Olive Tree People products are formulated, manufactured, and sold in Europe meaning that they must undergo the EU cosmetic regulation processes for approval. They must also abide by European Safety Standards for Cosmetics.
This is VERY different from how cosmetics are brought to market here in the U.S.
Ingredient Testing & Restrictions
The FDA here in the U.S. only restricts a few ingredients (33) from cosmetic formulations. This is not the case in Europe and this is an important distinction between us and American-made cosmetic products.
Europe has strict safety standards outlawing 4041 ingredients (ANNEX II) as of 2023 from their cosmetic formulations.
They also apply maximum concentration requirements for 661 ingredients (ANNEX III) even essential oils.
Beyond these restrictions, there are also three (3) main types of testing for cosmetic products in the E.U. and it is very time-consuming – the basic tests are as follows:
- Stability and Compatibility tests
- Challenge test (Preservative Efficacy Test, abbreviated PET)
- Microbiological Quality Analysis
Here in the U.S., we don’t have these requirements.
Fragrance
The most exciting thing about the EU Cosmetic Regulation is that these safety standards and ingredient regulations apply to ALL ingredients including those found under the term “fragrance, aroma, and perfume” in European products.
In Europe, as opposed to the U.S., products must subscribe to these sets of standards set forth by the Cosmetic Products Regulation under the EUCLEF – ECHA and disclose a full report of ingredients including all compounds in any “fragrance” composition to the EUCLEF – ECHA.
Any cosmetic product placed on the EU market must comply with the provisions of EU Regulation 1223/2009 (the Cosmetics Regulation),2 which includes ingredients used in fragrances.
This means that 0 ingredients found under ANNEX II (4041 banned ingredients) can be used in the formulation and that includes “fragrance, aroma, or perfume.”
This also means any ingredients of ANNEX III (the 661 regulated substances with a maximum concentration limit) must be listed on the packaging separately and cannot fall under the term “Parfum, Aroma, or Fragrance” on the label even if that ingredient is a part of the composition of the scent itself.
ARTICLES REFERENCED:
