UK vs EU Cosmetic Regulations – What Private Label Brands Must Know in 2025

Subtitle: Navigating Compliance After Brexit

UK vs EU Cosmetic Regulations: 2025 Compliance Guide for Private Label Brands

Understand the key differences between UK and EU cosmetic regulations after Brexit. Stay compliant when launching skincare under your own brand.

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Introduction

If you’re planning to sell skincare products in the UK or across the EU, you’ll need to comply with cosmetic regulations that ensure product safety, labelling, and responsible marketing. Since Brexit, the rules are similar — but not identical.

Here’s what private label brands need to know in 2025 to stay compliant and launch confidently.

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1. Core Regulation Frameworks

Region	Regulation	Governing Body
UK	UK Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009 (retained EU law)	OPSS
EU	EU Cosmetic Regulation 1223/2009	European Commission
Both laws cover:

• Ingredient safety
• Labelling
• Responsible person (RP)
• Notification portals

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2. The Key Differences Post-Brexit

Area	UK	EU
Notification Portal	Submit via UK SCPN (Submit Cosmetic Product Notification)	Submit via EU CPNP
Responsible Person	Must be UK-based	Must be EU-based
Labelling	UK address & “UK RP” required	EU address & “EU RP” required
Product Claims & Testing	Remain broadly aligned for now	More harmonised due to EU-wide enforcement

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3. What Does This Mean for Private Label Brands?

If you’re selling:

• Only in the UK: SKD can act as your UK RP and help register with SCPN
• Only in the EU: You’ll need an EU-based RP
• In both: You need dual RP representation and dual submission to SCPN + CPNP

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4. Ingredients & Claims

The Annexes (ingredient lists) remain similar, but SKD keeps track of:

• Ingredient bans or new restrictions
• UV filter or preservative limitations
• Updates to allergen labelling (e.g. fragrance allergens)

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5. SKD’s Support

• Responsible Person service (UK only)
• Label and INCI compliance checks
• Claim substantiation guidance
• Assistance with notifications and documentation

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Conclusion

Regulatory compliance is a non-negotiable part of launching a skincare brand. With SKD’s built-in regulatory services, you can sell safely and legally in the UK, and we’ll help guide you through EU requirements if you expand later.