EU Launches Evaluation of the Cosmetic Products Regulation

What Will Be Reviewed?

The European Commission has initiated a comprehensive evaluation of the Cosmetic Products Regulation (CPR) No. 1223/2009, marking its first full review since implementation in 2013. The assessment, scheduled between Q2 2025 and Q2 2026, aims to determine whether the regulation remains fit for purpose in today’s evolving market.

With a Call for Evidence running from 21 February to 21 March 2025 and a 12-week public consultation planned for Q2 2025, the Commission is gathering feedback from manufacturers, suppliers, retailers, regulators, and consumer organisations. The evaluation will focus on five key areas:

Key Topics in the Evaluation

1. Effectiveness in Protecting Human Health

The review will assess whether the regulation continues to ensure high safety standards for cosmetic products. It will examine how effectively the generic risk approach applies to potentially hazardous ingredients, such as endocrine disruptors, allergens, and nanomaterials. The evaluation will also consider whether additional safety measures are required.

2. Impact of Sustainability & Green Innovation

The Commission will analyse whether the CPR supports sustainable business models, including:

- Bulk and refillable packaging – Are current regulations aligned with circular economy goals?

- Environmental impact – Should the CPR cover the environmental effects of cosmetic chemicals?

- Green chemistry – How can the regulation encourage safer, more sustainable formulations?

3. Digitalisation & Market Trends

As online shopping and cross-border sales increase, the evaluation will explore whether the CPR sufficiently addresses digital labelling, e-commerce regulation, and professional-use products. It will assess whether digital ingredient lists could improve transparency while reducing packaging waste.

4. Regulatory Coherence with Other EU Laws

The CPR interacts with several EU regulations, including:

- REACH (chemical safety)

- CLP (classification and labelling of substances)

- Biocidal Products Regulation

- Medical Devices Regulation

The review will examine how well these frameworks align and whether harmonisation could reduce compliance burdens for businesses.

5. Economic Impact & Competitiveness

The evaluation will investigate whether the CPR remains cost-effective for businesses, particularly SMEs. It will also examine whether regulatory updates could enhance the EU cosmetics sector’s global competitiveness, ensuring access to international markets while maintaining strict safety standards.

Next Steps: How to Get Involved

1. Call for Evidence: 21 February – 21 March 2025 – Industry professionals and consumer organisations can provide feedback on regulatory effectiveness.

2. Public Consultation: Q2 2025 – A 12-week consultation will gather broader insights from manufacturers, retailers, and policymakers.

3. Final Decision: Q2 2026 – The European Commission will assess whether legislative changes are needed based on the findings.