EU Bans 4-MBC and Supplements Alpha-arbutin and Arbutin into the Restricted Ingredients List from 2025

On April 3, 2024, the European Commission issued Regulation (EU) 2024/996, amending the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009:

1. 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) is prohibited

From 1 May 2025 products containing that substance shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 May 2026 cosmetic products containing that substance shall not be made available on the Union market.

2. Addition of Multiple Restricted Ingredients

Multiple restricted ingredients were added. These include:

• Alpha-Arbutin (*),
• Arbutin (*),
• Genistein (*),
• Daidzein (*),
• Kojic Acid (*),
• Retinol (**),
• Retinyl Acetate (**), and
• Retinyl Palmitate (**);

(*)From 1 February 2025 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 November 2025 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be made available on the Union market.

(**)From 1 November 2025 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 May 2027 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the conditions shall not be made available on the Union market.

3. Revision to the use requirements for Triclocarban and Triclosan

Cosmetic products containing that substance that do not comply with the conditions may, provided that they comply with the conditions applicable on 23 April 2024, be placed on the Union market until 31 December 2024 and, if they have already been placed on the market before that date, continue to be made available on the Union market until 31 October 2025.

4. Remove the use requirements for 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor

In Annex VI (List of UV filters permitted in cosmetic products), delete item 18 (the original usage requirements for 4-MBC). This shall apply from May 1, 2025.

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Further Information

Regulation (EU) 2024/996

European Union Revised List of Prohibited and Restricted Substances in Cosmetics