EU Cosmetic Regulation 2024/996: What Cosmetic Brands Need to Do Before 2025

The European Commission has adopted Regulation (EU) 2024/996, amending the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, to introduce new restrictions on Vitamin A (Retinol and its esters), Alpha-Arbutin, Arbutin, Triclosan, and several endocrine-disrupting ingredients.

Published on April 3, 2024, this update aims to reinforce consumer safety and align ingredient limits with the latest SCCS (Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety) opinions.

Why This Update Matters

Compliance deadlines begin as early as February 2025, leaving manufacturers, brand owners, and importers a limited window to act.
Key affected ingredients include:

1. Vitamin A (Retinol, Retinyl Acetate, Retinyl Palmitate)

New Limits:

• Body lotions – ≤ 0.05% Retinol Equivalent (RE)

• Other leave-on/rinse-off products – ≤ 0.3% RE

Labeling:

“Contains Vitamin A. Consider your daily intake before use.”

Deadlines:

• Market placement ban: 1 November 2025

• Availability ban: 1 May 2027

2. Alpha-Arbutin and Arbutin

Alpha-Arbutin:

• Face creams – max 2%

• Body lotions – max 0.5%

Arbutin:

• Face creams – max 7%

Hydroquinone must remain at unavoidable trace levels.

Deadlines:

• Placement ban: 1 February 2025

• Availability ban: 1 November 2025

3. 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) – Complete Ban

Formerly used as a UV-filter, 4-MBC is now prohibited due to endocrine-disrupting potential.

• Placement ban: 1 May 2025

• Availability ban: 1 May 2026

4. Other Restricted Substances

• Kojic Acid: 1% (face & hand products)

• Genistein: 0.007%

• Daidzein: 0.02%

• Triclosan: 0.3% (not for toothpaste for children <3 years)

• Triclocarban: 0.2% (not in oral care products for children <6 years)

Compliance Timeline Overview (2024–2027)

What Cosmetic Companies Should Do Now

With overlapping compliance deadlines, the next few months are critical. Companies should:

✅ Review ingredient concentrations and formulations
✅ Update Product Information Files (PIFs) and Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSRs)
✅ Revise product labels for new warning requirements
✅ Plan reformulations well before cutoff dates
✅ Document compliance under the amended EU Regulation 1223/2009

At Fiducia Globus, we support brands in assessing ingredient safety, managing regulatory submissions, and ensuring continued market access across the EU and global regions.

Conclusion

Regulation (EU) 2024/996 represents one of the most significant updates to EU cosmetic safety rules in recent years.
To stay compliant and protect market continuity, brands must act proactively before the 2025 deadlines.

🕒 Don’t wait until reformulation becomes urgent — prepare now.
📞 Contact Fiducia Globus for expert support on EU cosmetic compliance, ingredient assessment, and regulatory documentation.