Beauty Care

Important topics in the field of Beauty Care

UWWTD

The IKW and its member companies broadly welcome the revision of the existing Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive. However, the amendment to the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive is based on a number of assumptions that the IKW is unable to support.

Polluter pays principle
Cosmetic and pharmaceutical products are not the sole sources of micropollutants in wastewater
Findings of independent analyses
The impact of cosmetic ingredients accounts for only approximately 1.5 per cent of the total ecotoxic burden

The IKW rejects the amendment to the Urban Wastewater Treatment Directive in its current form and supports Cosmetics Europe in its legal action before the European Court of Justice.

Chemicals Omnibus

On 8 July 2025, the European Commission published a proposal for a so-called "Chemicals Omnibus". It forms part of the Commission's Omnibus simplification initiative and is intended to reduce unnecessary bureaucratic burdens on businesses.

Various legislative proposals
The aim is to simplify EU chemicals legislation
Cosmetics sector
In the case of cosmetics, this relates in particular to the EC Cosmetics Regulation
Adjustments should establish a clear legal framework
The aim is to reduce the burden on manufacturers without compromising the safety of consumers or the environment

Challenges

The Council of the European Union has not adopted substantial parts of this important proposal in its current position. As a result, the major challenge facing the European cosmetics industry – the interaction between the CLP Regulation (Regulation on the Classification, Labelling and Packaging of substances) and the EC Cosmetics Regulation – remains largely unresolved.

Crystal-clear on Sun Protection

That intensive sun exposure can be harmful to health is well known. But what are the specific effects on the skin? And how can different skin types best protect themselves from the sun? Many people are repeatedly surprised by the intensity of solar radiation.

When the sun finally shines, it is usually a welcome sight
It boosts human wellbeing and is even vital for certain metabolic processes in the body
Caution with high levels of radiation exposure
Those who spend too long in the sun without protection expose themselves to an excessive dose of radiation, even at Central European latitudes
Concerning rise in chronic sun damage
In addition to premature skin ageing, these include in particular skin cancer conditions

Three golden Rules

The skin's natural defence mechanisms are no longer sufficient to keep our skin healthy given this increased exposure to high-energy solar radiation. Additional protection is urgently needed. This applies in particular to minimising health risks during prolonged periods in the sun. The IKW has established three golden rules for proper sun protection.