Safety & Compliance
Preservative Safety: Navigating EU Cosmetics Regulation
Linh NguyenMarch 8, 202410 min read
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 Annex V lists all permitted preservatives with their maximum concentrations and usage restrictions. Understanding this list is essential for any brand selling in Europe.
Top Permitted Preservatives
Phenoxyethanol — max 1.0%, broad-spectrum, globally accepted. Sodium Benzoate — max 0.5% (as acid), effective below pH 5.5. Benzyl Alcohol — max 1.0%, fragrance ingredient and preservative. Ethylhexylglycerin — not a standalone preservative; boosts efficacy of Phenoxyethanol.
Documentation Required
Every finished product must have a Product Information File (PIF) including a Cosmetic Product Safety Report (CPSR) signed by a qualified Safety Assessor.