Circular economy: Commission extends EU eco-label to all cosmetic and animal care products

The Commission has adopted the new EU Ecolabel criteria for cosmetics and animal care products, giving consumers across the EU the benefit of reliable proof of brands that are truly green. The EU Ecolabel criteria reduce the environmental impact of products on water, soil and biodiversity, thus contributing to a clean and circular economy and an environment free of toxic substances. The EU Eco-label is a reliable, third-party verified label of environmental excellence that takes into account the environmental impact of a product throughout its life cycle, from the extraction of raw materials upon final elimination.

Environment, Oceans and Fisheries Commissioner Virginijus Sinkevičius said: “The most environmentally friendly cosmetics and pet products can now be awarded the EU Ecolabel, which increases all the more so because of the success of this label since 1992. I encourage companies to claim the EU eco-label and to benefit from its indisputable reputation."

The EU Ecolabel helps direct relevant consumers towards reliable and certified green products and supports the transition to a clean and circular economy. The updated EU Ecolabel criteria will now apply to all cosmetic products, as defined in the EU Cosmetic Products Regulation. Previously, the requirements for the award of the EU Ecolabel for cosmetics covered a limited range of so-called 'rinse-off' products, such as shower gels, shampoos and conditioners.

The updated rules include "leave-in" cosmetics, such as creams, oils, skin care lotions, deodorants and antiperspirants, sunscreens, as well as hair and makeup products. In the animal care sector, an EU eco-label can now be awarded to rinse-off products. The EU eco-label supports the ecological transition and the ambition of zero pollution, while giving better alternatives to consumers who are looking for healthy and sustainable options.

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