Oct 15, 2026 - Cosmetics
Aluminium in cosmetics: New EU maximum limits also affect mineral raw materials
With Regulation (EU) No. 2026/909, the European Commission has established new maximum concentrations for aluminium and aluminium-containing ingredients in cosmetic products. The changes can affect, in addition to conventional aluminium-containing cosmetics, products containing natural mineral raw materials such as kaolin, bentonite or clays.
Aluminium and aluminium compounds are used in numerous cosmetic products, for example in antiperspirants, make-up, lip care products and toothpastes. The basis of the new rules is a safety assessment by the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS), which has assessed the use of aluminium as safe under certain conditions.
The regulation provides different maximum concentrations depending on the product category. For example, the following values apply, each calculated as aluminium:
- Non-aerosol antiperspirants and deodorants: 7.73%
- Aerosol antiperspirants and deodorants: 3.24%
- Toothpaste: 3.18%
- Rinse-off facial and body products: 0.89%
- Leave-on facial care products: 10.59% (with certain exceptions)
Natural mineral raw materials can also be relevant
Particular attention should be paid to cosmetic products containing mineral raw materials such as kaolin, bentonite or other clays. These can naturally contain aluminium, for example in the form of aluminium silicates.
Manufacturers should therefore check whether the raw materials used and their respective concentrations fall under the new restrictions. The exceptions expressly provided for in Regulation (EU) No. 1223/2009 should also be taken into account. Not every analytically detected aluminium content automatically constitutes a breach of the maximum concentrations.
BAV Institute tests your products and raw materials for aluminium
We test raw materials and finished products for their aluminium content using state-of-the-art analytical methods such as ICP‑MS. In addition, we analyse a wide range of other metals (e.g. lead).
Chemical and microbiological tests as well as safety assessments of cosmetic products are also part of our portfolio.
Would you like to have your cosmetic products or raw materials tested for aluminium? Please contact us. We will advise you quickly and reliably on suitable testing options.
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