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Substance group

What counts as Carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxicants…?

Only European Union defines Carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxicants (CMR 2) 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

Market
Definition
Listed members
Source
Substances classified as CMR substances of category 2 under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; membership is a product fact (classification), not listed here.
Defined by structure; no member list
“The use in cosmetic products of substances classified as CMR substances, of category 2, under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be prohibited.”
Art. 15(1) · fetched 2026-10-09European Commission / Publications Office (CELLAR): Art. 15(1)(opens in a new tab)
  • Definition
    Substances classified as CMR substances of category 2 under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008; membership is a product fact (classification), not listed here.
    Listed members
    Defined by structure; no member list
    Source
    “The use in cosmetic products of substances classified as CMR substances, of category 2, under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be prohibited.”
    Art. 15(1) · fetched 2026-10-09European Commission / Publications Office (CELLAR): Art. 15(1)(opens in a new tab)

Rules

The rule that uses this definition

1 rule.

Requirement
Applies when
Effective
Source
BanEU
Carcinogens, mutagens and reproductive toxicants (CMR 2) in cosmetics as defined in European Union

Banned

Exemptions (1)

A category 2 substance may be used where it has been evaluated by the SCCS and found safe for use in cosmetic products

“However, a substance classified in category 2 may be used in cosmetic products where the substance has been evaluated by the SCCS and found safe for use in cosmetic products.”
Art. 15(1) · fetched 2026-10-09European Commission / Publications Office (CELLAR): Regulation (EC) No 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.

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 2, under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 shall be prohibited.”
Art. 15(1) · fetched 2026-10-09European Commission / Publications Office (CELLAR): Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (consolidated 2026-05-18)(opens in a new tab)

See also

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