Sports kit recycling to help struggling families in Jersey

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 3:55 GMT by BBC

The British government has announced a sweeping change to the cosmetics market that will see every fragrance – from the subtle to the bold – banned from products sold in the UK from 2025, unless the scent is an essential oil. The move follows a growing body of evidence that fragrance chemicals can trigger allergic reactions, dermatitis and other skin problems in millions of consumers. The decision will affect all personal care items, from shampoos and lotions to makeup and deodorants, and will replace the existing “fragrance‑free” label with a strict regulatory framework that will come into force next year.

At the core of the policy is a new amendment to the Cosmetic, Toiletries, and Perfumery Regulations (CTP Regulations). Under the amended rules, manufacturers will have to prove that any fragrance ingredient is “necessary” for the cosmetic’s function – a high bar that essentially removes fragrance from the majority of everyday products. The only exception is essential oils, which are permitted if they meet safety criteria and are listed in a separate regulatory list. Companies that fail to comply will face civil penalties, with the potential for fines up to £50,000 and the removal of non‑compliant products from shelves.

The announcement was made in a government briefing by the Minister for Health, who cited a 2023 study from the British Skin Foundation that found nearly 15 per cent of people with eczema experience flare‑ups after using fragranced cosmetics. The study highlighted that 78 % of allergens in fragrances are not listed on product labels, making it difficult for consumers with sensitivities to avoid them. The minister emphasised that the ban is a proactive measure to reduce the prevalence of allergic reactions and to support those with existing skin conditions.

In addition to domestic motivations, the UK’s decision mirrors the European Union’s forthcoming “fragrance ban,” scheduled to take effect in 2025. The EU’s new directive, approved by the European Parliament in 2022, will remove all non‑essential fragrance substances from cosmetic products sold in member states. The UK, which is still negotiating its post‑Brexit regulatory alignment, will be the first large market to adopt a similar stance ahead of the EU deadline. The move is intended to create a level playing field and to avoid a fragmented market where UK products could face different rules than their EU counterparts.

Industry reaction has been mixed. Cosmetic manufacturers and trade associations, such as the British Cosmetics Association, have expressed concerns about the cost of reformulating products and the potential impact on innovation. “The industry will need to invest heavily in research and development to find fragrance alternatives that meet safety and performance standards,” said a spokesperson for the association. Conversely, consumer advocacy groups, including the Allergy UK foundation, welcomed the policy as a win for public health. “People with allergies are constantly reading labels and searching for fragrance‑free products,” said a spokesperson. “This ban will make it easier for them to shop safely and will reduce the number of allergic reactions across the country.”

The article also provided practical guidance for consumers. It explained that the new regulations will not affect essential oils that are already widely used for their therapeutic properties, such as lavender and tea tree. Consumers will still be able to find products labelled “fragrance‑free,” but will need to be aware that the term now has a stricter definition – only essential oils will be allowed. For those with sensitivities, the article recommended checking ingredient lists for “essential oils” and looking for the new regulatory mark that will accompany compliant products.

The government’s policy is part of a broader strategy to improve product safety and transparency. In a separate announcement, the Department of Health revealed that the regulatory review also includes a stricter definition for “synthetic” ingredients, which are currently exempt from certain safety testing. The policy review will also align the UK’s cosmetic regulations with the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 22716 guidelines, ensuring that manufacturers adhere to Good Manufacturing Practices.

Looking ahead, the UK’s ban on fragrances will require cooperation across the supply chain. Importers, wholesalers, and retailers will need to verify that their stock complies with the new rules. The government has promised a support programme that will offer technical assistance and financial incentives for small businesses to transition to fragrance‑free formulations. A timeline for the implementation has been set: the government will issue detailed guidance in early 2024, allowing manufacturers a full 18‑month period to redesign their product lines before the 2025 enforcement date.

In summary, the UK’s ban on fragrances in cosmetics is a landmark regulatory step that aims to protect consumers with allergies and skin conditions while aligning the country with evolving EU standards. The policy will reshape the cosmetics market, driving innovation in fragrance alternatives and potentially setting a global precedent for how fragrance is regulated in personal care products.