How to comply with regulated cosmetic ingredients in Switzerland
Switzerland has its own legal framework for cosmetic products, which includes clear rules about the substances that can or cannot be used. The Federal Food Safety and Veterinary Office (BLV) provides a publicly available overview of regulated cosmetic substances, based on the Swiss Foodstuffs and Utility Articles Act (LDAl) and the Ordinance of the FDHA on Utility Articles (ODAlOUs).
Legal framework for Swiss cosmetics
The core legislation that applies to cosmetics in Switzerland includes:
- The Foodstuffs and Utility Articles Act (LDAl)
- The Ordinance of the FDHA on Utility Articles (ODAlOUs)
These define the standards for safety, labeling, and formulation of cosmetic products placed on the Swiss market.
Regulated cosmetic ingredients: What the BLV covers
According to the BLV, the following groups of substances are regulated under Swiss cosmetics legislation:
Prohibited Substances
These are substances that are entirely banned in cosmetics and must not be used under any circumstance.
Substances with Usage Restrictions
Some ingredients are permitted only under specific conditions, such as concentration limits, allowed product types, or mandatory warning labels.
Authorized Colorants
Only colorants included in the BLV’s positive list can be used in cosmetic formulations.
Authorized Preservatives
Preservatives are allowed only if they appear in the authorized list and are used under the conditions defined by the regulation.
Authorized UV Filters
UV filters may be used only if they are listed as authorized and applied according to the established rules.
Where to find the official lists
Manufacturers and responsible persons can consult the BLV website for:
- Legally binding documents related to cosmetic safety
- Updated substance lists (prohibited, restricted, and authorized ingredients)
- Relevant EU legislation adopted by Switzerland
Click here to view the official BLV page with the current lists of regulated substances.
Conclusion
To ensure full compliance with Swiss cosmetics regulation, it is essential to verify each ingredient in your formulation against the BLV’s official substance lists.
These include banned substances, ingredients with usage restrictions, and additives allowed only under strict conditions.
Understanding how the BLV classifies regulated cosmetic ingredients is crucial for companies looking to sell compliant products in Switzerland.
Need support?
If your company is not established in Switzerland, you may need a local legal representative to ensure compliance with national regulations.
