What You Should Know Before Buying Cosmetics

Whether you buy foundation, moisturiser, sunscreen, skincare or specialist camouflage makeup, there is something important you should know before purchasing: who is the Responsible Person for the product?

What is a Responsible Person?

Since leaving the EU, every cosmetic product placed on the UK market must have a designated Responsible Person (RP). This is a UK-established individual or business that is legally responsible for ensuring the product meets UK cosmetic safety and labelling requirements.

Their responsibilities include ensuring that the product has undergone the appropriate safety assessment, its ingredients comply with regulations, the necessary safety documentation is maintained and the product is notified to the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

The Responsible Person is not necessarily the manufacturer or the retailer selling the product.

Where do I find their details?

Look at the product packaging, including the container or outer box.

You should be able to find:

• The name of the Responsible Person.

• Their UK postal address.

• A full ingredients list.

• A batch number or product identifier.

• Any relevant warnings and precautions.

For imported cosmetics, the country of origin must also be indicated.

The Responsible Person's name and address are particularly important because they identify the business legally accountable for the product in the UK.

Buying cosmetics from overseas?

Online shopping makes it easy to buy cosmetics from almost anywhere in the world. However, just because a product is advertised on a UK-facing website, Amazon, eBay or social media does not automatically mean it complies with UK regulations.

Before buying, particularly from overseas sellers, ask:

"Who is the UK Responsible Person for this cosmetic product, and can you provide their name and UK address?"

A seller should be able to explain how the product meets UK requirements. If they cannot identify the Responsible Person or provide the relevant information, please think carefully before purchasing.

Why should I care?

Cosmetics are products we apply directly to our bodies, sometimes every day. We should be able to have confidence that they have undergone the appropriate safety assessments and meet the relevant legal requirements.

An identifiable Responsible Person provides an important point of accountability if something goes wrong or a product safety concern arises.

Remember, attractive packaging, positive reviews and impressive marketing claims do not mean a product is properly tested and compliant with regulations.

Find out more

• GOV.UK – Making cosmetic products available to consumers in Great Britain

• GOV.UK – Consumer products: cosmetics

This article provides general consumer information, not individual legal advice. Different regulatory arrangements apply in Northern Ireland.