The short answer is that European cosmetic ingredient lists are getting longer in 2026 not because the number of suddenly dangerous ingredients has increased. The EU has expanded the list of fragrance allergens that must be identified individually, so consumers can check them more specifically. Under Regulation (EU) 2023/1545, the European Commission introduced individual labelling for 56 additional fragrance allergens. From July 31, 2026, cosmetics that do not meet the new requirements may no longer be newly placed on the EU market, while products already placed on the market before then may continue to circulate until July 31, 2028. [1]
Why are more fragrance allergens being labelled?
Fragrance allergens are substances among fragrance ingredients that can cause allergic contact dermatitis in some people. Even when exposed to the same ingredient, most people may have no problem, but people who have already been sensitized may develop itching and a red rash after re-exposure. The purpose of the regulation is to provide more information so these consumers can more easily identify ingredients that may cause them problems. [1]
What are the 0.001% and 0.01% thresholds?
In the EU, fragrance allergens covered by the requirements must be listed individually when they exceed 0.001% in leave-on products that remain on the skin and 0.01% in rinse-off products that are washed away. These are not danger thresholds at which everyone will develop an allergy, but labelling thresholds intended to give consumers sensitive to particular fragrances the information they need to avoid them. Fragrance mixtures may be listed collectively as parfum, but if a covered allergen exceeds the threshold, its name must be listed separately. [1]
Does a longer ingredient name mean the product is more dangerous?
No. The addition of allergen names to an ingredient list does not itself mean that a product is unsafe. Rather, it makes it easier for people who know they are allergic to a particular fragrance to avoid that ingredient. If you experience recurring itching or a red rash, discontinue use of the product and have the cause checked by a dermatologist.
FAQ. Are natural essential oils exempt from the labelling requirements?
Being natural does not eliminate the possibility of an allergic reaction. The labelling criteria focus on whether the relevant allergen is present in the product and whether it exceeds the concentration threshold, rather than on whether it is natural or synthetic.
FAQ. Do Korean products have to follow the same labelling requirements?
Products made for the Korean domestic market follow Korean regulations. However, even products from the same brand may have their labels adjusted to meet EU requirements when sold in the EU, so packaging and ingredient lists may look different by country.
DERME VERDICT
The EU’s expanded fragrance-allergen labelling requirements in 2026 are not news that fragrances have become more dangerous, but a change that strengthens information transparency. General consumers do not need to be alarmed simply because ingredient lists have become longer; the change is particularly useful for people with confirmed allergies to specific fragrances.
Sources
[1] European Commission · Fragrance allergens labelling · Accessed September 27, 2026
