Cosmetics Directive

The directive defines a "cosmetic product" as "any substance or preparation intended for placing in contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or principally to cleaning them, perfuming them or protecting them in order to keep them in good condition, change their appearance or correct body odours." (Art. 1.1)

The main part of the directive is the different lists of substances in the annexes:

• substances that are banned from use in cosmetics (Annex II)
• substances that are subject to restrictions on their use (Annex III): such substances might only be permitted for certain types of cosmetics, or in certain concentrations, or subject to warning labels, etc.
• permitted colourings (Annex IV)
• permitted preservatives (Annex VI)
• permitted UV filters (Annex VII)

The annexes are regularly amended (57 times up until April 2008) to take account of new data on the safety of particular substances.