June 03, 2025

The European Union (EU) has banned some nanomaterials in cosmetics to protect consumers. This comes from Commission Regulation (EU) 2024/858, which updates the EU Cosmetics Regulation.

Nanomaterials That Are Now Banned (2025)

These cannot be used in any cosmetic products sold in the EU:

  • Styrene/Acrylates copolymer (nano)
  • Sodium Styrene/Acrylates copolymer (nano)
  • Copper (nano) & Colloidal Copper (nano)
  • Silver (nano) & Colloidal Silver (nano)
  • Gold (nano) & Colloidal Gold (nano)
  • Gold Thioethyl amino Hyaluronic Acid (nano)
  • Acetyl heptapeptide-9 Colloidal Gold (nano)
  • Platinum (nano) & Colloidal Platinum (nano)
  • Acetyl tetrapeptide-17 Colloidal Platinum (nano)

Restricted Nanomaterials

Hydroxyapatite (nano) has limits:

  • Max 10% in toothpaste
  • Max 0.465% in mouthwash
  • Cannot be used in products where people might inhale it
  • Only certain particle sizes and shapes are allowed

Deadlines for Compliance

  • From Feb 1, 2025: Products with banned nanomaterials cannot be placed on the EU market
  • From Nov 1, 2025: Such products must be removed from shelves and distribution

Why These Changes?

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) found potential risks with these nanomaterials:

  • Lack of safety data
  • Possible health risks if absorbed into the body

What Manufacturers Should Do

  • Check all products for banned nanomaterials
  • Reformulate products or remove non-compliant ones
  • Update labels and documentation to meet new rules

Conclusion

The EU now bans many nano forms of gold, silver, copper, platinum, and certain copolymers, with limits on hydroxyapatite. Manufacturers need to act quickly to comply and keep selling products in the EU.