The European Union is seeking public input on CBD cosmetic regulations, with CBD content not exceeding 0.19% deemed safe.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is being incorporated into a growing number of products, encompassing various sectors, including food and pharmaceuticals. Indeed, one of the most promising areas for the use of cannabidiol (CBD) is in the field of cosmetics. The prevalence and acceptance of cosmetics containing CBD ingredients is increasing on a global scale, particularly in Europe.

Analysts from industry research firm Research and Markets previously stated: The global CBD skincare market is forecast to reach $7.83 billion by 2030, exhibiting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.4% from 2025 to 2030.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in awareness of CBD skincare products, attributable to their remarkable medicinal properties. These products are widely favoured by consumers due to their potent anti-inflammatory properties and rich antioxidant benefits. Moreover, the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in skincare has been demonstrated to facilitate the optimal functioning of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is responsible for the regulation of numerous pivotal skin functions, including sebum production and melanocyte generation. The aforementioned factors collectively contribute to the industry's growth.

The following essay will provide the reader with key insights into the global CBD skincare market.

-Projections indicate that North America will assume a dominant position in the CBD skincare market, with a projected revenue share of 41.19% by the year 2024.

-It is anticipated that Cbd Masks and serums will demonstrate the most rapid growth rate during the forecast period, owing to their ease of use and the expeditious results they engender.

-It is projected that e-commerce will achieve the fastest compound annual growth rate, as single e-commerce platforms or online stores offer a diverse range of CBD products.

-It is anticipated that hemp-based CBD products will maintain their preeminence in the market, propelled by their growing appeal to consumers with a focus on skincare.

However, the EU's deficient regulatory oversight of CBD cosmetics has engendered considerable uncertainty among business entities. Presently, the European Commission is undertaking a public consultation on CBD cosmetics, with the objective of soliciting feedback and propelling the modernization of CBD cosmetic regulations.

According to the most recent report by the media outlet DolceVita: The European Union has initiated a public consultation on the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) preliminary opinion regarding the utilization of cannabidiol (CBD) in cosmetics. The submission deadline for technical opinions and data is January 21, 2026.

The report states the following: "Industry players have only a few days remaining in which to submit their opinions and research data. This initiative is expected to be a crucial step that could determine the rules, restrictions, and future of CBD cosmetics in Europe."

The Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) has initiated a request for contributions regarding the scientific opinion on cannabidiol (CBD) (CAS/EC No.: 13956-29-1/689-176-3) utilized in cosmetic products. The objective of this request is to assist in the determination of the "maximum safe concentration for the use of cannabidiol (CBD) in cosmetics."

The Committee's primary function is to provide expert counsel to EU regulators on health and safety risks (including chemical, biological, mechanical, and other physical hazards) associated with non-food consumer products (e.g., cosmetics and their ingredients, toys, textiles, clothing, personal care products, and household goods) and services (e.g., tattooing and artificial tanning).

In consideration of all extant data, the SCCS holds the following position:

In the context of skin and oral cosmetics, CBD concentrations not exceeding 0.19% are considered safe, whether used in isolation or in combination with other substances.

In the context of skin and oral cosmetics, THC impurity concentrations below 0.00025% are considered safe, whether utilized independently or in conjunction with other substances. This opinion does not take into account cosmetics that could potentially cause harm to end-users through inhalation into the lungs.

With respect to the regulation of CBD cosmetics, the European Commission acknowledges that no consensus has been reached among its member states, and practices to date remain inconsistent across member states. The European Commission's approach is primarily informed by the "2020 ruling of the European Court of Justice in Case C-663/181 (the widely known 'Kanavape case'"). In that case, the European Court of Justice ruled that CBD, whether synthetic or extracted from the whole plant, does not constitute a narcotic.

The European Court of Justice's ruling in the Kanavape case is of particular significance as it establishes case law and explicitly prohibits member states from banning the sale of CBD products legally produced in other EU countries.

The European Commission has reiterated that restrictions on the sale of cosmetics containing hemp-derived CBD must be fully justified and must not exceed what is necessary to ensure consumer safety. The Commission has further elucidated that, in light of the multifarious divergences surrounding hemp-derived CBD (particularly residual THC), it has petitioned the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) to undertake a scientific evaluation of CBD's safety in cosmetics, encompassing the determination of safe THC levels in final products.

The European Commission has indicated that future regulatory measures may be introduced to comprehensively harmonize EU-wide regulations on CBD cosmetics, contingent upon the SCCS's findings. This objective is precisely the impetus behind the current EU public consultation.