Beauty fans warned of EU ban on super strength anti-ageing products: Legislation changes in eight weeks

In eight weeks, new legislation regarding sales of extra strong retinol will come into action in the European Union (EU), affecting some of the industry’s biggest brands and top-selling products, beauty fans have been warned.

Because it increases the speed of cell turnover, retinol—a highly concentrated form of vitamin A—has been scientifically proven to reduce the visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, dull skintone, and age spots.  

But from November 1, there will be limits on how much of the potent ingredient can be included in skincare products for both face and body, with no new products being allowed to enter the market. 

The new rules will limit retinol concentration to 0.3 per cent in leave-on or wash-off face and hand products, and to 0.05 per cent in body lotions.

Existing products which exceed the new limits will be pulled from shelves in May 2027.

It comes after the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) concluded retinol in cosmetic products is safe, but it can be a problem for certain consumers.

They raised concerns over people unwittingly overdosing on vitamin A having ingested it from food and dietary supplements, who may then exceed the recommended upper intake level after applying retinol-packed products to their skin.

It will also become mandatory for labels on products containing retinol to read: ‘Contains Vitamin A. Consider your daily intake before use.’

The right amount of vitamin A needed for adults between the ages of 19 and 64 for men is 700 mcg per day, while for women it is 600mcg per day.

The NHS warns that you shouldn’t take more than 1.5mg of vitamin A a day which is the equivalent of 1500mcg—but they don’t specify if the limit for children is lower.

Previously, experts warned that consuming too much of the vitamin can cause weak bones, liver damage and birth defects in pregnancy. 

Previous studies have suggested too much vitamin A over several years can cause osteoporosis—a condition that weakens bones. 

In a Reddit post thread two years ago, when the new rules were first announced, retinol-product lovers reacted to the ban.

One user wrote: ‘This kind of sucks. If there is some kind of danger if you use a retinol product together with vitamin A supplements, then an easily noticeable warning label should be enough. A ban is a total overkill.’

A second user wrote: ‘Collective punishment basically because some can’t treat it with care.’

Meanwhile another added: ‘Man that sucks soo bad. I really like my one per cent retinol serum. Can you get Retinol in higher percentages from your dermatologist?’

The EU ban applies to over-the-counter products, so will not affect prescription retinoids like Adapalene, Tretinoin, Roaccutane and Tazarotene.

And due to Brexit, the UK is no longer directly required to follow the new regulations they impose. However, they’ve opened their own review into vitamin A safety.

Just days ago, health officials banned a key ingredient used in gel nail polish across Europe over fears it could be toxic to humans, but it will not apply to the UK—yet.

The EU prohibited use of trimethylbenzoyl diphenylphosphine oxide—commonly referred to as TPO—in all cosmetic products as of 1 September.

This was after studies linked the chemical to long-term fertility issues. 

At present, the ban does not affect the UK, but industry insiders expect a similar ban to come into play towards the end of 2026.

TPO is widely used in the cosmetic industry as a photoinitiator, which speeds up the drying time and helps nail polish harden when exposed to ultraviolet light.

It is also thought that the chemical helps gel polishes hold their colour for longer, offering a glossy, long-lasting manicure.

And while gel polish stays on for weeks, due to the UV curing process, experts warn it can actually pose serious health risks.