News Details

The Swiss Federal Department of Home Affairs (FDHA) has amended the Ordinance on Cosmetic Products (VKos), with effect from 1 January 2026, introducing stricter limits on specific furocoumarins in cosmetic products.  

Under the amended Article 6, paragraph 1, cosmetic products that remain on the skin and may be directly exposed to sunlight must comply with a new cumulative concentration limit for certain furocoumarins. With the exception of perfumes, toilet waters, and colognes, the sum of the following substances in the final product must not exceed 1 mg/kg: 

• Byakangelicol (Cas No. 26091-79-2 )

• Epoxy-bergamottin (Cas No. 206978-14-5) 

• Isopimpinellin (Cas No. 482-27-9 )

• 5-Methoxypsoralen (Cas No. 484-20-8) 

• 8-Methoxypsoralen (Cas No. 298-81-7)

• Oxypeucedanine (Cas No. 737-52-0)

• Oxypeucedanine hydrate (Cas No. 133164-11-1) 

• Psoralen (Cas No. 66-97-7)

The ordinance also clarifies that natural essential oils must be dosed in such a way that compliance is ensured under normal and reasonably foreseeable conditions of use. 

Derogation from EU Cosmetics Regulation 

This amendment represents a national derogation from Annex II, entry 358 of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009), reinforcing Switzerland’s focus on consumer safety, particularly regarding phototoxic risks associated with furocoumarins in sun-exposed cosmetic products. 

Adoption and Application 

The modification was adopted on 20 November 2025 and applies from 1 January 2026. Cosmetic manufacturers and responsible persons placing products on the Swiss market should ensure that product formulations, safety assessments, and compliance documentation are updated in line with the new requirements.