When looking for a new waterproof mascara or a tinted sunscreen, the product’s composition often takes a back seat. Since January 2026, French regulations on cosmetics have changed the game, and beauty selections that ignore this context are missing the point. Here’s what really deserves your attention to build a beauty kit that is both trendy and compliant with the new requirements.
PFAS and cosmetics: what the 2026 law changes in your kit
French law no. 2025-188, which came into effect on January 1, 2026, prohibits the manufacture, import, export, and marketing of cosmetic products containing PFAS beyond defined limits. The transition period runs until December 31, 2026, to sell off old stocks.
In practical terms, we are talking about everyday products. Long-wear foundations, waterproof mascaras, certain sun care products: these formulas used PFAS for water resistance and longevity. Brands that reformulate quickly gain visibility. Those selling off old stocks must mention compliance.
Before adding a product to your cart, it’s recommended to check the market launch date. A waterproof mascara made before 2026 may still contain PFAS. Batches produced after January 2026 comply with the new standard. This is a simple reflex that filters out a good portion of problematic formulations, and compliant references can already be found in the shopping selection on Touche de Beauté, which features updated seasonal products.
Allergen labeling: reading a beauty packaging in 2026
The other major change concerns scented allergens. For all new products launched after July 31, 2026, detailed labeling of these allergens becomes mandatory. Unupdated stocks will be banned from sale starting July 31, 2028.
In practice, this affects the most pleasant products to use: body mists, scented oils, lipsticks, hair care. The more a cosmetic is scented, the longer its label will be.
For sensitive or reactive skin, this is a step forward. We can finally compare allergenic formulations before purchase, without relying solely on marketing claims like “hypoallergenic” or “dermatologically tested.” Here’s what to look for on a packaging now:
- The complete list of scented allergens, now detailed beyond the simple term “fragrance”
- The presence of vitamin A derivatives (retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl palmitate), which must have an explicit mention on the label
- The manufacturing date or batch number, which indicates whether the product was formulated before or after the new rules came into effect
Beauty shopping selection: categories to prioritize this summer
We won’t list brands. What matters is knowing which types of products are worth a thoughtful purchase right now, considering the ongoing reformulations and underlying trends.
Sun care and tinted bases
Sun protection is the segment most affected by the removal of PFAS. New formulas focus on lightweight textures, often based on reworked mineral filters. Tinted bases with SPF are gradually replacing the duo of sunscreen plus foundation. This increases practicality, and the composition becomes lighter.
Mascaras and long-wear makeup
The new generation waterproof mascara uses plant waxes and fluorine-free polymers. Longevity remains satisfactory throughout the day, although feedback on this varies by brand. What we observe is that reformulated formulas hold up well under normal conditions but may show their limits in extreme heat or prolonged swimming.
Retinol facial care
Retinol serums and creams remain among the most sought-after active ingredients. The novelty is the obligation to explicitly mention vitamin A derivatives on the label. For those starting with retinol, this transparency helps with proper dosing: a serum with a low concentration of retinyl acetate does not have the same effects as a more concentrated retinyl palmitate.
Concrete criteria for a reliable beauty selection
Rather than following trends without filter, we can structure our purchases around a few operational criteria. A product compliant with the 2026 rules is not necessarily better, but it is more transparent.
- Check that the product was launched after January 2026 for categories affected by the PFAS regulations (sunscreens, waterproof makeup)
- Favor brands that display the complete list of allergens even before the July 2026 deadline, a sign of proactive transparency
- For active treatments (retinol, acids), read the concentration or, if not available, the order in the INCI list, rather than the promises on the packaging
- Compare formats: mini sizes allow you to test a reformulated formula before investing in a full-size product
The current beauty trend is not just about a lipstick color or a skin finish. The new French rules on PFAS and allergen labeling redefine what we put in our kit. An informed purchase involves three seconds of reading on the back of the product, not just an attractive packaging.