Dec 12, 2025
from CIRS
by CIRS
On 27 November, 2025, the United Kingdom submitted notification G/TBT/N/GBR/108 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), proposing amendments to the UK Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The proposed amendments mainly include the approval of Hexyl Salicylate by listing it as a restricted ingredient in cosmetics, as well as the prohibition of 13 substances classified as CMR (Carcinogenic, Mutagenic, or Reprotoxic). The amendments are scheduled to be officially published in February 2026, with the deadline for comments set for 26 January, 2026.
Key Proposed Amendments
Approval of Hexyl Salicylate
Hexyl Salicylate (CAS No. 6259-76-3), is classified as a category 1 skin sensitiser and a category 2 reproductive toxicant under the GB Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) regulation No 1272/2008 (as amended). In November 2025, the UK SAG-CS published its final opinion on Hexyl Salicylate, establishing safe use concentrations for this substance in cosmetics intended for adults and children aged 3 years and above, as well as in products intended for infants aged 0-3 years.
In accordance with Article 31(1)(g)(i) of the Cosmetic Regulation, the Secretary of State considers
there is sufficient scientific evidence that Hexyl Salicylate is safe for use in cosmetic products, where the substance has been classified as a CMR substance of category 2 under the CLP Regulation. Based on the above assessment, the UK plans to include Hexyl Salicylate in the list of restricted substances in cosmetics by adding it as entry 325 to Annex III of the UK Cosmetics Regulation.
Reference number
Substance identification
Restrictions
Wording of conditions of use and warnings
Chemical name/INN
Name of common ingredients glossary
CAS number
EC number
Product type, body parts
Maximum concentration in ready for use preparation
Other
325
hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate
Hexyl salicylate
6259-76-3
228-408-6
(a)Fragrance products (spray and non-spray)
(b) Rinse-off skin and hair products
(c)Leave-on skin products (except fragrance products, face makeup products, lip products and deodorants (spray and non-spray))
(d) Lip products
(e) Deodorant (spray and non-spray)
(f) Leave-on hair products (spray and non-spray)
(g) Face makeup products
(h) Toothpaste and mouthwash
(a)(1) 0.1% (products intended for children 0-3 years) (2) 2% (products intended for children above 3 years and adults)
(b)(1) 0.1% (products intended for children 0-3 years) (2)0.5% (products intended for children above 3 years and adults)
(c)(1) 0.1% (products intended for children 0-3 years) (2) 0.3% (products intended for children above 3 years and adults)
(d) (1) 0.1% (products intended for children 0-3 years) (2) 0.3% (products intended for children above 3 years and adults)
(e) 0.3% (products intended for children above 3 years and adults)
(f) 0.3% (products intended for children above 3 years and adults)
(g) 0.3% (products intended for children above 3 years and adults)
(h) 0.001%
The relevant requirements will take effect from 15 August 2026. Products placed on the market before this date may continue to be sold in England, Wales, and Scotland until 14 February 2027.
Prohibition of 13 CMR Substances
In accordance with Article 31(1)(f) of the Cosmetics Regulation, the substances listed below have been classified under the UK CLP Regulation as Category 1B or Category 2 CMR substances. Accordingly, the UK intends to include these 13 substances in the list of prohibited ingredients in cosmetics by adding them as entries 1761 to 1773 in Annex II of the UK Cosmetics Regulation.
Reference
number
Chemical name/INN
CAS number
EC number
1761
Sodium 3-(allyloxy)-2-hydroxypropanes ulphonate
52556-42-0
258-004-5
1762
N,N’-methylenediacrylamide
110-26-9
203-750-9
1763
Reaction mass of 1,3-dioxan-5-ol and 1,3- dioxolan-4-ylmethanol
1764
1,4-dichloro-2-nitrobenzene
89-61-2
201-923-3
1765
Pyraclostrobin (ISO); methyl N-{]2-[}1-
(4-chlorophenyl)-1H-pyrazol-3-yloxymet
hyl{]phenyl[} (N-methoxy)carbamate
175013-18-0
605-747-1
1766
Tert-butyl 2-ethylperoxyhexanoate
3006-82-4
221-110-7
1767
Fenpropidin (ISO); (R,S)-1-[3-(4-tertbut
ylphenyl)-2- methylpropyl]piperidine
67306-00-7
1768
2-ethylhexanoic acid, monoester with
propane-1,2-diol
85114-00-7
285-503-5
1769
α,α’-propylenedinitrilodi-o-cresol
94-91-7
202-374-2
1770
Ozone
10028-15-6
233-069-2
1771
2-phenylpropene; α-methylstyrene
98-83-9
202-705-0
1772
Silver (nano) [particle diameter > 1 nm ≤ 100 nm]
Silver (massive) [particle diameter ≥ 1mm]
7440-22-4
231-131-3
1773
Dinitrogen oxide
10024-97-2
233-032-0
The relevant requirements will apply from 23 March 2027. Products placed on the market before this date may continue to be sold in England, Wales, and Scotland until 22 September 2027.
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Further Information
https://docs.wto.org/imrd/directdoc.asp?DDFDocuments/t/g/tbtn25/gbr108.docx
https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2025/TBT/GBR/25_08201_00_e.pdf
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