In the ever-evolving landscape of cosmetics regulation, the UK has once again set itself apart from EU standards with its latest amendment to Annex III concerning the use of methyl salicylate. This notification, formally made to the World Trade Organization on 16 January 2025, introduces nuanced restrictions that reflect the UK's proactive approach to cosmetic safety, particularly concerning the youngest among us.
Let's delve into the substance of these changes, spurred by a March 2024 review from the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety (SAG-CS). This isn't the first time the UK has diverged from EU norms; a precedent was set with earlier restrictions on butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). Now, methyl salicylate—the common cooling agent found in your minty toothpaste and refreshing hair products—takes centre stage.
Here's What's New:
Age-Specific Guidelines: The UK now imposes specific restrictions on products for infants aged between 6 months and 1 year—a detail the EU currently overlooks. Such tailored regulations underscore the UK's commitment to safeguarding our children's health from potentially harmful chemical exposures.
Product-Specific Concentration Limits: Unlike the EU, the UK simplifies the approach, which differentiates between leave-on and rinse-off hair products. The distinction lies in spray/aerosol versus non-spray/non-aerosol hair products, with concentration limits set at 0.009% and 0.06%, respectively. This clear demarcation aids manufacturers in compliance, ensuring safety across varied product uses.
Toothpaste Regulations: Even toothpaste isn't left out. While the EU caps the methyl salicylate content at 2.52%, the UK has tweaked this to a slightly lower 2.5%. It’s a subtle but significant adjustment, aligning with the UK's cautious stance on chemical concentrations in consumer products.
Compliance Timeline: Products containing methyl salicylate that hit the shelves before 30 September 2025 are granted a grace period until 31 March 2026. This gives manufacturers ample time to adapt to the new standards without disrupting market availability.
Looking Ahead: A day after the UK's notification, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released a revised opinion on children’s exposure to methyl salicylate, suggesting even stricter limits. This development hints at a potential future alignment between EU and UK cosmetic regulations, or perhaps further divergence.
Navigating These Waters: For businesses grappling with these changes, staying informed and agile is key. Here at Creme de la Creme, we pride ourselves on our expertise in regulatory and quality compliance within the cosmetics sector. Whether it’s adapting to the UK’s meticulous regulations or navigating the broader EU standards, our team is ready to assist.
If you're facing challenges with the new methyl salicylate regulations or have any regulatory queries, reach out to us at creme@creme.uk.com or submit a query via our web form at https://www.creme.uk.com/contact-us.
Let us help you ensure that your products meet the regulatory requirements and continue to thrive in a competitive market.