Claims in the European Union: COSMED Review via Beauty Horizons

With claims, putting the cosmetic in the spotlight

The cosmetic field is an industrial sector that is constantly evolving and where competition is fierce. Products mainly use claims to distinguish themselves.Facing pandemic-induced transformations, changes in regulations and in consumer perception, companies are increasingly creative, developing new claims.If we look back at the end of 2020 and the beginning of 2021, claims are mainly focused on environmental protection, natural cosmetics, sustainability and ethical issues, on the origin of the product (“made in”), and wellness particularly in skin care.

Nevertheless, cosmetic claims are strictly regulated in Europe, and a great part is let to the interpretation and control of the responsible person. Therefore, the latter must understand the requirements set by the regulations to apply them correctly.

Entered into force on 11 July 2013, Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 on cosmetic products only defines claims and relies on another regulation, (EU) 655/2013, to set up common criteria justifying the use of claims. It has been then completed by Technical Document on Cosmetic Claims, recommendations written by the Cosmetics working group of the European Commission.