New data on UK cosmetic product safety notifications
Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has published new data demonstrating protections for consumers from unsafe cosmetics.
OPSS has published new data from the Submit a Cosmetic Products Notification system (SCPN) which forms part of its activity ensuring businesses comply with the cosmetics regulations that apply in the UK. This follows a Science, Innovation and Technology Select Committee inquiry on the safety and regulation of beauty and cosmetic products, including hair relaxers.
OPSS deputy chief executive Sarah Smith gave evidence to the Committee (3 June) alongside Department for Business and Trade Minister for Employment Rights and Consumer Safety Kate Dearden MP.
OPSS has previously taken action where products notified on SCPN contained banned chemicals, ensuring businesses corrected information or removed products containing prohibited ingredients.
The Committee’s inquiry is investigating the role of regulation and enforcement to protect consumers from harms associated with non-surgical cosmetic procedures and cosmetic products, as well as understanding how scientific evidence is used to inform regulation.
Notes
As of 28 May 2026 there have been 861,686 notifications to the SCPN system since it launched.
These have been notified by 24,112 registered Responsible Persons.
The SCPN was launched in December 2020 to enable businesses to fulfil their legal obligation to notify the Secretary of State of a cosmetic product intended to be placed on the Great Britain market, replacing the EU’s Cosmetics Products Notification Portal (CPNP). Businesses placing cosmetics on the market in GB must notify the SCPN, via their Responsible Person based in the UK. Businesses placing cosmetics on the market in NI must notify the CPNP, via their Responsible Person based in either NI or the EEA.
For more information on cosmetic product safety, visit our guidance on cosmetics.