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Nail polishes, gels, perfumes and shampoos: from today the EU cosmetics clampdown. Here's what to know

The new rules concern the limit or stop for beauty products that include substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic. Tightening on silver and for the two ingredients called Hexyl Salicyclate and Biphenyl-2-ol. To check whether the cosmetics purchased contain the substances mentioned in the regulation, simply check on the back of the packaging

by Letizia Giostra

1 May 2026

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

Key points

The squeeze on silver and farewell to glitter
Beware of Hexyl Salicylate
Children's Rules
The other ingredient restricted or prohibited

2' min read

Translated by AI

Versione italiana

News is coming to the cosmetics sector with the entry into force of EU Regulation 2026/78, which updates the rules of the beauty world. New strictures that have already been announced for some time and for which trade associations - such as beauty centres and hairdressers - have been preparing. As of 1 May, cosmetic products containing chemicals that are classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic or toxic to health will no longer be allowed to be displayed, sold or used, while for other items the ingredient inside the packaging will be downgraded.

The hold on silver and the farewell to glitter

New stakes for beauticians and beauty therapists who will no longer be able to apply products that include silver CI 77820 on their clients' nails. According to the new measures, the substance is among those labelled as toxic for reproduction and cannot be used and marketed.

The current regulation prohibits the use of nail polishes, semi-permanent, gels and reconstructions containing the banned type of silver in nail design, except within the set limits. For example, the substance may still be used up to 0.2 per cent, for certain make-up such as eye shadows, lipsticks and lip glosses. Goodbye silver dust: the application of metallic glitter or gels to make one's nails shinier will no longer be permitted.

Warning about Hexyl Salicylate

Another chemical compound caught in the crosshairs of the measure is Hexyl Salicylate, a molecule also added to the list of restricted substances, which is often used to give a more intense fragrance to beauty products that end up in consumers' shopping carts during the purchase phase.

Its concentrations in treatments - from fragrances to body care lotions - need to be reformulated, as its use in beauty articles has been found to be harmful to health. Lower limits have been set for perfumes (2%), hand soap (0.1%), while the lowest percentages are for oral hygiene products (0.001%).

The rules for children

The new strictures also have an eye on the little ones at home. For cosmetics intended for children under the age of three, concentrations of Hexyl Salicyclate will have to be limited if not reduced to zero. On the shelves, cosmetics will have to be 'baby friendly' to ensure their safety.

The other restricted or prohibited ingredient

For the regulation, the antimicrobial preservative Biphenyl-2-ol is also classified as carcinogenic. Again, its presence in body care products will be limited. In rinse-off products the threshold of 0.2 per cent must not be exceeded, while in non-rinse-off products the limit is 0.15 per cent. The offending ingredient must be absent for sprays and aerosols to avoid inhalation of the chemical compound. The same ban also applies to toothpastes and mouthwashes.