Regulatory divergence between the EU and the UK on talc in cosmetics: what brands and manufacturers should do now
The European cosmetics industry is facing a new scenario following confirmed regulatory divergence between the European Union and the United Kingdom regarding the use of talc in cosmetic products.
While the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has not classified talc as a potential carcinogen, European scientific bodies have expressed safety concerns that are likely to lead to future restrictions or usage bans.
This difference forces manufacturers, laboratories and brands to rethink formulation strategies, regulatory compliance and international commercialization plans, especially companies operating in both markets.
For projects aiming to create a new cosmetic brand or launch new product lines, this situation highlights the importance of designing formulas and processes that can adapt to different regulatory frameworks from the start.
What is happening with talc in cosmetics?
European scientific committees have recommended classifying talc under categories that could result in regulatory limitations within the EU market.
However, UK authorities consider that current evidence does not justify applying the same classification and continue to allow its use under conditions considered safe.
This creates a practical challenge for the industry: a product may comply with UK regulations but fail to meet EU requirements, forcing companies to manage different formulations and documentation depending on the destination market.
How this change affects manufacturers and brands
Regulatory divergence requires both technical and strategic adjustments, including:
- Reformulation of existing products
- Updating the Product Information File (PIF)
- New safety assessments
- Adaptation of labeling and marketing claims
- New notifications in the European CPNP portal
- Adjustments to quality control and manufacturing systems
For companies planning to launch products or outsource cosmetic development, anticipating these changes helps avoid additional costs, regulatory delays and future commercial risks.
Impact on formulation and product development
Formulations using talc, especially in powders, makeup and absorbent products, may require substitution with ingredients compatible with both markets.
This process requires investment in innovation and reformulation to maintain texture, performance and sensory experience without compromising product stability or safety.
Brands outsourcing development need technical partners capable of adapting formulas depending on the target market and anticipating future regulatory changes.
Regulatory compliance is now part of product strategy
Cosmetic regulations constantly evolve, making regulatory compliance essential from the earliest product development stages.
Companies working with strong quality systems, audits and regulatory monitoring reduce commercial risks and accelerate international market entry.
Today, regulation and product development can no longer be treated as independent processes.
How cosmeticsinMind helps companies adapt to this scenario
At cosmeticsinMind, we act as a technical and regulatory partner for brands looking to develop and scale cosmetic products with technical reliability and legal compliance.
We support companies through:
- Custom cosmetic development and formulation
- Reformulation for regulatory compliance
- Regulatory documentation and PIF management
- CPNP notification
- GMP and ISO 22716 implementation
- Third-party cosmetic manufacturing
- International launch and scaling strategies
Our goal is to reduce technical and regulatory risks for brands aiming to grow safely and efficiently in international markets.
Book an initial call with us through the following link.
Source: Adapted from news published by CosmeticsDesign Europe regarding regulatory divergence between the UK and the European Union on talc use in cosmetics.
