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Great Britain cosmetic ingredient regulations

GB rules must be versioned separately from EU rules as they diverge.

Regulator
Office for Product Safety and Standards
Source language
English
Coverage version
GB retained Regulation 1223/2009 schedules, effective 15 August 2026

What this list is

Great Britain carried EU Regulation 1223/2009 onto its own statute book after Brexit and has amended it separately ever since. The two lists started identical and no longer are, which is why a GB check cannot be answered from an EU one.

  • 2,329 GB records: 1,758 prohibited, 326 restricted, 245 on a positive list.
  • The regulator is the Office for Product Safety and Standards, not the European Commission.
  • GB and EU annexes are amended by different bodies on different dates, so they drift apart substance by substance.
  • A substance absent from the GB list is not thereby permitted — absence is absence of a record, not a decision.

The Cosmetic Products Enforcement Regulations 2013 kept Regulation 1223/2009 in force in Great Britain after EU exit, so the structure a formulator already knows — Annex II for prohibited substances, Annex III for restricted ones, Annexes IV to VI for colourants, preservatives and UV filters — is the same here. What changed is who amends it. The Office for Product Safety and Standards now does that for Great Britain, and the European Commission does it for the EU, on their own timetables.

That divergence is the practical point of this page. When the Commission adds a substance to Annex II, Great Britain does not follow automatically. The reverse holds too. Two lists that began as one copy now differ entry by entry, and the gap widens with each amendment cycle, so a compliance answer for one market is not evidence for the other even when the substance and the wording look identical.

Northern Ireland is not covered here. Under the Windsor Framework it continues to apply the EU regulation, so a product placed on the market across the whole United Kingdom is answering to two rulebooks at once. Check the EU records for that half.

The 2,329 records below carry the status the GB source gives them and nothing more. Where a record is marked restricted, the concentration limit, product-type condition and warning text come from the source as written; where a substance has no record at all, that means no GB entry was resolved here, not that its use has been considered and allowed.

Checked against

Official ingredient records

2329 matching records
Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Thimerosal

CAS 54-64-8 · EC 200-210-4

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex V.

Conditions: Eye products · 0,007% (of Hg) If mixed with other mercurial compounds authorised by this Regulation, the maximum concentration of Hg remains fixed at 0,007% · Contains Thiomersal

Source:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex V, entry 16 · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Thioglycolic acid

CAS 68-11-1 · EC 200-677-4

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex III.

Conditions: (a) Hair waving or straightening products · (a) 8% 11% · (a) General use ready for use pH 7 to 9,5 Professional use ready for use pH 7 to 9,5 · Conditions of use: (a) (b) (c) (d) Avoid contact with eyes Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them. (a) (c) (d) Wear suitable gloves Warnings to be printed on the label: (a)(i) (b) (c) Contains thioglycolate Follow the instructions Keep out of reach of children (a)(ii) (d) For professional use only Contains thioglycolate Follow the instructions

Source:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 2a · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Thuja Occidentalis Bark Extract;Thuja Occidentalis Leaf;Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Extract;Thuja Occidentalis Leaf Oil;Thuja Occidentalis Stem Extract;Thuja Occidentalis Stem Oil;Thuja Occidentalis Root Extract

CAS 90131-58-1 · EC 290-370-1

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex III.

Conditions: Peroxide value less than 10 mmoles/L

Source:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 119 · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Titanium Dioxide (nano)

CAS 13463-67-7; 1317-70-0; 1317-80-2 · EC 236-675-5; 215-280-1; 215-282-2

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex VI.

Conditions: 25% · Not to be used in applications that may lead to exposure of the end-user’s lungs by inhalation. Only nanomaterials having the following characteristics are allowed: purity ≥ 99%, rutile form, or rutile with up to 5% anatase, with crystalline structure and physical appearance as clusters of spherical, needle, or lanceolate shapes, median particle size based on number size distribution ≥ 30 nm, aspect ratio from 1 to 4,5, and volume specific surface area ≤ 460 m 2 /cm 3 , coated with Silica, Hydrated Silica, Alumina, Aluminium Hydroxide, Aluminium Stearate, Stearic Acid, Trimethoxycaprylylsilane, Glycerin, Dimethicone, Hydrogen Dimethicone, Simethicone, or coated with one of the following combinations: Silica at a maximum concentration of 16% and Cetyl Phosphate at a maximum concentration of 6%, Alumina at a maximum concentration of 7% and Manganese Dioxide at a maximum concentration of 0,7% (not to be used in lip products), Alumina at a maximum concentration of 3% and Triethoxycaprylylsilane at a maximum concentration of 9%, photocatalytic activity ≤ 10% compared to corresponding non-coated or non-doped reference, nanoparticles are photostable in the final formulation. · For face products containing Titanium Dioxide (nano) coated with the combination Alumina and Manganese Dioxide: Not to be used on the lips.

Source:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex VI, entry 27a · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Toluene

CAS 108-88-3 · EC 203-625-9

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex III.

Conditions: Nail products · 25 % · Keep out of reach of children To be used by adults only

Source:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 185 · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Toluene-2,5-DiamineToluene-2,5-Diamine Sulfate

CAS 95-70-5; 615-50-9 · EC 202-442-1; 210-431-8

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex III.

Conditions: (a) Hair dye substance in oxidative hair dye products · (a) (i) General use (a) (ii) Professional use · (a) To be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. “ black henna ” tattoos may increase your risk of allergy. Do not colour your hair if: you have a rash on your face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, you have ever experienced any reaction after colouring your hair, you have experienced a reaction to a temporary “ black henna ” tattoo in the past. Contains phenylenediamines (toluenediamines) (a) (i) Do not use to dye eyelashes. (a) (ii) Wear suitable gloves. For professional use only. Hair colourants can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow instructions. This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary (b) As from 3 March 2018 , to be printed on the label: The mixing ratio. This product can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow instructions. This product is not intended for use on persons under the age of 16. Temporary “ black henna ” tattoos may increase the risk of allergy. Eyelashes shall not be coloured if the consumer: has a rash on the face or sensitive, irritated and damaged scalp, has experienced any reaction after colouring hair or eyelashes, has experienced a reaction to a temporary “ black henna ” tattoo in the past. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them. Contains phenylenediamines (toluenediamines). Wear suitable gloves. For professional use only .

Source:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 9a · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Triclocarban

CAS 101-20-2 · EC 202-924-1

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex V.

Conditions: 0,2% · Purity criteria: 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene <1 ppm 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazoxybenzene <1 ppm

Source:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex V, entry 23 · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Triclocarban

CAS 101-20-2 · EC 202-924-1

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex III.

Conditions: Rinse-off products · 1,5% · Purity criteria: 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazobenzene ≤ 1 ppm 3,3',4,4'-Tetrachloroazoxybenzene ≤ 1 ppm 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:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 100 · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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Permitted list with conditionsBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Triclosan

CAS 3380-34-5 · EC 222-182-2

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex V.

Conditions: (a) Toothpastes Hand soaps Body soaps/Shower gels Deodorants (non-spray) Face powders and blemish concealers Nail products for cleaning the fingernails and toenails before the application of artificial nail systems · (a) 0,3%

Source:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex V, entry 25 · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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RestrictedBinding ruleOriginal is EnglishOfficial-source import checked

Trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide

CAS 75980-60-8 · EC 278-355-8

The consolidated GB Cosmetics Regulation lists this record in Annex III.

Conditions: Artificial nail systems · 5,0% · Professional use · For professional use only Avoid skin contact Read directions for use carefully

Source:GB Cosmetics Regulation, Annex III, entry 311 · version 2026-08-15 · effective Aug. 15, 2026 · source checked 2026-08-30

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Market coverage contract

Complete consolidated annex dataset
Included scope
Current consolidated Annexes II–VI for England, Scotland and Wales.
If no match is found
No annex match is not approval and does not cover Northern Ireland, which follows the applicable EU framework.

Complete verification checklist

  1. Confirm INCI/CAS/EC identity.
  2. Review every current GB Annex II–VI match.
  3. Check commencement dates and later statutory instruments.
  4. Verify SCPN, responsible-person, safety-report and labelling duties.

How Great Britain 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.

25 substances where Great Britain is stricter than some markets

A formula cleared elsewhere can fail here.

Diethylene GlycolPhenolCatalaseDichloromethaneDihydrocoumarinOxyquinolineThiramZirconium PowderButaneChloropheneFormaldehydeHydroquinoneIsobutaneQUATERNIUM-15Butylphenyl MethylpropionalCholecalciferolMethylene GlycolSilver NitrateZinc PyrithioneEthylhexyl EthylhexanoateTagetes Erecta Flower ExtractTrimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide4-METHYLBENZYLIDENE CamphorAmmonium Silver Zinc Aluminum SilicateBenzophenone
138 substances where Great Britain is more permissive than some markets

Permitted here under conditions and prohibited, or more tightly held, elsewhere — so a formula built for this market may not travel.

Methyl Alcohol1-NAPHTHOLBenzoyl PeroxideChloramine THydrogen PeroxideP-HYDROXYANISOLE1,5-NAPHTHALENEDIOL2,7-NAPHTHALENEDIOL2-AMINO-6-CHLORO-4-NITROPHENOL2-METHYLRESORCINOL3-NITRO-P-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOPHENOL4-AMINO-2-HYDROXYTOLUENE4-AMINO-3-NITROPHENOL4-AMINO-M-CRESOLButoxyethanolDichloropheneM-AMINOPHENOLMethyl EugenolNitromethaneP-PHENYLENEDIAMINEPhenyl Methyl PyrazoloneSilver NitrateTalcTOLUENE-2,5-DIAMINE1,3-BIS-(2,4-DIAMINOPHENOXY)PROPANE1-HYDROXYETHYL 4,5-DIAMINO Pyrazole Sulfate2,6-DIAMINOPYRIDINE2,6-DIHYDROXY-3,4-DIMETHYLPYRIDINE2,6-DIHYDROXYETHYLAMINOTOLUENE2-AMINO-3-HYDROXYPYRIDINE2-AMINO-4-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOANISOLE2-CHLORO-6-ETHYLAMINO-4-NITROPHENOL2-HYDROXYETHYL Picramic Acid2-HYDROXYETHYLAMINO-5-NITROANISOLE2-METHYL-5-HYDROXYETHYLAMINOPHENOL3-AMINO-2,4-DICHLOROPHENOL3-METHYLAMINO-4-NITROPHENOXYETHANOL4-HYDROXYPROPYLAMINO-3-NITROPHENOL4-NITRO-O-PHENYLENEDIAMINE4-NITROPHENYL Aminoethylurea

and 98 more — see the full comparison

Official sources and legal role

Great Britain Cosmetics Regulation — consolidated Annexes II–VI and amendments

Complete consolidated GB Annexes II–VI, with later amendments versioned separately

Legal meaning: Binding GB schedules and versioned amendments to retained Regulation 1223/2009; applies to England, Wales and Scotland, not Northern Ireland

Available language: English

Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0.

What this market page can answer

Source and authority

Identify the official material and the regulator responsible for it: Office for Product Safety and Standards.

Language and scope

See whether usable English or bilingual material exists and what the mapped source actually covers. Current source language: English.

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

  1. Search the ingredient by INCI name, CAS number or EC number and record the exact identity.
  2. Open each official source above and check the current version, product scope, concentration limits and required warnings.
  3. Confirm effective dates and whether an English text is official, reviewed or only contextual.
  4. Treat a missing local match as unknown, never as permission or a safety conclusion.
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