On 31 October 2025, the Great Britain notified a draft text with the aim of banning the use of the UV filter 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, as well as 16 substances classified as CMRs, in cosmetic products. A change to the threshold above which the labelling of formaldehyde releasers is mandatory is also planned.
The notified text will amend the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009, as applicable in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland).
4-MBC
The substance 3-(4’-methylbenzylidene)-camphor/Enzacamene (CAS No.36861-47-9 / 38102-62-4, EC No.253-242-6, INCI: 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor) is included in Annex II (prohibited substances), entry 1744. The measure is expected to apply from 15 July 2026 for products placed on the market and from 15 January 2027 for products made available on the market.
In Europe: The ban on 4-MBC, enacted by Regulation (EU) 2024/996, has been applicable since 1 May 2025 for products placed on the market and will be applicable from 1 May 2026 for products made available on the market.
CMRs
Of the 16 CMR substances added to Annex II, only one has an INCI name.
It will be banned in the UK from 15 August 2026 for products placed on the market and from 15 February 2027 for products made available on the market.
• Diphenyl(2,4,6-trimethylbenzoyl)phosphine oxide (CAS No.75980-60-8 , EC No.278-355-8, INCI: Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide/TPO).
In Europe: The substance has been prohibited by Regulation (EU) 2025/877 since 1 September 2025.
Formaldehyde releasers
The preamble to Annex V of the Cosmetics Regulation (authorised preservatives) …
