Cosmetics Labelling — The Detail That Can Pull a Product Off the Shelf

Labelling errors are one of the most common causes of cosmetic product enforcement action. The requirements are specific. The margin for error is small.

A cosmetic label is not just design. It is part of the product’s legal compliance. Required information must be presented clearly and in accordance with applicable regulations. Requirements may differ between the UK, EU, and GCC markets.

Mandatory UK & EU Label Elements

The name and address of the Responsible Person, Nominal content (weight or volume at the time of packaging), Date of minimum durability or Period After Opening (PAO), Precautions for use, particularly for professional products, Batch number or reference for identification, Function of the product, where not obvious, Full INCI ingredient list in descending order of weight at the time of formulation

Where Brands Get Labelling Wrong

Incorrect or inconsistent INCI naming, Incomplete or incorrectly presented allergen declarations, Warning or precautionary statements that do not reflect current requirements, Claims that are not supported by evidence within the Product Information File, Labels prepared for one market used in another without adaptation, Missing or incorrect PAO symbols or durability indications.

Where labelling does not meet regulatory requirements, authorities may require corrective action or restrict the product from sale.

Middle East Labelling Requirements

Arabic labelling is a legal requirement across GCC markets. Cosmetic products must include Arabic information on labels to meet local regulatory requirements, although the format and implementation may vary by country. Products that do not meet labelling requirements may face delays at import, rejection by authorities, or restrictions on sale until compliance is achieved.

Claims Compliance

Cosmetic claims must be truthful, supported by evidence, and compliant with applicable claims frameworks in each market. Authorities are increasingly focused on claims substantiation. Claims that are vague, misleading, or not supported by evidence may result in corrective action or restrictions on the product.

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