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 recordsHC RED NO 17
As from 3 September 2017: — Do not use with nitrosating agents — Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg/kg — Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 298 · 27/07/2020
HC YELLOW NO 17
Hair dye substance in non-oxidative hair dye products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 299 · 27/07/2020
THIOGLYCOLIC ACID
(a) (i) General use ready for use pH 7 to 9.5 (ii) Professional use ready for use pH 7 to 9.5 (b) ready for use pH 7 to 12.7 (c) ready for use pH 7 to 9.5 (d) ready for use pH 7 to 9,5
Source reference: Annex III, entry 2a · 27/07/2020
Thioglycolic acid esters
(a) General use ready for use pH 6 to 9.5 (b) Professional use ready for use pH 6 to 9.5
Source reference: Annex III, entry 2b · 17/10/2010
OXALIC ACID
Professional use
Source reference: Annex III, entry 3 · 17/10/2010
Calcium fluoride
Oral products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 30 · 14/05/2013
1-HEXYL 4,5-DIAMINO PYRAZOLE SULFATE
As from 3 September 2017, after mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 1,0 %
Source reference: Annex III, entry 300 · 27/07/2020
2,5,6-TRIAMINO- 4-PYRIMIDINOL SULFATE
As from 3 September 2017, after mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0,5 %
Source reference: Annex III, entry 301 · 27/07/2020
HYDROXYETHOXY AMINOPYRAZOLOPYRIDINE HCL
As from 3 September 2017, after mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2,0 %
Source reference: Annex III, entry 302 · 27/07/2020
3-AMINO-2,6- DIMETHYLPHENOL
As from 3 September 2017, after mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2,0 %
Source reference: Annex III, entry 303 · 27/07/2020
BASIC BROWN 17
Hair dye substance in non-oxidative hair dye products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 304 · 27/07/2020
BASIC BLUE 124
As from 3 September 2017: — Do not use with nitrosating agents — Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg/kg — Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 305 · 27/07/2020
ARACHIS HYPOGAEA OIL; ARACHIS HYPOGAEA SEEDCOAT EXTRACT; ARACHIS HYPOGAEA FLOUR; ARACHIS HYPOGAEA FRUIT EXTRACT; ARACHIS HYPOGAEA SPROUT EXTRACT; HYDROGENATED PEANUT OIL; PEANUT ACID; PEANUT GLYCERIDES; PEANUT OIL PEG-6 ESTERS; PEANUTAMIDE MEA; PEANUTAMIDE MIPA; POTASSIUM PEANUTATE; SODIUM PEANUTAMPHOACETATE; SODIUM PEANUTATE; SULFATED PEANUT OIL
Maximum concentration of peanut proteins: 0,5 ppm (22 )
Source reference: Annex III, entry 306 · 27/07/2020
HYDROLYZED WHEAT PROTEIN
Maximum molecular weight average of the peptides in hydrolysates: 3,5 kDa (23 )
Source reference: Annex III, entry 307 · 27/07/2020
Tagetes minuta flower extract; Tagetes minuta flower oil
For (a) and (b): Alpha terthienyl (terthiophen) content in the extract/oil ≤ 0,35 %. For (a): Not to be used in sunscreen products and products marketed for exposure to natural/artificial UV light. For (a) and (b): In case of combined use with Tagetes patul…
Source reference: Annex III, entry 308 · 27/07/2020
Tagetes patula flower extract; Tagetes patula flower oil
For (a) and (b): Alpha terthienyl (terthiophen) content in the extract/oil ≤ 0,35 %. For (a): Not to be used in sunscreen products and products marketed for exposure to natural/artificial UV light. For (a) and (b): In case of combined use with Tagetes minut…
Source reference: Annex III, entry 309 · 27/07/2020
Sodium fluoride
Oral products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 31 · 14/05/2013
CLIMBAZOLE
For purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms in the product. This purpose has to be apparent from the presentation of the product.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 310 · 28/07/2020
HEMA
Professional use only
Source reference: Annex III, entry 313 · 24/11/2020
DI-HEMA TRIMETHYLHEXYL DICARBAMATE
Professional use only
Source reference: Annex III, entry 314 · 24/11/2020
DIMETHYLPIPERAZINIUM AMINOPYRAZOLOPYRIDINE HCL
As from 3 June 2021, after mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2 % (calculated as free base).
Source reference: Annex III, entry 315 · 24/11/2020
METHYLIMIDAZOLIUMPROPYL P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE HCL
As from 3 June 2021, after mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 2 % (calculated as free base).
Source reference: Annex III, entry 316 · 24/11/2020
HC Orange No. 6
Methanesulfonates impurities, in particular ethyl methanesulfonate shall not be present.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 317 · 24/11/2020
ACID ORANGE 7
Hair dye substance in non-oxidative hair dye products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 318 · 24/11/2020
TETRABROMOPHENOL BLUE
(a) As from 3 June 2021, after mixing under oxidative conditions the maximum concentration applied to hair must not exceed 0,2 % (calculated as free base).
Source reference: Annex III, entry 319 · 24/11/2020
POTASSIUM FLUORIDE
Oral products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 32 · 14/05/2013
INDIGOFERA TINCTORIA LEAF; INDIGOFERA TINCTORIA LEAF POWDER; INDIGOFERA TINCTORIA LEAF EXTRACT; INDIGOFERA TINCTORIA EXTRACT
Hair dye substance in non-oxidative hair dye products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 320 · 24/11/2020
TITANIUM DIOXIDE
a) (b) Only in the pigmentary form (c) Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation
Source reference: Annex III, entry 321 · 23/03/2022
DIHYDROXYACETONE
(a) Hair dye substance in non-oxidative hair dye products (*) (b) Self-tanning products (*) (*) From 26 January 2022 hair dye and self-tanning products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be placed on the Union market…
Source reference: Annex III, entry 322 · 18/10/2021
METHYL N-METHYLANTHRANILATE
For (a): Not to be used in sunscreen products and products marketed for exposure to natural or artificial UV light. For (a) and (b): — Do not use with nitrosating agents — Maximum nitrosamine content: 50 μg/kg — Keep in nitrite-free containers
Source reference: Annex III, entry 323 · 27/07/2022
METHYL SALICYLATE
Not to be used in preparations for children under 6 years of age, with the exception of (k) “Toothpaste”. The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,…
Source reference: Annex III, entry 324 · 11/09/2023
Butylated Hydroxytoluene
From 1 July 2023 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 January 2024 cosmetic products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be …
Source reference: Annex III, entry 325 · 11/11/2022
Acid Yellow 3
From 1 July 2023 non-oxidative hair dye products containing that substance and not complying with the restrictions shall not be placed on the Union market. From 1 January 2024 non-oxidative hair dye products containing that substance and not complying with th…
Source reference: Annex III, entry 326 · 11/11/2022
Acetyl Cedrene
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 327 · 03/10/2023
Amyl Salicylate
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 328 · 03/10/2023
Anethole
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 329 · 03/10/2023
AMMONIUM FLUORIDE
Oral products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 33 · 14/05/2013
Benzaldehyde
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 330 · 14/09/2023
Camphor
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 331 · 14/09/2023
Beta- Caryophyllene
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 332 · 03/10/2023
Carvone
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 333 · 14/09/2023
Dimethyl Phenethyl Acetate
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 334 · 03/10/2023
Hexadecanolactone
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 335 · 03/10/2023
Hexamethylindanopyran
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 336 · 14/09/2023
Linalyl Acetate
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 337 · 03/10/2023
Menthol
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 338 · 14/09/2023
Trimethylcyclopentenyl Methylisopentenol
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 339 · 03/10/2023
ALUMINIUM FLUORIDE
Oral products
Source reference: Annex III, entry 34 · 14/05/2013
Salicylaldehyde
The presence of the substance shall be indicated in the list of ingredients referred to in Article 19(1), point (g), when its concentration exceeds: — 0,001 % in leave-on products — 0,01 % in rinse-off products.
Source reference: Annex III, entry 340 · 03/10/2023
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.