Ensuring the safety of beauty products is a priority in France but also in Europe.
Current European regulations require mandatory testing to ensure that these cosmetic products pose no health risk.
What are the mandatory tests for cosmetics in Europe?
Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council of November 30, 2009 regulates the marketing of cosmetic products in Europe. This text imposes several mandatory tests to ensure consumer safety .
Among them, the stability test evaluates the shelf life of the product under various environmental conditions, while the compatibility test checks the interaction between the contents and the container.
In addition, microbiological tests are carried out to ensure the absence of pathogenic microorganisms.
Does France apply European standards to cosmetics?
In France and since January 1, 2024, the Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF ) has sole responsibility for controlling cosmetic products and establishments.
The DGCCRF ensures the application of European standards relating to cosmetics. It ensures that the products marketed comply with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.
The DGCCRF can order the withdrawal from the market of any product deemed dangerous for human health.
Among the essential parts of this regulation are the safety requirements (Article 3), which require manufacturers to ensure that cosmetic products are safe for human health under normal conditions of use, as well as good manufacturing practices (Article 8), aimed at ensuring the quality and conformity of products.
Evaluation tests and labeling obligations
The safety assessment of cosmetic products includes several tests.
The patch test, for example, assesses allergic or irritative skin reactions.
The challenge test verifies the absence of growth of microorganisms at different times.
These tests carried out for cosmetics are essential to guarantee the safety of products before they are placed on the market.
Information such as the list of ingredients, the minimum durability date and precautions for use must appear clearly on the packaging. These requirements aim to inform the consumer and ensure safe use.
Substances banned in cosmetics
Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009 establishes a list of substances prohibited in cosmetic products to protect the health of consumers.
For example, substances such as formaldehyde, certain phthalates (such as DEHP and DBP), and chloroform are strictly prohibited, due to their carcinogenic, mutagenic or reproductive toxic effects.
laboratories in La Rochelle as Costomise ensure that their products do not contain these substances to comply with regulations.
Is animal testing regulated in the EU?
Since 2013, the European Union has banned animal testing for finished cosmetic products and their ingredients.
This ban aims to promote alternative methods of assessing product safety.
Manufacturers must therefore use in vitro testing or other non-animal approaches to prove the safety of their products.
The responsibilities of cosmetic manufacturers
Cosmetics manufacturers in Europe have a responsibility to ensure the safety of their products .
They must compile an information file on the product, including a safety assessment carried out by an expert toxicologist. This file must be made available to the competent authorities in the event of an inspection.
The DGCCRF monitors the cosmetics market and carries out regular checks to ensure product compliance with current regulations. In the event of non-compliance, sanctions may be applied, ranging from product withdrawal to fines for the manufacturers or distributors concerned.
The consequences of non-compliance with regulations
Competent authorities may order the withdrawal or recall of non-compliant products in the event of non-compliance with regulations.
In addition, financial sanctions and legal action may be taken against offending companies.
These measures aim to protect consumer health and maintain confidence in the cosmetics market.
Current regulatory trends in Europe
Cosmetic regulations in Europe are evolving to respond to new health and environmental concerns.
For example, there are ongoing discussions regarding banning per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetics, due to their persistence in the environment and potentially harmful health effects. These developments reflect a desire to protect consumers and the environment.
The safety of cosmetic products is based on strict regulations and mandatory testing . The French and European authorities ensure their application to protect consumers.
How will these regulations evolve in the face of new innovations and growing health and environmental concerns?