Cosmetics: Regulation (EU) 2026/909 bans triphenyl phosphate, sets aluminium limits for 18 product categories, new limits for citral and benzyl salicylate and 10 ppm DnHexP in the UV filter DHHB
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/909 of 27 April 2026, published on 28 April, amends Annexes II, III, V and VI to Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 based on opinions of the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS). From 1 January 2027 non-compliant products may not be placed on the market, and from 1 July 2028 (for geranial and neral from 1 August 2028) they may not be made available.
- Triphenyl phosphate (CAS 115-86-6), used as a plasticiser, is added to Annex II (prohibited substances) because the SCCS could not exclude genotoxicity. Silver zinc zeolite, until now prohibited (Annex II, entry 1597, after classification as toxic to reproduction category 2), moves to the permitted preservatives: up to 1% in spray deodorants and powder foundation, with a silver content in the zeolite of no more than 2.5%.
- New entry 379 of Annex III limits aluminium in 18 product categories, for example 7.73% (as Al) in non-spray antiperspirants and deodorants, 3.24% in sprays, 3.18% in toothpaste, 43.31% in eye shadow and 0.15% in leave-on hair products that may lead to exposure of the lungs by inhalation.
- Benzyl salicylate: from 4% in fragrance products to 0.004% in oral products; citral: from 0.032% in deodorants to 1.2% in hair products; water-soluble zinc salts: 1% (as Zn) in toothpaste for users over 1 year, 0.72% for children aged 6 months to 1 year and 0.1% in mouthwash for users over 6. Acetylated vetiver oil and four hair dyes also get limits.
- Di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHexP) as an unavoidable trace impurity in the UV filter DHHB may not exceed 10 ppm — the SCCS considered 260 ppm safe and named 1 ppm as the target, while 10 ppm was chosen in view of manufacturers’ costs. Changes for hair dyes and the zeolite apply without a transition period — according to SGS, from 18 May 2026.
Source: Rozporządzenie Komisji (UE) 2026/909 z dnia 27 kwietnia 2026 r. (Dz.U. L 2026/909, 28.4.2026)