In recent times, where self-care and wellness have taken center stage, people are more concerned than ever about the products they use on their skin and hair. With growing awareness of the potential health risks associated with certain ingredients and formulations, the demand for beauty and skincare brands that prioritize safety and regulatory compliance has reached a new high.

From the rise of clean beauty movements to heightened scrutiny of ingredient lists, users are changing their beauty routines and looking for brands that share their values of safety, efficacy, and transparency. In this changing environment, regulatory compliance has grown as an essential component of consumer trust, with shoppers going after brands that not only deliver results but also comply with the high criteria set out by governing bodies like the European Union.

But what exactly does it mean for a brand to be EU compliant? Basically, it involves complying to some of the world's most stringent safety and quality requirements. Unlike in the United States, where rules may be more relaxed, EU compliance entails thorough testing, transparency, and promising that products are free of over 1,300 prohibited elements. While the EU has prohibited or restricted the use of some parabens and phthalates, these substances are nevertheless widely used in many US products. This means that EU-compliant producers frequently go above and above to deliver safer, more effective products, providing customers peace of mind and healthier alternatives.

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The EU introduces sweeping amendments to its cosmetics regulation. By encouraging safer, more transparent cosmetic products, and a fond fare to potentially dangerous ingredients.

In with the new: It prioritizes consumer safety by imposing restrictions on substances like retinol, alpha-arbutin, and arbutin, known for their potential endocrine-disrupting properties. Additionally, the ban on UV filter 4-methylbenzylidene camphor takes effect from May 1, 2025, marking a significant step towards protecting consumers from harmful UV exposure.

Out with the old: Products containing retinol, retinyl acetate, and retinyl palmitate will be restricted to 0.05% Retinol Equivalent (RE) in body lotion and 0.3 RE in other leave-on and rinse-off products. Furthermore, the use of substances like genistein, daidzein, kojic acid, alpha-arbutin, and arbutin will be subject to specific restrictions to ensure consumer safety.

But that's not all: The updated list of permitted preservatives in cosmetic products includes new restrictions on triclocarban and triclosan, limiting their use to 0.2% and 0.3%, respectively, in various cosmetic products.

This shift demands more responsible and transparent practices, including scrutinizing product claims and meeting new labeling requirements.

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Merit delivers exactly what you need, no frills attached! Their lineup of essential beauty products is carefully curated, featuring safe formulas packed with skin-loving ingredients like squalane and vitamin B5. Plus, their commitment to sustainability shines through with recyclable and biodegradable packaging. Don't miss their standout Bronze Balm in Seine, $30, this sheer, buildable cream formula creates natural warmth and soft contour without streaks or orangeness, merging flawlessly for a second-skin finish that never looks cakey. It contains fatty acids that nourish and seal in moisture, is free of acne-causing chemicals, and comes in environmentally friendly packaging made of 43% recycled plastic.

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Who knows about beauty products more than a makeup artist? Founded by Rose-Marie Swift, RMS Beauty is all about clean ingredients that enhance your natural beauty. Their cosmetic collection is made with raw, organic ingredients to hydrate and illuminate your skin. With products like the Eyelights Cream Eyeshadow in Sunbeam, $28, formulated with organic green tea and natural peptide quinoa extracts, RMS not only beautifies but also nourishes your skin. Plus, they're dedicated to sustainability with a reusable key to get every last drop out of the tube. Experience beauty that's clean, green, and glam!

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Jones Road, flips the script on beauty. Instead of bombarding us with endless products, they offer a curated range of high-impact clean beauty essentials that are easy to use and master. Think of it as clean beauty 2.0, with stricter regulations than the E.U. The Hippie Stick, $32, is their secret weapon for locking in moisture everywhere — it's like a blissful balm that melts onto your face, body, and hair, leaving you feeling buttery smooth and smelling divine.

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