Great Britain has signed off a two‑stage update to cosmetics rules that matters for every sunscreen and skincare label. Enzacamene (3‑(4′‑methylbenzylidene)‑camphor, often called 4‑MBC) is out, the warning for formaldehyde‑releasing preservatives drops to 0.001%, and a further batch of CMR‑classified substances will be prohibited. The first tranche takes effect on 15 July 2026, followed by additional bans on 15 August 2026, according to regulatory briefings from UL Solutions and CIRS Group that reflect the final instrument. ([ul.com](Link

From 15 July 2026, any cosmetic placed on the GB market that contains Annex V preservatives which release formaldehyde must carry the phrase “releases formaldehyde” when total free formaldehyde in the finished product exceeds 0.001% (10 ppm). The UK’s Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety recommended this lower trigger in 2025 to better protect sensitised consumers, echoing earlier advice signalled at EU level. Expect relabelling work across leave‑on and rinse‑off categories where trace formaldehyde can arise from preservative systems. ([cirs-group.com](Link

The same 15 July 2026 date removes Enzacamene from the list of permitted UV filters and adds it to the prohibition list. In practice, GB brands that still rely on 4‑MBC will need to reformulate SPF lines, re‑run stability and compatibility checks, and refresh packaging artwork. UL Solutions notes a six‑month sell‑through window for qualifying stock placed on the market before the start date, ending on 14 January 2027. ([ul.com](Link

A second phase lands on 15 August 2026: sixteen substances newly classified as category 1B or 2 for carcinogenicity, mutagenicity or reproductive toxicity become prohibited in GB cosmetics. Products placed on the market before that date can be sold through until 14 February 2027. CIRS Group’s technical summary points to the CMR basis for the additions and confirms the same six‑month off‑the‑shelf timing. ([cirs-group.com](Link

For operators, the sell‑through rules matter as much as the start dates. Broadly, stock placed on the GB market before 15 July 2026 can run to 14 January 2027, and stock placed before 15 August 2026 can run to 14 February 2027. Retailers should schedule end‑cap rotations and markdowns around those mid‑January and mid‑February cut‑offs to avoid write‑offs. ([ul.com](Link

This is a packaging and data exercise as much as a formulation one. Brand owners and importers should verify free‑formaldehyde levels at finished‑product stage, align label copy with the 0.001% trigger, and book print slots early to dodge Q4 bottlenecks. Responsible Persons will need to update Product Information Files, refresh safety assessments where the preservative system or UV filters change, and retain evidence that transitional stock was placed on the market in time.

Retail is not immune. Own‑label lines using contract manufacturers will want a simple matrix of SKUs by risk: any legacy 4‑MBC sunscreens; any products with preservatives capable of releasing formaldehyde near 10 ppm; and any formulas containing substances newly classified as CMR. That matrix should drive purchase‑order cut‑offs, store withdrawal dates, and customer‑service scripts for returns after the sell‑through deadlines.

Scope matters geographically. The instrument applies in England, Wales and Scotland; businesses supplying Northern Ireland should check their EU compliance and labelling timelines separately. Several trade notes explicitly reference England, Wales and Scotland in their timing tables, underscoring the GB focus. ([ul.com](Link

Investors should read this as a quiet reshuffle of inputs. Expect procurement to tilt towards GB‑permitted modern filters and away from legacy UV systems. The UK has already moved to allow newer filters such as HAA299 (including nano), signalling regulators’ willingness to broaden safer alternatives while pruning legacy chemistry. Packaging and testing providers with quick‑turn label and verification services are likely near‑term beneficiaries. ([legislation.gov.uk](Link

Key dates to plan against are 15 July 2026 for Enzacamene removal and the 0.001% formaldehyde label rule, with sell‑through until 14 January 2027; and 15 August 2026 for the new CMR prohibitions, with sell‑through until 14 February 2027. Build reformulation, artwork, and QA buffers around those markers, and lock in procurement early for summer 2026 launches. ([ul.com](Link