How Europe’s regulatory framework propels sustainable cosmetics

Europe has emerged as one of the most sustainable and strategically important regions for manufacturing cosmetics, underpinned by its stringent regulations and safety standards.

By imposing strong rules, manufacturers must demonstrate a commitment to quality and consumer satisfaction. European retailers are also increasingly demanding that brands prove the traceability of their products throughout the supply chain before putting products on shelves.

Personal Care Insights sits down with Joanna Ryglewicz, founder and CEO of European cosmetics manufacturer Nisha Manufacturing and founder of skin care brand Oio Lab. She tells us how Europe has positioned itself as a global sustainability hub for cosmetics through its strict regulations.

“EU cosmetics law bans over 1,300 substances from use in formulations, compared to only a few dozen in some other major markets, which sets a high baseline for safety and ingredient quality from day one,” she says.

Ryglewicz states that Europe has become a global benchmark for clean innovation because sustainability is embedded directly into regulation, rather than being treated as an optional brand choice.

She explains that the high amount of banned substances in the EU forces manufacturers to design products holistically, considering sourcing, toxicology, performance, and lifecycle at the formulation stage. In contrast, the US Food and Drug Administration has banned only 11 substances in cosmetics.

“As a result, products made in Europe are inherently more credible, resilient and globally export-ready, rewarding brands that think long term rather than short term.”

Speed comes from structure

EU and UK regulations force innovation to happen upstream starting at the base level of formulation intelligence and material choices, says Ryglewicz.

Formulas are tested for mandatory requirements, such as safety, stability, and dermatological tolerance.“When shortcuts are not allowed, chemists are pushed to develop smarter delivery systems and advanced natural preservative systems that ensure safety and stability without relying on controversial ingredients.”

Ryglewicz adds that the same applies to packaging. Compliance has accelerated solutions such as monomaterial components, refill systems, and alternative materials, such as mycelium-based packaging.

Manufacturing in Europe provides brands with access to built-in traceability, documentation, and compliance frameworks that would otherwise require years to develop independently.

Ryglewicz says Nisha Manufacturing works with an extensive, curated ingredient library that meets EU regulatory and safety standards, allowing brands to move quickly without compromising credibility.

Formulas are tested for mandatory requirements, such as safety, stability, and dermatological tolerance, as well as through performance and in-use studies as necessary.

“This enables sustainability claims that are defensible, data-backed, and trusted, because speed comes from structure, not shortcuts,” says Ryglewicz.

“Innovation in Europe may not always be faster, but it is safer, better tested, and built to last. Constraints create better design decisions.”

Co-creation is key

European manufacturers increasingly operate as development partners rather than volume-only suppliers, explains Ryglewicz.

“At Nisha Manufacturing, we work closely with in-house scientists as well as external researchers and universities, often developing new actives, formats, and textures across multiple projects over several years.”

She explains that flexible batch sizes enable brands to test and refine concepts without overproducing. Meanwhile, co-creation between the brand, chemist, and manufacturer shortens feedback loops and improves product-market fit.

Ryglewicz says this approach enables innovation that is natural, effective, and scientifically grounded.

“Sustainability today is defined by the standards a company refuses to lower. At Nisha and Oio Lab, we do not rely on mass-market ingredient solutions, even when they are widely accepted. Europe makes this possible through access to high-standard suppliers and deep technical expertise, creating the kind of depth that supports long-term brand value.”

Manufacturing ecosystem

Europe’s manufacturing ecosystem brings together certified suppliers, testing laboratories, and packaging innovators within a single, operational framework that has been built over decades.

Ryglewicz predicts that Europe will continue to be the innovation engine for cosmetics.Brands can access circular packaging, life-cycle assessments, and responsible sourcing through experienced manufacturing partners who have built trusted networks and validated processes.

“At Nisha Manufacturing, this ecosystem has been developed over years of working repeatedly with the same reliable partners across multiple brands and product categories. Shared infrastructure lowers financial and operational barriers while making responsible choices scalable and credible,” says Ryglewicz.

She predicts that Europe will remain the innovation engine for cosmetics if it continues to strike a balance between strong regulation and scientific excellence alongside manufacturing agility.

“Regulations must keep setting high standards without becoming a barrier to experimentation, iteration, and new technologies.”

Ryglewicz argues that manufacturers who succeed will be those who integrate compliance, performance, and sensory experience, rather than treating them as trade-offs.

“In the long term, trust built through transparency and data-backed claims will remain the true currency of innovation.”