As every year, at the close of the Cosmetic Valley’s 23rd Congress on Regulatory Issues - Fragrance & Cosmetics, held on 19 and 20 November 2025, the FEBEA team answered questions prepared by delegates during the two days of conferences. In this third and final installment, we discuss microplastics, PPWR, eco-design, deforestation, and other topics from a regulatory perspective.
This year, for this part, Xavier Guéant, Stéphanie Lumbers, Catherine Bramaud and Erwan Poivet answered questions from conference attendees.
Microplastics Regulation
Question
How can the loss of microplastic character in the finished product be justified in the case of exemption 4A? What will be acceptable to the authorities?
Answer from Catherine Bramaud
When we find ourselves in the case of a 4A exemption, it means that we receive raw material at an industrial site that meets the definition of microplastic. Therefore, we are allowed to use it. In order to justify that the microplastic nature disappears, I think we will first need to rely on the information provided by the raw material supplier on the properties of their polymer when it is used and when a formulation is made. Then, it is up to each player to implement the means they deem necessary and sufficient to justify the loss of this microplastic nature.
Question
In the context of microplastics, will it be possible to continue selling cosmetic products containing exempt microplastics, 4A or 5B? Answer from Catherine Bramaud
When a microplastic is covered by exemption 4A, this means that you will be able …
