European Union cosmetic ingredient regulations
EU Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 annexes and the CosIng discovery database.
- Regulator
- European Commission
- Source language
- English and EU languages
- Coverage version
- Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 consolidated to 1 May 2026
What this list is
The EU list is not one list. Regulation 1223/2009 splits substances across five annexes that answer different questions, and reading the wrong one is the most common way to get an EU answer wrong.
- Annex II prohibits 1,739 substances outright.
- Annex III permits 373 substances only within stated limits, product types and warnings.
- Annexes IV, V and VI are positive lists: 154 colourants, 54 preservatives, 33 UV filters.
- For those three categories, absence from the annex means not permitted — the opposite of Annex II's logic.
- CosIng is a discovery database, not the law; the annexes as published are.
Most markets on this site publish one list. The EU publishes five, and they do not work the same way. Annex II names substances that may not be used at all. Annex III names substances that may be used, but only within a concentration limit, for stated product types, and often with a warning that must appear on the label. Annexes IV, V and VI are positive lists for colourants, preservatives and UV filters.
That last distinction reverses the logic and catches people out. For a substance in general, absence from Annex II is not permission — nothing has been decided about it. For a preservative, absence from Annex V is a decision: it may not be used as a preservative in a cosmetic product. The same silence means opposite things depending on which annex you are reading.
CosIng is worth naming separately, because it is what most searches land on. It is the Commission's database for finding ingredients and their annex references, and it is genuinely useful for that. It is not the legal text. When CosIng and the published annex disagree — usually because an amendment has come into force and the database has not caught up — the annex governs.
An Annex III entry is also more than a number. The limit, the product-type condition and the warning text travel together, and quoting the concentration without the condition it applies to produces an answer that is right about the figure and wrong about the product.
Checked against
Official ingredient records
2353 matching records6-Hydroxy-indole
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0,5%.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 209 · 09/09/2013
QUININE
(a) Hair rinse-off products (b) Hair leave-on products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 21 · 17/10/2010
ISATIN
Hair dye substance in non-oxidative hair dye products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 210 · 16/06/2014
2-AMINO-3-HYDROXYPYRIDINE
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,0 % (b) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to eyelashes must not exceed 0,5 % (b) Professional use
Source reference: Annex III, entry 211 · 27/07/2020
1-Acetoxy-2-Methylnaph-thalene
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2,0% (When both 2-Methyl-1-Naphthol and 1-Acetoxy-2-Methylnaphthalene are present in a hair dye formulation, the maximum concentration on the head of 2-Methyl-1-…
Source reference: Annex III, entry 212 · 09/09/2013
2-Methyl-1-Naphthol
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2,0% (When both 2-Methyl-1-Naphthol and 1-Acetoxy-2-Methylnaphthalene are present in a hair dye formulation, the maximum concentration on the head of 2-Methyl-1-…
Source reference: Annex III, entry 213 · 09/09/2013
ACID YELLOW 1
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,0%
Source reference: Annex III, entry 214 · 09/09/2013
4-AMINO-3-NITROPHENOL
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,5 %
Source reference: Annex III, entry 215 · 05/06/2014
2,7-NAPHTHALENEDIOL
a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,0 %
Source reference: Annex III, entry 216 · 05/06/2014
M-AMINOPHENOL; M-AMINOPHENOL HCL; M-AMINOPHENOL SULFATE
For (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 1,2 % (b) For professional use only
Source reference: Annex III, entry 217 · 14/02/2014
2,6-DIHYDROXY-3,4-DIMETHYLPYRIDINE
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,0 %
Source reference: Annex III, entry 218 · 05/06/2014
4-Hydroxypropylamino-3-nitrophenol
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2,6 % calculated as free base. For (a) and (b): — Do not use with nitro sating agents — Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg /kg — Keep in nitrite-free contain…
Source reference: Annex III, entry 219 · 04/10/2023
RESORCINOL
(For (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyeslashes must not exceed 1,25 % (b) Professional use only
Source reference: Annex III, entry 22 · 11/11/2022
HC Blue No 11
— Do not use with nitro sating agents — Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg /kg — Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 220 · 04/10/2023
Hydroxyethyl-2-Nitro-p-Toluidine
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,0% For (a) and (b): - Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content 50 microgram/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 221 · 09/09/2013
2-HYDROXYETHYL PICRAMIC ACID
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,5% For (a) and (b): - Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/kg - Kep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 222 · 05/06/2014
P-METHYLAMINOPHENOL
Afther mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0,68% (as sulphate) - Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 223 · 30/05/2013
HC Violet No 2
— Do not use with nitrosating agents — Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg /kg — Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 224 · 04/10/2023
HC BLUE NO. 12
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0.75% (as hydrochloride) For (a) and (b): - Do not use with nitrosating agents -Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 225 · 05/06/2014
1,3-bis-(2,4-Diaminophenoxy)propane 1,3-bis-(2,4-Diaminophenoxy)propane HCl
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,2 % calculated as free base (1,8 % as tetrahydrochloride salt).
Source reference: Annex III, entry 226 · 04/10/2023
3-AMINO-2,4-DICHLOROPHENOL
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,5% (as hydrochloride)
Source reference: Annex III, entry 227 · 05/06/2014
PHENYL METHYL PYRAZOLONE
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0.25%.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 228 · 05/06/2014
2-METHYL-5-HYDROXYETHYL AMINOPHENOL
For (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 1,5% - Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 229 · 12/02/2014
(a) Alkali sulphides (b) Alkaline earth sulphides
pH
Source reference: Annex III, entry 23 · 17/10/2010
HYDROXYBENZOMORPHOLINE
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1.0% - Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 micrograme/Kg -Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 230 · 29/11/2023
HC YELLOW NO. 10
- Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 231 · 30/04/2014
2,6-DIMETHOXY-3,5-PYRIDINEDIAMINE HCL
After mixing under xidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0.25% (as hydrochloride)
Source reference: Annex III, entry 232 · 22/07/2013
HC VIOLET NO 1
a) Afther mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0.25% For (a) and (b) - Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamines content: 50 microgram/kg - Keep in nitrie-free containetrs
Source reference: Annex III, entry 234 · 24/07/2013
3-METHYLAMINO-4-NITROPHENOXYETHANOL
- Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 micrograme/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 235 · 24/07/2013
2-HYDROXYETHYLAMINO-5-NITROANISOLE
- Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 236 · 24/07/2013
HC RED NO 13
a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1.25% (as hydrochloride)
Source reference: Annex III, entry 237 · 24/07/2013
1,5-NAPHTHALENEDIOL
a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1.0%
Source reference: Annex III, entry 238 · 24/07/2013
HYDROXYPROPYL BIS(N-HYDROXYETHYL-P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE) HCL
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximumconcentration applied to hair must not exceed 0.4% (as tetrahydro-chloride)
Source reference: Annex III, entry 239 · 25/07/2013
ZINC ACETATE / ZINC CHLORIDE / ZINC GLUCONATE / ZINC GLUTAMATE
Source reference: Annex III, entry 24 · 03/11/2021
4-Nitro-o-Phenylenediamine
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0,5%
Source reference: Annex III, entry 240 · 09/09/2013
4-AMINO-2-HYDROXYTOLUENE
For (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 1,5 % (b) For professional use only.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 241 · 12/02/2014
2,4-DIAMINOPHENOXYETHANOL HCL
For (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 2,0 % (as hydrochloride) (b) For professional use only.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 242 · 14/02/2014
2-METHYLRESORCINOL
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,8 % (c) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to eyelashes must not exceed 1,25 % (c) Professional use
Source reference: Annex III, entry 243 · 27/07/2020
4-AMINO-M-CRESOL
For (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 1,5 % b) For professional use only.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 244 · 12/02/2014
2-AMINO-4-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOANISOLE / 2-AMINO-4-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOANISOLE SULFATE
For (a) and (b): After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair or eyelashes must not exceed 1,5 % (as sulphate) — Do not use with nitrosating agents — Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg /kg — Keep in nitrite-free contain…
Source reference: Annex III, entry 245 · 14/02/2014
HYDROXYETHYL-3,4-METHYLENEDIOXYANILINE HCL
After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1.5% - Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 246 · 29/11/2023
HC BLUE NO 2
- Do not use nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 247 · 26/07/2013
3-NITRO-P-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOPHENOL
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions themaximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 3.0% For (a) and (b): - Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 248 · 26/07/2013
4-NITROPHENYL AMINOETHYLUREA
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentratio applied to hair must not exceed 0.25% For (a) and (b): - Do not use with notrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/Kg -
Source reference: Annex III, entry 249 · 26/07/2013
ZINC PHENOLSULFONATE
Deodorants, antiperspirants and astringent lotions
Source reference: Annex III, entry 25 · 17/10/2010
HC RED NO 10 + HC RED NO 11
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1%
Source reference: Annex III, entry 250 · 26/07/2013
HC Red No 10+ HC Red No 11
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,0% For (a) and (b): - Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 microgram/KG - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 250 · 09/09/2013
2-CHLORO-6-ETHYLAMINO-4-NITROPHENOL
In combination with hydrogen peroxide the maximum use concentration upon application is 1.5% Not to be used after 31.12.2009
Source reference: Annex III, entry 251 · 18/10/2010
HC RED NO 7
- Do not use with nitrosating agents - Maximum notrosamine content: 50 micrograme/Kg - Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 251 · 09/09/2013
2-AMINO-6-CHLORO-4-NITROPHENOL
(a) After mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentraion applied to hair must not exceed 2.0%
Source reference: Annex III, entry 252 · 08/07/2015
Market coverage contract
Complete annex dataset- Included scope
- Annexes II–VI: prohibited and restricted substances, colourants, preservatives and UV filters.
- If no match is found
- No annex match only means that these five annexes did not return a match; CosIng identity data and other EU obligations still need review.
Complete verification checklist
- Confirm the exact INCI/CAS/EC identity.
- Review every matching Annex II–VI row and its conditions.
- Check SCCS opinions, CMR/nanomaterial rules and later amendments.
- Verify product classification, claims, labelling and responsible-person duties.
How European Union differs from other markets
Comparing this market's imported rules against every other market's for the same substance. A market with no imported rule for a substance is left out of that comparison rather than treated as permitting it.
A formula cleared elsewhere can fail here.
and 22 more — see the full comparison
Permitted here under conditions and prohibited, or more tightly held, elsewhere — so a formula built for this market may not travel.
and 103 more — see the full comparison
Official sources and legal role
PubChem PUG-View annotations
Attributed physical-property, hazard, environmental, use and literature annotations for uniquely matched PubChem compounds
Legal meaning: Scientific context aggregated by PubChem; individual values retain their named depositor or publication source
EMBL-EBI ChEBI 2.0
Curated definitions, chemical classes, roles, names, relationships and cross-references
Legal meaning: Curated scientific ontology; not a cosmetics permission or prohibition list
FDA Global Substance Registration System
UNII identifiers, preferred names, substance types, codes and public substance relationships
Legal meaning: Identity registry only; UNII availability does not imply FDA review or approval
Cosmetic Ingredient Review safety assessments
Expert Panel conclusions, assessed ingredient groups, use conditions, dates and report documents
Legal meaning: Independent expert review considered by FDA; not a government approval or binding market rule
EU Safety Gate cosmetic product alerts
Published cosmetic product alerts, notifying country, risk, product identifiers and corrective measures
Legal meaning: Official market-surveillance alerts; not proof that a named ingredient caused an incident
Available language: English and EU languages
What this market page can answer
Source and authority
Identify the official material and the regulator responsible for it: European Commission.
Language and scope
See whether usable English or bilingual material exists and what the mapped source actually covers. Current source language: English and EU languages.
Evidence status
Browse ingredient-level records imported from official sources. Each row states whether it passed deterministic source checks or human editorial review.
How to verify an ingredient for this market
- Search the ingredient by INCI name, CAS number or EC number and record the exact identity.
- Open each official source above and check the current version, product scope, concentration limits and required warnings.
- Confirm effective dates and whether an English text is official, reviewed or only contextual.
- Treat a missing local match as unknown, never as permission or a safety conclusion.