UK and EU Cosmetic Regulations Explained
Understand the rules, avoid costly mistakes, and get your natural skincare products to market the right way. The latest Simple Essentials blog explores cosmetic regulations: ‘What You Need to Know to Launch Legally - and Confidently.
You’ve created a beautiful, effective skincare product. But can you legally sell it?
If you're developing a cosmetic range in the UK or EU, understanding cosmetic regulations is essential to launching safely, ethically, and successfully. From labelling to safety assessments, the rules can seem overwhelming, but they’re there to protect consumers and your brand.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key regulatory steps every indie brand, formulator, and consultant needs to know, so you can move forward with clarity and confidence.
What Counts as a Cosmetic Product?
In the UK and EU, a cosmetic product is defined as:
"Any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body… with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odours."
This includes skincare, body care, hair care, perfumes, and most makeup.
Important: If your product makes medicinal claims (e.g. heals, treats, cures), it may be classified as a medicine, not a cosmetic, which requires a completely different approval process. This article is intended to offer guidance. If you are researching the approval process for a specific product, please get in touch and Kim can advise based on your individual situation. Please email info@simple-essentials.co.uk.
Key Cosmetic Regulations in the UK and EU
Whether you're based in the UK or selling to the EU, there are legal steps you must follow before you can bring your product to market.
1. Product Safety Report (CPSR)
Before you can sell any cosmetic, it must undergo a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (Part A + B) prepared by a qualified safety assessor.
This ensures your formula is:
Safe for use
Compliant with ingredient limits
Free from banned substances
Tip: Even “natural” ingredients need assessment, safety isn’t always intuitive.
2. Label and Packaging Compliance
Your product must be clearly labelled with:
Product name and intended use
Ingredients (INCI names)
Batch number
Precautions (e.g. “For external use only”)
Responsible Person name and address
Best before or Period After Opening (PAO) symbol
Note: Mislabelled or vague packaging can get your product removed from shelves.
3. Responsible Person (RP)
You must appoint a Responsible Person in the UK (and/or EU) who holds the legal responsibility for your product's compliance.
This can be you, or a professional third-party service.
4. Product Notification (UK SCPN or EU CPNP)
You must notify your product via:
UK SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notification) – if selling in the UK
EU CPNP (Cosmetic Product Notification Portal) – if selling in the EU
N|OTE: You’ll need to upload label artwork, formulation details, and safety documents.
5. Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP)
Your products must be made in a clean, controlled environment that meets GMP standards. Even small-scale makers must ensure:
Accurate batch records
Hygienic processes
Ingredient traceability
Homemade does not mean unregulated…
What About Natural or Organic Products?
The same legal framework applies whether your product is synthetic or botanical.
However, if you’re using natural or organic claims, you must:
Back them up with evidence
Avoid misleading marketing and tread carefully with the words you use so that your copy is legally compliant
Understand certification options (e.g. COSMOS, Soil Association)
Being natural doesn’t exempt you from legal compliance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Selling before your safety report is approved
Using non-INCI ingredient names
Copying claims from US-based products
Ignoring the Responsible Person requirement
Failing to notify via SCPN or CPNP
These errors can lead to:
Product recalls
Fines
Damaged reputation
Legal liability
Final Thought: Regulation Isn’t a Roadblock, it’s a Safety Net
Navigating cosmetic compliance can feel daunting, but it’s your foundation for success. When done right, regulation builds consumer trust, protects your business, and positions your brand as credible and professional.
Need Help?
If you're planning to launch a natural skincare range and want peace of mind, we can guide you through the entire compliance process, from formulation to legal documentation.
Contact Kim to schedule a consultation.