Substance group
What counts as Carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxicants…?
Only European Union defines Carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxicants (CMR 1A and 1B) in cosmetics in its law. Read the definition below. You tell us if your product contains it; we never guess from its name.
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Group
Definitions
“The use in cosmetic products of substances classified as CMR substances, of category 1A or 1B under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be prohibited.”
- Definition
- Substances classified as CMR category 1A or 1B under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008
- Listed members
- Defined by structure; no member list
- Source
“The use in cosmetic products of substances classified as CMR substances, of category 1A or 1B under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be prohibited.”
Art. 15(2) · fetched 2026-10-09European Commission / Publications Office (CELLAR): Art. 15(2)(opens in a new tab)
Rules
The rule that uses this definition
1 rule.
Banned
Exemptions (1)
Exception where the substance complies with food safety requirements, no suitable alternative exists, the application is for a particular use with known exposure, and the SCCS found it safe
“However, such substances may be used in cosmetic products by way of exception where, subsequent to their classification as CMR substances of category 1A or 1B”
Consolidated text (not the authentic legal edition), current to 18 May 2026. EUR-Lex consolidated text: a documentation tool without legal effect; the acts published in the Official Journal are authentic. Consolidated version CELEX 02009R1223-20260518 from the Publications Office, the latest when read.
Every product in the category
In force since 1 Dec 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 1 Dec 2010
Art. 40(2): Article 15(1) and (2) apply from 1 December 2010, earlier than the Regulation's general application date of 11 July 2013.
“The use in cosmetic products of substances classified as CMR substances, of category 1A or 1B under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be prohibited.”
- BanEUCarcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxicants (CMR 1A and 1B) in cosmetics as defined in European Union
Banned
Exemptions (1)
Exception where the substance complies with food safety requirements, no suitable alternative exists, the application is for a particular use with known exposure, and the SCCS found it safe
“However, such substances may be used in cosmetic products by way of exception where, subsequent to their classification as CMR substances of category 1A or 1B”
Art. 15(2) (excerpt) · fetched 2026-10-09European Commission / Publications Office (CELLAR): Reg. (EC) 1223/2009 (consolidated 2026-05-18)(opens in a new tab) Consolidated text (not the authentic legal edition), current to 18 May 2026. EUR-Lex consolidated text: a documentation tool without legal effect; the acts published in the Official Journal are authentic. Consolidated version CELEX 02009R1223-20260518 from the Publications Office, the latest when read.
- Applies when
Every product in the category
- Effective
In force since 1 Dec 2010
Applies to products placed on the market on or after 1 Dec 2010
Art. 40(2): Article 15(1) and (2) apply from 1 December 2010, earlier than the Regulation's general application date of 11 July 2013.
- Source
“The use in cosmetic products of substances classified as CMR substances, of category 1A or 1B under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be prohibited.”
Art. 15(2) · fetched 2026-10-09European Commission / Publications Office (CELLAR): Reg. (EC) 1223/2009 (consolidated 2026-05-18)(opens in a new tab)
See also
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