There is a growing dissatisfaction with the chemical constituents of traditional cosmetics and personal care products, especially among younger generations. Many newer cosmetics have dropped such problematic chemicals for natural alternatives much to the satisfaction of their consumers. Our understanding of natural compounds has dramatically improved in recent years, and these high quality alternatives often perform as well or even better than the chemicals they replace. Paraben preservatives may be replaced by plant-derived formulations of salicylic acid for example, and petro-chemical agents may be replaced by novel, natural polysaccharide compounds. Renewable, natural, and biodegradable cosmetics appeal to consumers wanting to live more in harmony with both their bodies and the environment.

A crucial aspect of the cosmetic regulatory process, proper labeling is essential for regulatory approval. A prospective cosmetic in the EU must include the list of ingredients, expiration date, warnings, purpose, batch number, and nominal contents at the time of packing. In addition, you must declare the business name and related information, such as the registered office and the responsible party. You may be asked to provide other data deemed necessary to meet regulations, so take care to check with your local authorities. Due to the broad range of products classified as cosmetics, the scrutiny given to a product may also vary, but more scientifically complex will generally be more heavily reviewed before approval.