Cosmetics Law

SBS LEGAL Attorneys – Experts in Cosmetics Law

The cosmetics market is growing continuously across all product segments.

Manufacturers are responding to the high demand with more and more innovative and sustainable products – particularly in the area of natural cosmetics, which are increasingly popular in times of climate change.

The online cosmetics business is also booming. However, with rising sales, stricter scrutiny is being applied to both the production and advertising of cosmetic products.

The EU Cosmetics Regulation

The sale of cosmetics is primarily governed by the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009), which came into effect on December 22, 2009. Its main goal is to ensure consumer safety by defining permissible ingredients and setting labeling requirements.

This regulation is directly applicable in all EU member states.

For advertising claims, the EU Claims Regulation (Regulation (EU) No. 655/2013) also plays a key role by defining common criteria for the justification of product claims.

Regulations and Labeling Requirements for Cosmetic Products

The EU Cosmetics Regulation includes a constantly updated list of banned substances, especially CMR substances (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction), which are prohibited to ensure consumer safety.

All ingredients must be properly declared, and strict compliance with labeling obligations is essential.

Cosmetics Law and Its Intersection with Competition Law

As cosmetics law often overlaps with competition law, a legally compliant approach to advertising and marketing regulations is indispensable.

Professional legal advice in this area requires specialized knowledge of cosmetics law and its intersections with food law and unfair competition law. As experienced attorneys in these fields, we provide cross-disciplinary legal expertise tailored to your business.

Legally Secure from Day One – SBS LEGAL, Attorneys for Cosmetics Law

As specialists in intellectual property and commercial law, we support you from the very beginning:

• Assistance in the selection of raw materials
• Clarifying responsibilities with your business partners
• Legal advice on market positioning and strategic distribution concepts

We protect and defend your products against third-party complaints – both in and out of court. We also represent you in criminal and regulatory proceedings before supervisory authorities and public prosecutors.

Our Expertise in Cosmetics Law

• Strategic market analysis
• Legal support during product development
• Raw material assessments & marketability reports
• Classification advice (e.g., distinguishing cosmetics from pharmaceuticals)
• Labeling compliance checks (labels, packaging)
• Distribution strategy development
• Advertising and competition law compliance
• Assistance with CPNP notifications and Product Information File (PIF) creation
• Defense against warnings and regulatory actions
• Crisis management, PR support, and communication with authorities and retailers

SBS LEGAL – Your Law Firm for Cosmetics Law in Hamburg

Cosmetics law is closely related to food law, supplement law, and a sub-category of competition law. We’ve been successfully advising clients in this area for over 15 years.

As certified attorneys in industrial property protection, our wide-ranging legal expertise allows us to provide comprehensive and reliable legal support.

Planning to launch your cosmetics brand in the DACH region or across Europe? Need assistance with company formation or marketing compliance?

We’re here to answer your questions – including those related to tax, product promotion, and ensuring your online shop is safe from legal warnings through our comprehensive e-commerce audit.

Have Questions About Cosmetics Law?

Don’t hesitate to contact us and book a consultation with one of our cosmetics law specialists. With our diverse expertise, we’ll find the right legal solution for your business.

Your initial consultation with SBS LEGAL is always free of charge.