Cosmetic Legislation FAQ

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:

For our White Label & Pre-Assessed Compliance Guide, click here

1. Do I need a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR)?

Yes. Before a cosmetic product is placed on the UK or EU market, it must undergo a safety assessment and have the required Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) in place.

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). The Responsible Person must be a legal or natural person established in the UK and is responsible for ensuring that the cosmetic product complies with applicable UK cosmetic regulations.

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 a valid CPSR is in place and kept up to date where required
  • 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

Need a UK Responsible Person? Naturally Balmy offers UK Responsible Person services for cosmetic brands, helping you meet your ongoing regulatory obligations and bring compliant products to the UK 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 is not clear from the product presentation)

- List of ingredients (INCI format)

- Quantity of contents

- Country of origin (where the product is imported)

- 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?

Water-based and microbiologically susceptible cosmetic products will typically require preservative efficacy testing (PET/challenge testing) to demonstrate that the preservative system provides adequate protection against microbial contamination.

Stability testing is used to assess how a formulation performs over time and helps support its proposed shelf life, packaging compatibility and product safety.

Learn More About Stability & Microbiology Testing here

6. Can I make medical claims about my cosmetic product?

Cosmetics must not make medicinal claims. Claims such as “treats eczema” or “treats acne” may cause a product to fall within medicines legislation, depending on the product, its presentation and the claims being made.

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:

  • Having the required CPSR in place
  • Compiling and maintaining a Product Information File (PIF)
  • Ensuring compliant product labelling
  • Appointing an appropriate Responsible Person
  • Notifying the product on the UK SCPN portal before placing it on the market

10. Where can I get help with cosmetic compliance?

Naturally Balmy provides a comprehensive range of cosmetic regulatory and product development services, including:

  • CPSRs and Product Information Files (PIFs)
  • Stability and preservative efficacy testing (PET)
  • UK Responsible Person services
  • Labelling and regulatory support
  • Bespoke cosmetic formulation
  • UK cosmetic manufacturing
  • Ready-made and white label products

Need help with compliance? Explore our CPSRs & Regulatory Services.

Looking to develop and manufacture a product? Learn more about our Formulation & Manufacturing services.