Understanding Entry 379 of Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/909: Aluminium in Cosmetics
- annolim
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/909 of 27 April 2026 amends Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (the EU Cosmetics Regulation) and introduces important new restrictions on aluminium and aluminium-containing ingredients.
What Does Entry 379 Cover?
Annex III, Entry 379 restricts aluminium-containing ingredients (with specific exceptions) due to concerns about systemic exposure, as assessed by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS).
Regulatory Text (Summary Quote): “Aluminium containing ingredients with the exception of those listed in entries 34, 50, 189, 190 and 192 of Annex III, in entries 117, 118, 119, 121, 131, 150 of Annex IV, in entry 61 in Annex V, and entry 27a of Annex VI.”
This means the new limits apply to most aluminium compounds used as antiperspirant actives, rheology modifiers, colorants, etc., unless they are already specifically regulated elsewhere in the Annexes.
Maximum Allowed Concentrations (as Al) in Ready-to-Use Products
The regulation sets category-specific limits:
Non-aerosol antiperspirants/deodorants: 7.73% (as Al)
Aerosol antiperspirants/deodorants: 3.24% (as Al)
Toothpaste: 3.18% (as Al)
Lip products: 14.62% (as Al)
Body and face rinse-off products: 0.89% (as Al)
Bar soap: 4% (as Al)
Rinse-off hair products: 7.14% (as Al)
Leave-on hair products (inhalation risk): 0.15% (as Al)
Other leave-on hair products: 6.7% (as Al)
Make-up products (with sub-limits for eye products, nail varnish, mascara, etc.)
Face leave-on products: Up to 10.59% (as Al)
Talcum powder: 2.0% (as Al) + warning: “Keep powder away from children’s nose and mouth.”
Additional restrictions apply to sunscreen products that may lead to inhalation exposure.
Key Exceptions
Exceptions include aluminium compounds already listed in:
Annex III (entries 34, 50, 189, 190, 192)
Annex IV (colorants – entries 117, 118, 119, 121, 131, 150)
Annex V (preservatives – entry 61)
Annex VI (UV filters – entry 27a)
These continue under their existing specific conditions.
Implementation Timeline
Regulation entered into force: May 18, 2026
Transition periods for existing products typically end 1 January 2027 (placing on the market) and 1 July 2028 (making available on the market). Always verify exact dates in the official text.
Recommendation for Manufacturers
Reformulation, updated safety assessments (CPSR), and revised Product Information Files (PIF) are essential. Companies should review all aluminium sources in their raw materials and calculate content “as Al” for compliance.
Full Official Reference
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/909
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