Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH)

The role of REACH and how it relates to cosmetic ingredients

Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006, known as REACH, governs the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals in the European Union. It has a number of aims, including:

• providing a high level of protection for human health and the environment
• ensuring the free circulation of substances in the internal market, while enhancing competitiveness and innovation
• managing risk relating to chemicals in consumer products by restricting or banning them where necessary (unless they are covered by sector specific downstream user legislation)

REACH applies to the management of environmental risks that relate to cosmetics and personal care products. Risks to human safety are addressed through the Cosmetics Products Regulation.

The cosmetics industry as a ‘downstream user’

Responsibility for complying with REACH rests with companies (‘legal entities’) that manufacture or import substances in quantities of more than 1 tonne per legal entity per year. The weight threshold applies whether the substances are imported on their own or as part of finished cosmetic products. Companies that use substances to make cosmetic products are known as ‘downstream users’.

Cosmetics Europe is part of the Downstream Users of Chemicals Coordination Group (DUCC). This is an informal platform of European trade associations representing sectors which formulate preparations as finished products for end users, in particular consumers and professional users.

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