Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 — REACH Annex XVII

Microplastics prohibited in cosmetics — EU Regulation 2023/2055

8polymers prohibited in EU cosmetics

Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 and microplastics in cosmetics

Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, in force since 17 October 2023, amends the REACH Regulation (EC No 1907/2006) by adding entry 78 to Annex XVII, which prohibits the placing on the market of intentionally added microplastics in cosmetic and personal care products.

The affected microplastics are solid particles of synthetic polymers ≤ 5 mm in size that do not readily degrade, present at a concentration equal to or greater than 0.01% by weight. Their prohibition in cosmetics aims to reduce the contamination of aquatic ecosystems, as these polymers pass through water treatment systems without degrading.

The prohibition applies in progressive phases depending on the product category:

17 Oct 2023
  • Exfoliating microbeads in rinse-off cosmetics — immediate prohibition, no transitional period
17 Oct 2027
  • Other rinse-off cosmetics
17 Oct 2029
  • Leave-on cosmetics
17 Oct 2035
  • Make-up, lip and nail products

From 17 October 2031, they must carry the indication "contains microplastics"

Polymers affected by Regulation (EU) 2023/2055

POLYETHYLENEPE (Polyethylene)CAS 9002-88-4Ban date: 2027-10-17
POLYPROPYLENEPP (Polypropylene)CAS 9003-07-0Ban date: 2027-10-17
POLYSTYRENEPS (Polystyrene)CAS 9003-53-6Ban date: 2027-10-17
POLYMETHYL METHACRYLATEPMMA (Polymethyl Methacrylate)CAS 9011-14-7Ban date: 2027-10-17
POLYTETRAFLUOROETHYLENEPTFE / Teflon (Polytetrafluoroethylene)CAS 9002-84-0Ban date: 2027-10-17
NYLON-12Nylon-12 (Polyamide 12)CAS 24937-16-4Ban date: 2027-10-17
NYLON-6Nylon-6 (Polyamide 6)CAS 25038-54-4Ban date: 2027-10-17
ACRYLATES COPOLYMERAcrylates Copolymer (includes Crosspolymer variants)Ban date: 2029-10-17

Related pages

Annex II — Prohibited substancesRecently prohibitedCosIng searchGuide: EU microplastics restriction in cosmetics

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Data source: Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, EUR-Lex. BD-API does not replace professional regulatory advice.

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