Jun 25, 2026 - Cosmetics

Regulation (EU) No 2026/909 – new requirements for the fragrances Citral and Benzyl Salicylate

With Regulation (EU) No. 2026/909 of April 27, 2026, individual substances for use in cosmetics are newly regulated. This also affects the two fragrances, citral and benzyl salicylate, which are frequently used in cosmetics. Until now, these substances could be used without maximum quantity restrictions, with a declaration requirement according to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 from 10ppm (leave-on products) or 100ppm (rinse-off products).

Newly, citral and benzyl salicylate will be subject to maximum quantities, in addition to the declaration requirement. These maximum quantities will apply from January 1, 2027 (for all products placed on the market for the first time) and from July 1/August 1, 2028 (for all products already on the market). Specifically, it is planned:

Product Type	Maximum Amount Citral	Maximum Amount Benzyl Salicylate
Lip Products	0.11%
Deodorants	0.032%	0.91%
Eye Products, Face Make-up Make-up Remover	0.65%	0.2%
Fragrant Cosmetic Products	0.6%	4%
Skin Products that Remain on the Skin	0.15%
Oral Products	0.35%	0.004%
Hair Products that Remain in the Hair	1.2%
Skin and Hair Products that Remain on the Skin or Hair		0.5%
Rinse-off Hair Products	1.2%
Rinse-off Hair Products (excluding Bath Additives & Shower Gel)		0.5%
Bath Additives & Shower Gel		1.3%
Products for the Anogenital Area	0.063%
Body Lotion		0.7%

We perform the analysis of allergenic fragrances quickly and reliably for you, also according to the requirements of the extended fragrance declaration Regulation (EU) No. 1223/1545. We conduct the analysis in all matrices.

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