In January 2026, the UK government published amendments to the retained Cosmetic Products Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, introducing stricter labelling requirements for formaldehyde-releasing substances used in cosmetics.
These changes apply in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) and have direct implications for formulators, brands, safety assessors and responsible persons.
What has changed?
Formaldehyde itself remains prohibited in cosmetic products. However, several formaldehyde-releasing preservatives remain permitted under specific conditions.
The key regulatory update is a significant reduction in the labelling trigger for formaldehyde release:
- Old threshold: 0.05% (500 ppm) free formaldehyde
- New UK threshold: 0.001% (10 ppm) free formaldehyde
Any cosmetic product that releases ≥ 0.001% formaldehyde during use must now carry a specific warning on the label indicating that it releases formaldehyde.
This change follows scientific advice highlighting the need for better protection of formaldehyde-sensitised consumers, even at very low exposure levels.
Which ingredients are affected?
The amendment impacts products formulated with formaldehyde-releasing preservatives, including (but not limited to):
- DMDM Hydantoin
- Diazolidinyl Urea
- Imidazolidinyl Urea
- Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate
- Bronopol
While these ingredients may still be permitted under Annex V, the actual formaldehyde released in the finished product now becomes a critical compliance parameter.
What does this mean for formulators?
1. Reformulation and ingredient choice
Formulators should reassess the continued use of formaldehyde releasers, especially in leave-on products or formulations targeting sensitive users.
2. Analytical data becomes essential
Demonstrating compliance may require:
- supplier data on formaldehyde release
- analytical testing of the finished formulation
- clear justification in the safety assessment
Assumptions based solely on INCI presence are no longer sufficient.
3. Labelling and claims impact
Products exceeding the new threshold must:
- include a formal warning on the label
- reconsider “gentle”, “sensitive”, or “formaldehyde-free”-adjacent positioning
This may also affect consumer perception and retailer acceptance.
Key compliance dates
- Placing on the market: from 15 July 2026, products must comply
- Making available (sell-through): transitional provisions apply, typically until January 2027
Brands should act early to avoid stock write-offs or relabelling costs.
EU UK, end of divergence
The EU adopted stricter limits on formaldehyde in 2022 (Commission Regulation (EU) 2022/1181 of 8 July 2022). With this update, the UK has now aligned with the same precautionary regulatory approach to formaldehyde releasers.
To discover formaldehyde releasers alternatives please visit the GreenChemFinder Compendium
To read the full amendment please visit the official site
Dr Barbara Olioso, MRSC, is a green chemist with over 25 years’ experience in cosmetic science, specialising in green preservation and sustainable formulation. A member of the Society of Cosmetic Scientists and author of The Green Chemist’s Handbook for Cosmetic Preservation, she created GreenChem Finder to help formulators make informed, data-driven ingredient choices. She regularly contributes to industry events and publications including in-Cosmetics Global, COSSMA and SOFW.