Cosmetic products are under closer scrutiny in 2025 as regulators introduce new rules on allergen labelling. The updated guidance aims to improve consumer safety by making it easier for people to identify ingredients that may trigger reactions. For cosmetic brands, this means reassessing packaging design and ensuring compliance with more detailed disclosure requirements.
What Has Changed
The UK is aligning with updated scientific assessments that expand the list of allergens requiring mandatory labelling. Until recently, cosmetic packaging was required to highlight 26 fragrance allergens. The revised framework adds dozens more, reflecting new research on skin sensitivity and consumer risk. Products such as perfumes, lotions, shampoos, and skincare creams must now display a longer list of potential allergens when present above trace thresholds.
This change is designed to give consumers clearer, more accessible information. With allergies becoming more widely recognised, regulators are prioritising transparency and ensuring brands take a proactive role in safeguarding public health.
Impact on Packaging and Layout
For many cosmetic companies, the immediate challenge lies in fitting additional information onto already crowded labels. Listing more allergens requires extra space, and brands must decide how to present the details without compromising readability or design. Traditional single-layer labels may struggle to accommodate the expanded lists, particularly for products sold across multiple markets where multilingual content is also needed.
Peel and reveal or booklet labels are emerging as practical solutions. These formats allow brands to maintain a strong visual identity on the exterior while including mandatory allergen lists inside the extended section. This ensures compliance while preserving aesthetic appeal, which remains a key driver of sales in the cosmetic industry.
What Brands Must Do in 2025
To meet the new allergen guidance, cosmetic businesses need to review product formulations and cross-check ingredients against the updated list. Any product containing a listed allergen above the set threshold must be clearly labelled. This includes both new product launches and existing lines that remain on the market.
Packaging teams should collaborate with regulatory experts to ensure wording and presentation meet official standards. Consistency between ingredient lists, allergen disclosures, and supporting documentation will be essential, particularly in the event of inspections or consumer complaints. Brands selling in both the UK and EU must also be mindful of alignment between the two markets, as differences in lists and thresholds may complicate labelling strategies.
Moving Towards Greater Transparency
The introduction of expanded allergen labelling rules reflects a wider trend in cosmetics regulation. Consumers increasingly expect full transparency, not only on allergens but also on sourcing, environmental impact, and ethical standards. By embracing detailed allergen disclosure, brands can demonstrate their commitment to safety and responsibility.
In 2025, compliance is more than a legal requirement. It is also a strategic opportunity. Companies that adapt quickly and communicate allergen information clearly are likely to gain consumer trust and stand out in a competitive market. Updating cosmetic labels is therefore both a regulatory necessity and a chance to strengthen brand reputation.