What are the EU regulations on skincare ingredients?

Immediate Answer: The EU prohibits or restricts certain ingredients for safety reasons. Nordic Formula formulates within EU guidelines, meaning stricter safety standards than most countries. Nordic Formula formulates within EU guidelines, meaning stricter safety standards than most countries.

The Science: EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009) maintains:

• Banned ingredients list: Over 1,600 substances prohibited entirely
• Restricted ingredients: Allowed only at specific maximum concentrations
• Labeling requirements: Full ingredient lists, usage instructions, warnings

Examples of EU-regulated ingredients:

• Hydroquinone: Banned (hyperpigmentation treatment in some countries, prohibited in EU for safety)
• Retinoids: Allowed up to 0.3% in cosmetics (prescription levels higher)
• Sunscreen actives: Strict limits and pre-approval process
• Preservatives: Restricted list; only approved preservatives allowed
• Essential oils: Restricted or banned if sensitising

Why EU is stricter: EU applies precautionary principle—if there's uncertainty about safety, ingredients are restricted until proven safe. Other countries use risk-benefit approach (allow unless proven harmful).

Nordic Formula Follows EU Regulations: All Nordic Formula products meet EU Cosmetics Regulation standards:

• No banned ingredients—restricted ingredients kept strictly within permitted concentrations
• Concentrations within safety limits
• Full labeling and ingredient transparency
• Compliance verified through independent testing

Pro Tip: EU regulation isn't anti-innovation—it's pro-safety. Some advanced ingredients available internationally aren't approved in EU because safety data is incomplete. Choosing EU-regulated products means stricter safety standards. This is generally good (fewer risky ingredients), though it sometimes means delayed access to genuinely safe innovations.