EU Cosmetic Regulation

Peat-based cosmetic products sold in the European Union must comply with EC Regulation 1223/2009 on cosmetic products. This regulation covers safety assessment, labeling, ingredient listing (INCI), manufacturing practices (GMP), and post-market surveillance.

INCI Nomenclature

Peat and peat-derived ingredients require proper INCI (International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients) names on product labels. “Peat” itself may be listed as PEAT or TURBA. Humic acid extracts require specific INCI designation depending on extraction method and source material. INCI naming should be verified with the European Commission’s CosIng database.

Safety Assessment

Every cosmetic product requires a safety assessment by a qualified safety assessor before market placement. For peat products, this must cover: heavy metal content, microbiological quality, preservative efficacy, stability, and any claims made about the product. The complex, natural origin of peat requires thorough characterization.

Claims Regulation

Health and therapeutic claims are regulated separately from cosmetic claims. Cosmetic products cannot claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease. Claims about “soothing,” “calming,” or “conditioning” skin are cosmetic claims. Claims about treating psoriasis or eczema are medical claims requiring different regulatory pathways (medical device or pharmaceutical classification).