).
• It modifies the restrictions applicable to Citral, Benzyl salicylate, water-soluble zinc salts, and the UV filter Diethylamino Hydroxy Benzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB).
• Its provisions will apply from 1 January 2027 for products placed on the market and from 1 July 2028 for products made available on the market.
The “Whereas” of Regulation (EU) 2026/909
(1) The substance “2-hydroxybenzoic acid phenylmethyl ester” (CAS No.118-58-1), which has been assigned the name “Benzyl Salicylate” under the International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI), is listed under entry 75 of Annex III to Regulation (EC) No.1223/2009. It is therefore allowed for use as a fragrance allergen in cosmetic products subject to a requirement to inform consumers about its presence when its concentration exceeds 0.001% in leave-on and 0.01% in rinse-off products.
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