Beyond the Surface
The positive impact of the cosmetics & personal care industry runs deep.
In the news
We help you make informed choices
In 2023, we launched COSMILE Europe, a European cosmetic ingredient database. It provides consumers easy access to reliable, verified and scientifically supported information on nearly 30.000 cosmetic ingredients, ensuring transparency and supporting informed decision-making.
We advertise responsibly
The Charter and Guiding Principles on Responsible Marketing Communications, adopted by the cosmetics industry in 2012 and reviewed in 2020, serves as a framework for ethical advertising practices, demonstrating the industry's commitment to self-regulation and consumer protection.
We are transparent
We impact your daily life
Our European Consumer Perception Study of 2022 found that 72% of European consumers see cosmetics and personal care products as important or very important in their daily lives.
We are a flagship European industry
With the sector market value of €96 billion, Europe stands as a beacon of excellence in the cosmetics and personal care manufacturing. Nearly 9.000 SMEs were involved in producing cosmetics and personal care products in Europe in 2023, highlighting the industry's extensive presence and impact on the European economy.
We support the European economy
In 2023, the cosmetics industry supported over 3,5 million jobs across the value chain in Europe, with 259.000 people employed directly, further 2.68 million indirectly, and over 587.000 people employed through induced effects.
We help your well-being
The Look Good Feel Better initiative has helped over 2 million cancer patients in 27 countries since its launch in 1989. The program offers makeup and self-care workshops to help people with cancer face their diagnosis with greater confidence.
We have impact and economic value
The EU Cosmetic Products Regulation is one of the most stringent regulatory frameworks in the world, ensuring that all cosmetics and personal care products in Europe comply with strict safety standards before being made available to consumers.
We comply with strict regulation
For decades, the cosmetics and personal care sector has been at the forefront of developing alternatives to animal testing for cosmetic safety assessments. The industry is committed to working towards the scientific development and regulatory acceptance of non-animal methods (NAM).
We do not test on animals
Research and innovation are the driving forces behind the European cosmetics industry's ability to develop safe, sustainable, and cutting-edge products that meet evolving consumer expectations. With significant investment in R&D, our sector continually improves existing products and pioneers new technologies, shaping the future of beauty and well-being.
We research & innovate
We develop safe products
Our campaign
We asked 11 individuals to share their stories on how their lives have been directly impacted by cosmetics and personal care products.
From a young mother to a cancer survivor, a dermatologist, a dancer, a hairstylist and more… discover their stories!
Without its revision, what will be the future of the Cosmetics Regulation?
CosmeticObs, December 2024
The late revision of the Cosmetics Regulation… is not over yet. Because now that the project has been officially shelved, it won’t be without consequences. At Cosmetic Valley’s 22nd Congress on Regulatory Issues - Fragrance & Cosmetics on 20 November 2024, Gerald Renner, Cosmetics Europe’s Director Technical Regulatory Affairs, called on all his expertise and a bit of his crystal ball to sketch out what the regulatory future of cosmetics in the European Union could be.
Hans Ingels, Gerald Renner: the Q&A at the Perfumes & Cosmetics Congress
CosmeticObs, November 2024
On 20 November 2024, at the end of their respective presentations at Cosmetic Valley’s 22nd Congress on Regulatory Issues - Fragrance & Cosmetics, Hans Ingels, Head of the Bioeconomy, Chemical Industries and Cosmetics Unit at the European Commission, and Gerald Renner, Director of Technical Regulatory Affairs at Cosmetics Europe, exchanged views with conference delegates in a joint Q&A session.
Revision of the European Commission's "Sunscreen Products" Recommendation
CosmeticObs, July 2024
In 2006, the European Commission adopted a Recommendation “on the efficacy of sunscreen products and the claims made relating thereto”. Twenty years later, it has begun work on revising it. At the CEAC (Cosmetics Europe Annual Conference) held in Brussels at the end of June 2024, three of those involved in the revision process explained why and how the Recommendation will be overhauled
Cosmetics Design Europe, June 2024
A 'regulation tsunami'; the notion of essentiality, the potential paracymene ban, and the plight of SMEs were all topics of focus for the opening day of Cosmetics Europe's Annual Conference (CEAC)
What's important for the future of the Europe Cosmetics industry?
Cosmetics Design Europe, June 2024
In the aftermath of the European Parliament elections and ahead of the upcoming Cosmetics Europe Annual Conference (CEAC), we reveal what’s high on the agenda for Europe’s cosmetics industry right now
Cosmetics tipped as "essential for daily life" European study reveals
Cosmetics Design Europe, June 2022
According to a new study published by the trade association for the cosmetics and personal care industry, Cosmetics Europe, 72% of European consumers see cosmetics as an important or very important part of their daily lives.
We think sustainably
We care about the environment
We launched ‘Commit for our Planet’ in 2022. An initiative to reduce the cosmetics sector’s environmental footprint in Europe and across the value chain through joint industry effort and action.
We empower you to make sustainable choices
Cosmetics Europe is a member of the EcoBeautyScore (EBS) Association and supports its activities. The Association has developed an environmental impact assessment and scoring system for cosmetic products. Upon deployment of the scoring system, the EBS will provide consumers with information on the environmental impact of their cosmetic products and foster an eco-design mindset amongst manufacturers.
We package with
intention
The industry champions science and research to revolutionise recycling and packaging, focusing on reducing packaging weight and incorporating recycled materials. For example, SPICE, the Sustainable Packaging Initiative for Cosmetics brings together organisations across the cosmetics and personal care industry to shape the future of sustainable packaging.