Aug 13, 2026 - Cosmetics

Buying cosmetics online – the most important tips

When purchasing cosmetics online, special caution is required. Occasionally products are sold that do not comply with the requirements of the European Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009.

In an information sheet, various associations and institutions (among others the Federal Office of Consumer Protection and Food Safety and the German Association for Personal Care and Detergents) inform about what should be paid particular attention to:

Provider's legal notice:

There should be a complete postal address including telephone number and e-mail address; naming the person responsible for the EU is helpful

Labeling:

Key elements of the labeling must be provided in German; the intended use (e.g. day cream) and any possible restrictions (e.g. not for children under three years) must also be clearly visible and stated in German

List of ingredients:

Providing a list of ingredients (also INCI list) is mandatory; check whether this is visible on the website

Shelf life:

Each product must indicate its shelf life; this is either given as a minimum durability date ("best before") or as a PAO (Period After Opening)

Products intended for professional use:

Such products are not intended for the end consumer; special caution is therefore advised for products that, for example, contain very high concentrations of active substances

Suspiciously low-priced products:

This can be an indication of inferior quality

Products from outside the EU:

European cosmetics law sets clear and strict requirements regarding the composition of products; it also requires clear documentation, including a safety report; if you purchase products from a supplier outside the EU, it is likely that these requirements are not met

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