New EU Rules Mandate Listing of More Allergy-Causing Fragrance Ingredients in Cosmetics

Consumers in the European Union will soon notice more detailed ingredient lists on their cosmetic products, including creams, perfumes, and shampoos. Starting August 1, 2026, stricter EU regulations will mandate the individual listing of a greater number of fragrance substances known to cause allergic reactions.

This change is particularly beneficial for individuals with known sensitivities or allergies to specific scents. The enhanced declarations will empower them to more easily identify and avoid products containing allergens. The German Federal Office for Consumer Protection and Food Safety announced that the updated rules cover over 80 fragrance allergens, a significant increase from the previous requirement to list only 24 specific ingredients.

The concentration thresholds for listing these allergens vary depending on the product type. For cosmetics applied to the skin or hair and not rinsed off, such as creams and perfumes, an ingredient must be declared if its concentration surpasses 0.001 percent. For products designed to be washed off, like shampoos and soaps, the threshold is set at 0.01 percent.

While new products placed on the market after July 31, 2026, must comply with these updated labeling requirements, existing cosmetic items manufactured before this date can continue to be sold under the old regulations until July 31, 2028. This transitional period means consumers may find products with both old and new labeling styles on shelves for some time.