Understanding UK & EU Cosmetic Regulations
If you’re launching a cosmetic brand, it’s essential to ensure your products comply with UK and EU legislation. Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about cosmetic compliance, safety assessments, and legal requirements.
For further details, you can refer to:
1. Do I need a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)?
Yes, every cosmetic product sold in the UK and EU must have a CPSR (Cosmetic Product Safety Report). This ensures that the product is safe for consumer use.
👉 Learn More About our CPSRs here
2. What is the UK Responsible Person (RP), and do I need one?
Yes, every cosmetic product sold in the UK must have a Responsible Person (RP) who ensures compliance with regulations. The Responsible Person is a legal or natural person based in the United Kingdom who will act as a unique representative throughout the UK and be legally responsible for a product in the UK.
The RP is responsible for:
- Ensuring that their name and address are printed on the packaging of the product (both inner and outer packaging)
- Ensuring the Product Information File (PIF) is completed and updated
- Ensuring CPSR is in place and updated
- Notifying products on the UK SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notification) portal
- Maintaining the PIF at the location indicated on the labels and making it readily accessible in electronic or other formats to the competent authorities
- The PIF must be held for 10 years after the last batch was placed on the market
3. How do I notify my cosmetic product before selling it?
Before launching a product, it must be notified on the UK SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notification) portal or the EU’s CPNP (Cosmetic Product Notification Portal) if selling in Europe.
📌 UK SCPN Portal
📌 EU CPNP Portal
4. What should be on my cosmetic product label?
Your cosmetic product label must include:
✅ Product name
✅ Product function (if it doesn't clear from the product presentation)
✅ List of ingredients (INCI format)
✅ Quantity of contents
✅ Country of origin
✅ Batch number
✅ Expiry date or Period After Opening (PAO) symbol
✅ Responsible Person’s name and address
✅ Directions of use & warnings (if applicable)
👉 Get More Labelling Guidance here
5. Do I need stability and microbiology testing?
If your product contains water or water-based ingredients, it must undergo preservative efficacy (challenge testing) and microbiological testing.
Stability testing is also recommended to determine the shelf life of the product.
👉 Learn More About Stability & Microbiology Testing here
6. Can I make medical claims about my cosmetic product?
No, cosmetics must not make medical claims. Claims such as "heals eczema" or "treats acne" classify a product as a medicine, requiring a medicinal license. Instead, you can use phrases like:
✔ "Hydrates and soothes dry skin"
✔ "Helps to balance oily skin"
👉 Learn More About Cosmetic Claims here
7. What are the rules for importing cosmetics into the UK?
If you are importing cosmetic products from outside the UK, you must:
- Ensure the product meets UK cosmetic regulations
- Assign a UK Responsible Person
- Notify the product on the UK SCPN Portal
- Confirm product safety assessments are in place
📌 HMRC Cosmetic Importing Guidance
8. What is the difference between natural and organic certification?
- Natural Cosmetics: Contain naturally derived ingredients but are not necessarily organic.
-
Organic Cosmetics: Must meet certification standards (e.g., Soil Association, COSMOS, or Ecocert) and contain a high percentage of organic ingredients.
👉 Learn More About Natural & Organic Cosmetic Claims using the CTPA FAQ here
9. Can I make and sell cosmetics from home?
Yes, but you must still comply with all cosmetic regulations, including:
- Obtaining CPSRs for each product
- Obtaining PIF for each product
- Proper product labelling
- Notifying each product on the UK SCPN portal
10. Where can I get help with cosmetic compliance?
At Naturally Balmy, we offer:
✅ CPSR generating & compliance support
✅ Stability & microbiology testing
✅ Private label & custom formulation
👉 Contact Our Compliance Team on assessments@naturallybalmy.co.uk
Need More Help?
If you have any further questions about cosmetic legislation, compliance, or product safety, feel free to contact us!
📩 assessments@naturallybalmy.co.uk
