A new European Commission regulation on the labelling of fragrances in cosmetic products (Regulation (EU) 2023/1545) has been in force since 16 August 2023. The labelling of certain perfume ingredients in cosmetics is mandatory for manufacturers if their concentration in a product is above specified threshold values. These thresholds can vary for cosmetic products and depend on whether the product is intended to be left on the skin, such as a body cream, or washed off, such as a shampoo. The labelling obligation also applies if the substances are components of a perfume, a flavouring or a complex ingredient - for example a mixture of natural substances. Previously, 24 perfume ingredients had to be included in the list of ingredients. The new regulation extends this list to over 80 substances.

These fragrance allergens as defined by the new regulation are fragrances to which sensitised persons can react with an allergy. The aim of the labelling is to enable allergy sufferers to find out whether a fragrance to which they are allergic is contained in a cosmetic product. This enables the consumers concerned to avoid the product in question and choose an alternative product. This is even quicker with the COSMILE Europe app. The app uses a scan function to quickly and easily provide information about all the ingredients in a cosmetic product that are listed in the INCI declaration (Film in German only) (INCI: International Nomenclature Cosmetic Ingredients) on each product.

The expansion of the list of fragrances subject to mandatory labelling to over 80 substances can present manufacturers with new challenges, not least due to the increased space required on the labels. In some cases, there have not yet been any standardised designations to ensure globally compatible labelling. The umbrella organisation of the European cosmetics industry, Cosmetics Europe, has therefore developed a guide (guide in German only) for cosmetics manufacturers to help companies correctly interpret and implement the labelling regulations for fragrance allergens. A transitional period until 31 July 2026 is planned for the new restrictions. Products that do not yet comply with the new labelling requirements can remain on the market until 31 July 2028.