Clean Beauty Rules: EU Bans, MoCRA and Recalls — 2026-10-30
This week marks a regulatory turning point as the US FDA finalized its mandatory cosmetic recall guidance under MoCRA, while the EU Parliament approved "Omnibus VI," simplifying withdrawal timelines for hazardous CMR substances. Simultaneously, Minnesota’s Attorney General filed a deceptive marketing lawsuit against L’Oréal, and PFAS restrictions officially took effect in Europe.
Clean Beauty Rules: EU Bans, MoCRA and Recalls — 2026-10-30
Top developments
FDA Finalizes Mandatory Recall Authority Under MoCRA
On October 23, 2026, the FDA officially announced the availability of its final guidance titled "Questions and Answers Regarding Mandatory Cosmetics Recalls." This document clarifies the agency's authority to order products off the market under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), detailing the procedures for when a brand refuses to voluntarily pull a product. This finalization provides critical legal certainty for brands regarding when and how the FDA can enforce removals for adulterated or misbranded cosmetics.
EU Parliament Adopts "Omnibus VI" for Hazardous Substances
The European Parliament definitively adopted the "Omnibus VI Chemistry" legislation on Thursday, October 22, 2026. The new rules provide manufacturers with extended timelines to withdraw cosmetics containing specific carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) substances from the market. This compromise aims to balance consumer safety with the logistical reality of supply chain adjustments for products like lipsticks and sunscreens.
Minnesota AG Sues L’Oréal Over Hair Relaxer Claims
On October 23, 2026, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against L’Oréal, alleging the company deceived Black women and girls about cancer risks linked to chemical hair relaxers. The suit claims L’Oréal failed to adequately disclose the health dangers associated with these products, marking a significant state-level enforcement action against a major beauty conglomerate.
PFAS Restrictions Take Effect in EU Cosmetics
As of October 10, 2026, Regulation (EU) 2024/2462 has officially banned PFHxA and related PFAS substances in cosmetics placed on the EU market if they exceed 25 ppb. This enforcement date requires manufacturers to have already reformulated products and updated their Product Information Files (PIF) to ensure compliance with the new chemical limits.
Local view
Germany: Industry Warns of Competitive Disadvantage
Following the EU's greenwashing regulations entering into force, German media outlets reported on criticism from industry players. Journalistenwatch highlighted a statement from Böttcher AG, which argued that the new EU greenwashing regulations are "regulating Europe out of competition" by imposing bureaucratic burdens that do not exist in other global markets.
Context & numbers
Toothpaste Recall Totals Over 4.3 Million Units
In a significant consumer safety event, more than 4.3 million tubes of fluoride toothpaste were recalled recently. The recall includes popular children's brands such as Brush Buddies Hot Wheels, Crayola, and My Little Pony. This incident highlights the ongoing scrutiny of personal care products containing fluoride and the scale of recent supply chain safety failures.
Luxury Cosmetics Market Valued at $59.41 Billion
Market intelligence reports indicate that the global luxury cosmetics market grew from USD 57.17 billion in 2025 to USD 59.41 billion in 2026. This growth underscores the financial stakes for brands navigating the new, stricter regulatory landscape in both the US and EU.
On the radar
- MoCRA Facility Renewals: Biennial facility registrations under MoCRA are approaching or underway, requiring brands to maintain active status to avoid market access issues.
- Talc-Free Reformulations: Following recent lawsuits and scrutiny, a widespread industry shift toward "talc-free" formulations is accelerating, with experts advising consumers on how to interpret the change.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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