Cosmetic Compliance
In 2020, the UK Cosmetics market was worth £8,712 million (at retail sales price) with the UK as the third largest market for cosmetics in Europe. Cosmetics are experiencing an exponential growth year on year, with new trends such as CBD cosmetic products being bought to market. It is imperative that the regulatory requirements are met prior to placing any product on the market. Future Regulatory Services can work with you to ensure your products are safe for use and undergo the correct assessments and notification procedures to protect your brand and ensure longevity in the industry.
Cosmetic products are defined as:
“Any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance and/or correcting body odours and/or protecting them or keeping them in good condition”.
Article 2 of the UK Cosmetics Regulation (UKCR – Schedule 34 of the Product Safety and Metrology Statutory Instrument) and the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009) incorporates the following definition of a cosmetic product.
- Cosmetic products differ from medicines as their primary function is not to treat or prevent disease. Not sure if your product is a cosmetic or medical product? Visit our FAQ page to find out more.
- All cosmetic products sold within the UK must be notified to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) via the UK Cosmetics Notification Portal. The notifications include details on the formulation of the product, packaging information, intended use and contact information for the Responsible Person (RP) who must be based in the UK.
- Cosmetic Products must have a Product Information File (PIF) compiled that contains a safety assessment of the product. This must be carried out by an expert with relevant qualifications. PIF files must be held on file and access can be requested from relevant authorities such as Trading Standards when required.
- Within the EU, Cosmetic products must be notified under regulation EC No 1223/2009 to the EU Cosmetic Portal, with information surrounding the intended use of the product, the formulation, packaging details and an EU responsible person (RP) (with an EU address). Any cosmetic products being sold in Northern Ireland will remain covered by the EU regulations.
Our Cosmetic Product Services:
- Compilation of the Product Information File (PIF)
- Cosmetic Product Safety Reports (CPSR)
- Notification Submission to UK Portal
- Acting as UK Responsible Person
- Laboratory Services including Stability Testing, Microbiological Testing, AMES Testing, Compatibility Testing, Physical Testing and Skin Sensitisation testing
