The Regulation on the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is a landmark EU law designed to protect human and environmental health from chemical risks. This is achieved by better and earlier identification of chemical substances properties and by taking measures, such as phasing out or restricting substances of very high concern. REACH currently stands as the world’s most comprehensive regulatory framework, ensuring the safe use of chemicals across industries.
The chemicals industry and those in its value chain.
The cosmetic industry operates as downstream users under REACH, meaning it uses chemicals in formulations but typically doesn't manufacture them. Cosmetic brands must verify that their suppliers' chemicals comply with REACH regulations by ensuring all substances are appropriately registered, safety-assessed, and—where required—authorized for cosmetic use. The industry bears responsibility for ensuring final products meet safety standards and contain no hazardous chemicals that might endanger human health or the environment.
The primary objectives of this REACH revision are to safeguard human health and environmental integrity against hazardous chemical exposure while fostering innovation in the development of safe and sustainable chemical alternatives. It assesses the safety of chemicals used throughout the EU and fosters innovation to enhance the competitiveness of the EU chemicals industry. It pushes for ethical and sustainable practices in chemical safety evaluation, such as promoting the adoption of alternative, non-animal methods for assessing the hazards these substances pose.
The European Commission is pursuing a comprehensive REACH revision. Although the revision has been delayed, with the most recent tabling in winter 2024, it will represent a cornerstone initiative under the Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability under the European Green Deal.
REACH influences the health and beauty industry by regulating chemical substances’ use, safety, and sustainability, which has full-scale implications for cosmetic products. It mandates thorough safety assessments and registration of chemicals used in cosmetic formulations, ensuring that substances pose no harm to human health or the environment. This incentivizes companies to replace hazardous ingredients with safer alternatives, such as endocrine disruptors or carcinogens. While this drives innovation in sustainable product development, it also increases research and development costs, particularly for smaller companies that may face financial strain in meeting compliance requirements.
Brands that align with REACH regulations can market themselves as environmentally responsible, appealing to eco-conscious consumers and gaining a competitive edge. Compliance also introduces operational challenges, such as coordinating across the supply chain to ensure adherence and bearing the associated testing and registration costs. For non-EU producers, REACH compliance is essential for market access, effectively setting a global standard for chemical safety and sustainability in the industry. Despite these challenges, REACH positions the health and beauty sector to lead in adopting safer, more sustainable practices that align with evolving consumer and regulatory expectations.
| June 2007 | REACH Regulation enters into force. |
|---|---|
| 2020 | Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability published, laying framework for REACH revision. |
| 2024 | REACH Revision Set to begin in 2023 is tabled until December of 2024 |
Health and beauty brands can meet REACH requirements through a systematic approach focused on compliance, transparency, and proactive stakeholder engagement. Here’s how these brands typically align with the regulation:
Ingredient Assessment and Registration
Thoroughly inventory the chemical ingredients used in products. For any substance in formulations exceeding one tonne per year, brands must ensure it is registered with the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA). If the substances are not yet registered, brands must collaborate with suppliers or handle the registration process. This includes submitting the relevant safety data to demonstrate that the substances do not harm human health or the environment.
Collaboration with Suppliers
Suppliers are responsible for ensuring that the substances they provide are correctly registered. They must also provide Safety Data Sheets (SDS) that contain information on the chemicals' hazards, handling instructions, and any restrictions or authorization requirements. Verify that suppliers provide up-to-date and accurate information regarding the substances’ compliance status under REACH.
Reformulation and Substitution of Hazardous Chemicals
Brands may need to reformulate their products to eliminate or replace harmful ingredients. These could include substances classified as carcinogens, mutagens, or endocrine disruptors. To ensure compliance while maintaining product efficacy, brands may look into green chemistry and safer alternatives. Reformulating products can require investment in research and development but allows brands to meet safety standards and align with consumer demand for cleaner, more sustainable formulations.