Search Legislation

The Cosmetic Products (Safety) Regulations 1989

 Help about what version

What Version

  • Latest available (Revised)
  • Original (As made)

Status:

This is the original version (as it was originally made). This item of legislation is currently only available in its original format.

PART Isubstances listed in annex iii, part i of the directive as substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down

(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)(6)
Reference NumberName of substancePurpose of substance or type of productMaximum concentration of substance in productOther requirementsRequired information

Combination Rules

A.

Where a cosmetic product contains two or more substances to which this Combination Rule applies, the concentration in the product of each of those substances shall be such that the sum of the relevant quotients for those substances (as defined in Rule C below) shall not exceed 1.

B.

Where a cosmetic product contains the substances to which this Combination Rule applies, the concentration in the product of each of those substances shall be such that the sum of the relevant quotients for those substances (as defined in Rule C below) shall not exceed 2; but the concentration of each substance shall not in any event exceed the limit specified for the substance in respect of the product in column 4 above.

C.

The relevant quotient for each substance is the actual concentration of the substance in the product divided by the maximum concentration specified for the substance in respect of the product in Column 4 of this Schedule.

1Boric acidTalcum powder5 per centNot to be used in products intended for children less than three years oldNot to be used for children under three years of age
Oral hygiene products0.5 per cent
Other products3 per cent
2(a) Thioglycollic acid, its salts and estersHair waving or straightening products for general use8 per cent (calculated as thioglycollic acid) ready for usepH value 7 to 9.5Contains thioglycollate. Follow the instructions. Keep out of reach of children. For professional use only (where applicable)
Hair waving or straightening products for professional use11 per cent (calculated as thioglycollic acid) ready for usepH value 7 to 9.5
Depilatories5 per cent (calculated as thioglycollic acid) ready for usepH value 7 to 12.7
Other hair care products which are removed after application2 per cent (calculated as thioglycollic acid) ready for use

pH value 7 to 9.5

The directions for use drawn up in national or official languages must incorporate the following instructions—Avoid contact with eyes. In the event of contact with the eyes rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wear suitable gloves (this latter instruction does not apply to Depilatories)

(b) Thioglycollic acid estersHair waving or straightening products for general use8 per cent (calculated as thioglycollic acid) ready for usepH value 6 to 9.5
Hair waving or straightening products for professional use11 per cent (calculated as thioglycollic acid) ready for use

pH value 6 to 9.5

The directions for use drawn up in national or official languages must incorporate the following instructions—May cause sensitisation in the event of contact with the skin. Avoid contact with eyes. In the event of contact with the eyes rinse immediately with plenty of water and seek medical advice. Wear suitable gloves

3Oxalic acid, its esters and alkaline saltsHair care products5 per centFor professional use only
4AmmoniaAll purposes and products6 per cent calculated as NH3Contains ammonia (not required when concentration is not more than 2 per cent)
5Tosylchloramide SodiumAll purposes and products0.2 per cent
6Chlorates of alkali metalsToothpaste5 per cent
Other uses3 per cent
7DichloromethaneAll purposes and products35 per cent (and when mixed with 1,1,1-trichloroethane, total concentration must not exceed 35 per cent)Purity of the dichloromethane must be not less than 99.8 per cent
8m-andp-Phenylenediamines, theirN-substituted derivativesand their salts;N-substituted derivatives ofo-phenylenediaminesOxidizing colouring agents for hair dyeing for general use6 per cent calculated as a free base, subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule A” set out belowContains phenylenediamines. Can cause an allergic reaction. Sensitivity test advisable before use. Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows
Oxidizing colouring agents for hair dyeing for professional use6 per cent calculated as a free base, subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule A” set out belowContains phenylenediamines. For professional use only. Can cause an allergic reaction. Sensitivity test advisable before use
9Methylphenylenediamines (other than 4-methyl—m-phenylenediamine and its salts), theirN-substituted derivatives and their saltsOxidizing colouring agents for hair dyeing for general use10 per cent calculated as a free base, subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule A” set out belowContains phenylenediamines. Can cause an allergic reaction. Sensitivity test advisable before use. Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows
Oxidizing colouring agents for hair dyeing for professional use10 per cent calculated as a free base, subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule A” set out belowContains phenylenediamines. For professional use only. Can cause an allergic reaction. Sensitivity test advisable before use
10DiaminophenolsOxidizing colouring agents for hair dyeing for general use10 per cent calculated as a free base, subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule A” set out belowContains diaminophenols. Can cause an allergic reaction. Sensitivity test advisable before use. Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows
Oxidizing colouring agents for hair dyeing for professional use10 per cent calculated as a free base, subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule A” set out belowContains diaminophenols. For professional use only. Can cause allergic reaction. Sensitivity test advisable before use
11DichlorophenAll purposes and products0.5 per centContains dichlorophen
12Hydrogen peroxideHair care products preparations12 per cent of H2O2 (40 volumes)Contains hydrogen peroxide. Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
Skin hygiene preparations4 per cent of H2O2Contains hydrogen peroxide. Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
Nail hardening preparations2 per cent of H2O2Contains hydrogen peroxide. Avoid contact with eyes. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
13Formaldehyde (See also Part I of Schedule 4)Nail hardeners5 per centContains formaldehyde. Protect cuticles with grease or oil. (Not required when concentration is not more than 0.05 per cent)
14HydroquinoneOxidizing colouring agent for hair dyeing for general use2 per cent subject to the provision of “Combination Rule B” set out belowContains hydroquinone. Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
Oxidizing colouring agent for hair dyeing for professional use2 per cent subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule B” set out belowContains hydroquinone. For professional use only. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
Agents for localised skin lightener2 per centContains hydroquinone. Avoid contact with eyes. Apply to small areas. If irritation develops discontinue use. Do not use on children under the age of 12
15Potassium and sodium hydroxideNail cuticle solvent5 per cent calculated as sodium hydroxideContains alkali. Avoid contact with eyes. Can cause blindness. Keep out of reach of children
Hair straightener for general use2 per cent calculated as sodium hydroxideContains alkali. Avoid contact with eyes. Can cause blindness. Keep out of reach of children
Hair straightener for professional use4.5 per cent calculated as sodium hydroxideFor professional use only. Avoid contact with eyes. Can cause blindness
pH adjuster for depilatoriespH value not to exceed 12.7Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes
Other uses as pH adjusterpH value not to exceed 11Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes
16α-NaphtholColouring agent for hair dyeing0.5 per centContains α-naphthol
17Sodium nitriteRust inhibitor0.2 per centDo not use with secondary and/or tertiary amines or other substances forming nitrosamines
18NitromethaneRust inhibitor0.3 per cent
19Phenol and its alkali saltsSoaps and shampoos1 per cent calculated as phenolContains phenol
20PyrogallolOxidizing colouring agent for hair dyeing for general use5 per cent subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule B” set out belowContains pyrogallol. Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
Oxidizing colouring agent for hair dyeing for professional use5 per cent subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule B” set out belowContains pyrogallol. For professional use only. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
21Quinine and its saltsShampoos0.5 per cent calculated as quinine base
Hair lotions0.2 per cent calculated as quinine base
22ResorcinolOxidizing colouring agent for hair dyeing for general use5 per cent subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule B” set out belowContains resorcinol. Rinse hair well after application. Do not use to dye eyelashes or eyebrows. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
Oxidizing colouring agent for hair dyeing for professional use5 per cent subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule B” set out belowContains resorcinol. For professional use only. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
Hair lotions and shampoos0.5 per cent subject to the provisions of “Combination Rule B” set out belowContains resorcinol
23(a) Alkali sulphidesDepilatories2 per cent calculated as sulphurpH value not to exceed 12.7Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes
(b) Alkaline earth sulphidesDepilatories6 per cent calculated as sulphurpH value not to exceed 12.7Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes
24Water-soluble zinc salts with the exception of zinc 4-hydroxybenzenesulphonateAll purposes and products1 per cent calculated as zinc
25Zinc 4-hydroxybenzenesulphonateDeodorants, antiperspirants and astringent lotions6 per cent calculated as percentage of anhydrous substanceAvoid contact with eyes
26Ammonium monofluorophosphateOral hygiene products0.15 per cent calculated as fluorine. When mixed with other fluorine compounds total fluorine concentration must not exceed 0.15 per centContains ammonium monofluorophosphate
27Sodium monofluorophosphateOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains sodium monofluorophosphate
28Potassium monofluorophosphateOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains potassium monofluorophosphate
29Calcium monofluorophosphateOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains calcium monofluorophosphate
30Calcium fluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains calcium fluoride
31Sodium fluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains sodium fluoride
32Potassium fluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains potassium fluoride
33Ammonium fluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains ammonium fluoride
34Aluminium fluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains aluminium fluoride
35Stannous fluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains stannous fluoride
36Hexadecyl ammonium fluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains hexadecyl ammonium fluoride
373-(n-Hexadecyl-N-2-hydroxyethylammonio)propyl-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium difluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains 3-(n-hexadecyl-N-2-hydroxyethylammonio)propyl-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)ammonium difluoride
38NN'N'-Tris(polyoxyethylene)—N-hexadecylpropylenediamine dihydrofluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContainsNN'N'-tris(polyoxyethylene)—N-hexadecylpropylenediamine dihydrofluoride
39Octadecenyl ammonium fluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains octadecenyl ammonium fluoride
40Sodium fluorosilicateOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains sodium fluorosilicate
41Potassium fluorosilicateOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains potassium fluorosilicate
42Ammonium fluorosilicateOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains ammonium fluorosilicate
43Magnesium fluorosilicateOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains magnesium fluorosilicate
441,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)-imidazolidene-2-thioneHair care preparations2 per centNot to be used in aerosol dispensersContains 1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)imidazoli-dene-2-thione
Nail care preparations2 per centpH as applied value must be less than 4Contains 1,3-Bis(hydroxymethyl)imidazoli-dene-2-thione
45Benzyl alcohol (See also Part I of Schedule 4)Solvent, perfumes and flavourings
466-MethylcoumarinOral hygiene products0.003 per cent
47Nicomethanol hydrofluorideOral hygiene productsAs for ammonium monofluorophosphateContains nicomethanol hydrofluoride
48Silver nitrateProducts to dye eyelashes or eyebrows4 per centContains silver nitrate. Rinse eyes immediately if product comes into contact with them
49Selenium disulphideAnti-dandruff shampoos1 per centContains selenium disulphide. Avoid contact with eyes or damaged skin
50Aluminium zirconium chloride hydroxide complexes AlxZr(OH)yCLz and the aluminium zirconium chloride hydroxide glycine complexesAnti-perspirants20 per cent as anhydrous aluminium zirconium chloride hydroxide 5.4 per cent as zirconium

The ratio of the number of aluminium atoms to that of zirconium atoms must be betweeen 2 and 10

The ratio of the number of (Al+Zr) atoms to chlorine atoms must be between 0.9 and 2.1

Not to be used in aerosol dispensers (sprays)

Do not apply to irritated or damaged skin
51Quinolin-8-ol and bis(8-hydroxy-quinolinium sulphate) (See also Part II of this Schedule)Stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide in rinse-off hair care preparations0.3 per cent calculated as base
Stabilizer for hydrogen peroxide in non-rinse-off hair care preparations0.03 per cent calculated as base
52MethanolDenaturant for ethanol and isopropyl alcohol5 per cent calculated as a percentage of ethanol and isopropyl alcohol
53Etidronic acid and its salts (1-hydroxy-ethylidene-diphosphonic acid and its salts)Hair care1.5 per cent expressed as etidronic acid
Soap0.2 per cent expressed as etidronic acid
541-Phenoxypropan-2-ol (See also Part I of Schedule 4)Products rinsed off after use. Prohibited in oral hygiene products2 per cent

Back to top

Options/Help

Print Options

Close

Legislation is available in different versions:

Latest Available (revised):The latest available updated version of the legislation incorporating changes made by subsequent legislation and applied by our editorial team. Changes we have not yet applied to the text, can be found in the ‘Changes to Legislation’ area.

Original (As Enacted or Made): The original version of the legislation as it stood when it was enacted or made. No changes have been applied to the text.

Close

Opening Options

Different options to open legislation in order to view more content on screen at once

Close

More Resources

Access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item from this tab. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as enacted version that was used for the print copy
  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • correction slips
  • links to related legislation and further information resources
Close

More Resources

Use this menu to access essential accompanying documents and information for this legislation item. Dependent on the legislation item being viewed this may include:

  • the original print PDF of the as made version that was used for the print copy
  • correction slips

Click 'View More' or select 'More Resources' tab for additional information including:

  • lists of changes made by and/or affecting this legislation item
  • confers power and blanket amendment details
  • all formats of all associated documents
  • links to related legislation and further information resources