December in review: US FDA sunscreen update, EUDR delay, tackling intimate care gaps

Last month in industry news, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed adding dsm-firmenich’s bemotrizinol as an approved sunscreen ingredient, marking the agency’s first proposed expansion of its sunscreen active ingredient list in two decades.

The EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) was officially postponed by another year to December 2026. Meanwhile, the European Commission proposed a “one substance, one assessment” framework to align chemical safety evaluations across the EU. If implemented, cosmetics brands could face earlier regulatory pressure to reformulate ingredients that are flagged as hazardous in other sectors. 

Lastly, OPositiv spoke to us about how it believes the personal care industry should help close the education gap related to intimate care.

Shark protections tighten as squalene sourcing for cosmetics drains populations

Trade restrictions revealed the prevalence of shark-derived squalene in cosmetics. The sourcing of shark liver oil, used in squalene production, was largely hidden by weak labeling rules that left brands and consumers unaware of its origin. The International Fund for Animal Welfare discussed the need for greater transparency and sustainable alternatives. “Liver oil from these sharks can be found in cosmetic stores and pharmacies. It’s likely many people will have it in their own homes without realizing,” said the charity. 

EUDR faces second year of delays sparking criticism from climate NGOs

The European Council postponed the EUDR until December 2026, citing technical and readiness concerns. The council stated that the decision followed concerns from member states and stakeholders regarding technical issues related to new information systems and whether companies and administrations are adequately prepared. The delay gives the cosmetics industry more time to prepare for supply chain transparency, but drew criticism from groups such as the WWF, which called the decision irresponsible. Myregyna founder and CEO Dr. Iona Weir called out the rise of “menopause-washing.”  

L’Oréal on faster, animal-free allergen testing: Inside its one-hour probe

L’Oréal scientists developed a probe that identifies potential skin allergens in one hour, down from the conventional 24. The beauty giant told us that the steep reduction in testing time could have far-reaching benefits across cosmetic development and scientific research. The creation of the new probe molecule comes amid evolving cosmetics regulations that increasingly ban the use of animals in testing. 

Playtime to peptides: CTPA helps parents navigate children’s skin care obsession

The Cosmetic, Toiletry and Perfumery Association (CTPA) found that in the UK, 85% of parents discuss skin care with their children. Children’s skin care has sparked broader ethical, parental, and regulatory debates, leaving caregivers to manage a rapidly changing landscape. The association launched a guide to help parents navigate the evolving space. “With this… campaign, we want to play our part in helping address this societal trend,” said the organization. 

US FDA proposes first new sunscreen active in over two decades

The US FDA proposed expanding its list of active ingredients for use in sunscreen for the first time since 1999. The government agency suggested adding bemotrizinol in an effort to advance sunscreen innovation. The American Academy of Dermatology applauded the FDA for taking the action, saying it’s the first step in over two decades to provide safe and effective sunscreen options. We examined the proposal and its implications for the personal care industry. ÄIO discussed how it uses biomass fermentation to create sustainable alternatives to traditional plant- and fossil-based oils. 

Unified EU chemical assessments could narrow cosmetics’ regulatory flexibility

The European Commission proposed a “one substance, one assessment” framework to align chemical safety evaluations across the EU. If adopted, the move could increase pressure on cosmetics brands to reformulate ingredients flagged as hazardous in other sectors. Industry groups warned that a hazard-based approach could disrupt supply chains. Another measure proposed was creating a new common EU data platform for chemicals to centralize their data. 

Performance over prestige: Rise in “dupe” demand challenges premium beauty

Searches for beauty “dupes” rose as consumers seek affordable alternatives to luxury products. The rise came amid economic pressures and rapidly evolving social media trends. Fresha reported that beauty buyers are prioritizing product performance over premium beauty brand names. Find out what the salon booking company said about the trend pushing premium beauty brands to better justify their pricing.

O Positiv suggests women’s wellness industry capitalizes on misinformation

O Positiv revealed that almost all women cannot correctly identify basic female anatomy and called on the personal care industry to help close the education gap. The knowledge disparity has ramifications in the personal care industry. Consumers being ill-educated about their bodies can shape their purchases. Co-founder Brianna Bitton and Dr. Roxanne Pero told us that brands should normalize conversations around taboo topics, prioritize education, and avoid perpetuating health stigmas. Irina Mazur from Revieve told us that Gen Z seeks tools that consider factors like climate, skin concerns, and lifestyle. 

Hidden cost of mica: Cosmetics industry confronts India’s illegal mining labor

Behind the shimmer of cosmetic ingredient mica, beauty companies are inadvertently profiting from poverty and child labor. Many families, including children, rely on mica scavenging for survival, exposing them to hazardous working conditions. However, the Responsible Mica Initiative spoke to Personal Care Insights about how the cosmetics industry is helping drive change.

Olive Young reveals K-Beauty trends for 2026

CJ Olive Young identified the pursuit of a “complete self” as the standout trend in K-beauty for 2025 and 2026. South Korea’s leading health and beauty retailer stated that the wellness trend is now more pronounced globally. Discover how the growing global wellness movement is set to influence beauty routines in the new year.