One year to go: the microplastics deadline for rinse-off cosmetics

In one year, on 17 October 2027, rinse-off cosmetics that contain intentionally added microplastics can no longer be sold in the European Union. For brands with scrubs, cleansers, shampoos or shower gels in their range, the work has to start now: reformulation, new labels and a stock plan for every channel.

The rule in short

Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 restricts synthetic polymer microparticles that are intentionally added to products, under the EU chemicals regulation REACH. It started to apply on 17 October 2023, when microbeads used for exfoliating were banned straight away. For other cosmetic products the Regulation sets transition periods:

• Rinse-off products may be sold until 16 October 2027.
• Leave-on products may be sold until 16 October 2029.
• Make-up, lip and nail products may be sold until 16 October 2035, and from 17 October 2031 they must carry a label that says they contain microplastics.

What counts as microplastic

The restriction covers solid synthetic polymer particles below 5 mm that do not dissolve and do not degrade. Natural polymers that are not chemically modified, soluble polymers and biodegradable polymers can fall outside it, but the exemptions are technical. Check every ingredient with your formulator and suppliers rather than relying on the INCI name alone.

A one-year plan

• Now: list every product in your range and ask your suppliers for a written statement on microplastics per raw material.
• Next three months: decide per product: reformulate, replace or discontinue.
• First half of 2027: test and approve new formulas, update the safety assessment and the product information file, and update the CPNP notification.
• Summer 2027: produce new packaging and plan the switch per market and per marketplace.
• Before 17 October 2027: sell through the old stock. Plan orders so no non-compliant units are left at your distributors, in Amazon fulfilment centres or with marketplace partners.

Why this matters for marketplaces

Marketplace stock is easy to forget. Units sitting in fulfilment centres in several countries, or held by resellers you do not control, can still be offered after the deadline, under your brand name. A clear view of who sells your products, and where, makes the switch much easier to manage.

The same checklist applies to leave-on products, just two years later. Brands that reformulate their rinse-off range now often use the same project to prepare for 2029.

Sources: European Commission, Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055, restriction of microplastics intentionally added to products. This article is general information and not legal or regulatory advice. Check the exact scope for each product with a qualified safety assessor.