THEThe world of beauty is about to change its face. From 1 May 2026, a new breath of rigor will blow on the shelves and counters of beauty centres, hairdressers and perfumeries. This is not a simple bureaucratic update, but of a real security mission undertaken by the European Union with regulation 2026/78. The goal is to protect the health of those who, every day, rely on creams, perfumes and nail polishes to feel their best.
Safer cosmetics: silver glitter on nails is prohibited
One of the most impactful innovations concerns the world of manicure. Silvertechnically indicated on the labels as CI 77820, so far the undisputed protagonist of gels and nail polishes with a metallic or glittery effect, will undergo a drastic restriction. Scientific research has in fact reclassified this substance as CMR category 2, an acronym that indicates “Carcinogenic, Mutagenic or Reproductive Toxic” products.
A touch of light? Within 0.2%
In particular, silver in particulate form has been identified as potentially risky for the reproductive system. The result? From next month we will no longer see nail polishes, nail reconstructions or aerosol sprays that contain it. For those who don’t want to give up a touch of light, silver will remain permitted only in minimal quantitieswithin 0.2%, in products such as lipsticks, eye shadows and lip glosseswhere its formulation does not represent the same level of danger.
Floral perfumes and toothpastes, the substances banned from 1 May 2026
Even the fragrances that accompany you during the day will have to respect new chemical balances. Hexyl 2-hydroxybenzoate ended up in the crosshairs, better known as Hexyl Salicylatea fundamental ingredient for creating those floral notes that make many perfumes irresistible. It will not disappear completely, but its doses will be drastically reduced to avoid potential sensitization or risks in the long term. In eau de toilette bottles it cannot exceed 2%while for products we use in the shower, such as shampoo and shower gel, the threshold drops to 0.5%. The limits for lotions that remain on the skin are even more stringent And for products intended for oral hygienewhere the presence of this substance must be almost zero.
From nails to fragrances, the new European regulation reduces risks and redefines the meaning of “safe cosmetics”. (Getty Images)
Antibacterials, new limits
More restrictive rules also for the fight against bacteria in cosmetics, which is certainly essential to prevent a product from deteriorating, but which cannot happen to the detriment of health. Biphenyl-2-ol, a very common antibacterial preservative, will suffer a firm squeeze. In rinse-off products its concentration will be limited to 0.2%, while for foundations and face creams, which the skin absorbs slowly during the day, the limit will be even lower. Furthermore, to protect the respiratory tract, this substance will be banned in all spray productslike deodorants.
Harmful cosmetics used by children
The most delicate chapter concerns children. The European Union has raised a protective barrier around children under three years of age, ldrastically imitating the use of these substances in the products dedicated to them. But the problem doesn’t just affect newborns.
For some years now, the phenomenon of “cosmeticorexia” has emerged, a real obsession of the very youngeven under 10-12 years, for the use of anti-aging serumsface masks and complex treatments designed for mature skin. The Antitrust is investigating several companies for opaque business practices. The accusation is that of having pushedalso through young influencers on social media, potentially harmful products for skin still in the development phaseomitting key safety warnings.
What changes for hairdressers, beauticians and perfumeries
The May 1st revolution will not only affect consumers, but it will require an extraordinary commitment from beauty professionals. Hairdressers, beauticians and perfumeries will have to sift through their warehouses: any bottle or bottle that does not comply with the new standards will have to be disposed of or returned to suppliers.
It must be clear that this is not an optional choice: anyone who continues to use or sell obsolete products will risk heavy fines or, in the most serious cases, the closure of the business. From May 1st, therefore, things change: it has arrived the moment of a more conscious beauty and reading the label, or the list of ingredients, will become even more important for safer and more peaceful self-care.