Microplastics in cosmetics: the EU deadlines from October 2027
From 17 October 2027, rinse-off products containing synthetic polymer microparticles may no longer be placed on the EU market – not even from existing stock. The deadlines for leave-on, make-up and encapsulated fragrances, and what the 2026 amendment means for R&D.
In short
The EU restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles (entry 78 of Annex XVII to REACH, introduced by Regulation (EU) 2023/2055) applies to cosmetics in stages: microbeads have been banned since 17 October 2023, rinse-off products follow on 17 October 2027, leave-on products and encapsulated fragrances on 17 October 2029, and make-up, lip and nail products on 17 October 2035. The threshold is 0.01% by weight. The rules are in force; according to the Commission, there is no sell-through of existing stock after a deadline.
Key figures
What counts as microplastic in legal terms?
Entry 78 covers solid polymers that make up at least 1% by weight of particles or form a continuous surface coating on particles – provided at least 1% by weight of those particles measure 5 mm or less in all dimensions (for fibres: 15 mm or less in length with a length-to-diameter ratio above 3). Placing them on the market in mixtures is prohibited from 0.01% by weight where the particles are present to confer a sought-after characteristic.
Excluded are polymers formed in nature that are not chemically modified, polymers proven degradable under Appendix 15, polymers with a solubility above 2 g/L proven under Appendix 16, and polymers without carbon atoms. On request, the evidence of degradability or solubility must be provided to the authorities without delay.[1]
Which deadlines apply to cosmetics?
Microbeads – particles used as an abrasive to exfoliate, polish or clean – have no transitional period; they have been banned since entry into force on 17 October 2023. For rinse-off products as defined in the Cosmetics Regulation, the ban applies from 17 October 2027, and for leave-on products from 17 October 2029. Polymer microparticles used to encapsulate fragrances have their own deadline of 17 October 2029 – whether they are in a rinse-off or a leave-on product.
Make-up, lip and nail products get the longest period, until 17 October 2035. From 17 October 2031 to 16 October 2035, however, they must carry the statement “This product contains microplastics.”; products placed on the market before 17 October 2031 need it only from 17 December 2031. Whether a product counts as make-up is, according to the Commission, a case-by-case assessment based on its presentation and main purpose.[1][3]
Can remaining stock be sold after a deadline?
According to the Commission, no. Under REACH, placing on the market covers any supply to a third party – including goods in a distributor’s warehouse and on retail shelves. The general grandfathering rule for goods placed on the market before 17 October 2023 expressly does not apply to the product groups with a transitional period.
The Commission therefore advises selling or disposing of products before the relevant deadline to avoid recalls. For rinse-off products this means the last day they may be supplied in retail is 16 October 2027.[1][3]
What changed in 2026?
With Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 of 1 June 2026, the Commission amended entry 78. It adds a derogation for synthetic polymer microparticles placed on the market for product and process orientated research and development (PPORD) in quantities of 1 tonne per year or less – including outside industrial sites. It applies retroactively from 17 October 2023. The deadlines for cosmetics are unchanged.
The Commission’s explanatory guide (questions and answers, 2025) predates this amendment and still describes PPORD under the old rules. The amended text of the regulation prevails.[2][3]
What this means for R&D teams
- Screen all rinse-off formulas for solid, insoluble synthetic polymers – by INCI name and supplier data on particle size, solubility and degradability, including purchased raw-material blends.
- Plan reformulations backwards from 16 October 2027, allowing for stability and compatibility testing, production and the sell-through in retail.
- For polymers claimed to be excluded as degradable or soluble, request the Appendix 15 or 16 evidence from the supplier and file it with the product documentation.
- For make-up, lip and nail products containing polymer microparticles, flag the microplastics statement from 2031 in packaging planning.
Frequently asked questions
Sources
- [1] EUR-Lex – Official Journal of the European Union (27 September 2023): Commission Regulation (EU) 2023/2055 as regards synthetic polymer microparticles
- [2] EUR-Lex – Official Journal of the European Union (2 June 2026): Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/1168 as regards synthetic polymer microparticles
- [3] European Commission – Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (2025): REACH restriction of synthetic polymer microparticles – Explanatory Guide, Part II: Questions and Answers
This post was researched and drafted with AI assistance, then checked against its primary sources and approved by the VYVA Editorial Team before publication. All sources last checked on October 1, 2026. Figures are reproduced as published by each source; the linked original is authoritative. Disclaimer: This post is for general information only. It is not legal advice and not a regulatory or safety assessment of any individual case. We prepare the content carefully but give no warranty as to its accuracy, completeness or currency; legislation and standards may change after the date stated. Only the officially published text is binding. Make decisions about your products with qualified support, such as your safety assessor or legal adviser. We are liable for damage arising from the use of this information only in cases of intent and gross negligence; liability for injury to life, body or health and under mandatory statutory provisions remains unaffected.