Microplastics, Ingredients and Label Languages for EU Hotels

European hotel toiletries need to meet three ingredient and label tests: no intentionally added microplastics beyond what the REACH restriction allows during its transition periods, an INCI ingredient list that names fragrance allergens above set levels, and mandatory label information in the language or languages each country requires. The manufacturer controls the formula; the Responsible Person confirms the label.

This guide covers each point in plain terms. For country-by-country notes on languages and buyers, see our Europe hotel amenities hub.

The REACH microplastics restriction

In 2023 the EU adopted a restriction on synthetic polymer microparticles, commonly called microplastics, under the REACH chemicals regulation (Regulation (EU) 2023/2055). It targets tiny, solid, synthetic polymer particles that are intentionally added to products and do not readily degrade or dissolve.

For cosmetics, the restriction works in stages. Microbeads used for scrubbing were covered first. Other uses have transition periods, with rinse-off products such as shampoo and shower gel generally given a shorter transition than leave-on products such as body lotion. There are also derogations and reporting or labelling duties for some uses during and after the transition. The detail is technical, so ask your safety assessor or adviser to check each formula against the current dates and definitions.

What it means for hotel formulas

Some ingredients used for opacity, texture or film-forming can fall within the definition. When we develop or adjust a formula for Europe, we can formulate without intentionally added microplastics and supply the ingredient information your assessor needs to confirm it. Avoid marketing a product as "microplastic-free" unless the claim has been checked against the legal definition.

INCI ingredient lists

The ingredient list on an EU label uses INCI names, the standard international nomenclature for cosmetic ingredients. INCI names are used in their standard form across member states, so the ingredient list does not need translating, even when the rest of the label does. Ingredients are listed in descending order of weight down to 1%, after which they may be listed in any order. Colourants are identified by their colour index numbers.

We supply full ingredient lists and manufacturing documentation on request. Your safety assessor will also need percentages, which we share confidentially for the Product Information File, not for printing.

Fragrance allergens

Perfume is usually declared as "parfum" in the ingredient list. However, certain fragrance substances known to cause allergies must be named individually when they exceed set concentrations: 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products. In practice, that means a body lotion is more likely than a shower gel to need extra allergen names on its label.

The EU has expanded the list of fragrance allergens that must be labelled, with transition periods for products already on the market. If you are developing a signature scent, share the brief early so the fragrance can be assessed against the current list and the label can be planned. Great Britain does not automatically follow EU changes, so if the same product goes to UK hotels, check both sets of rules. See our UK page.

Label languages

Under the EU cosmetics regulation, each member state decides which language or languages certain label information must be in. This usually covers the function of the product where not obvious, precautions and warnings, and some other details. In practice, hotel buyers usually expect:

Market	Language usually expected	Often added
Germany	German	English
France	French	English
Italy	Italian	English
Spain	Spanish	English, other guest languages
Greece	Greek	English
Great Britain	English	None required

Countries with more than one official language may need more than one. Confirm each market's requirement with your Responsible Person before artwork is finalised.

Designing multilingual labels

• Group by region. One label for German-speaking markets, another for southern Europe, can reduce the number of SKUs.
• Use the outer pack and leaflets carefully. Very small packs have some allowances, but a dispenser bottle normally has room for full text.
• Keep the INCI list once. It does not need repeating per language.
• Test legibility. Shower labels must stay readable when wet and in low light.

Our custom packaging team prints and decorates bottles and dispensers in-house, so we can run language variants of the same design without changing the bottle.

Other ingredient points buyers ask about

Preservatives

Preservatives must be on the EU's list of permitted preservatives and used within the limits set. Dispenser formats need robust preservation because the product is opened and topped up repeatedly.

Sensitive skin

Some buyers, particularly in northern Europe, ask for low-fragrance options. Formulas can be supplied as dermatologically tested, with test reports on request. Avoid stronger claims, such as "hypoallergenic", unless your Responsible Person agrees they can be substantiated.

Halal

Some hotels serving many guests from Muslim-majority countries ask for Halal-certified toiletries. We are Halal certified; our guide to Halal hotel toiletries explains what it covers.

Durability dates and period after opening

Most hotel toiletries last long enough that the label shows a period-after-opening symbol, such as an open jar with a number of months, rather than a "best before" date. The right period depends on stability data and the format. Dispensers and 5 L refills deserve particular thought because they are opened and topped up repeatedly. Ask your manufacturer for stability information that reflects the way the product will be used, and make sure housekeeping rotates stock so older batches are used first.

A worked example: one scent, several products

Suppose a hotel wants one signature scent across shower gel, shampoo and body lotion. The same fragrance at a similar level may need no extra allergen names on the rinse-off shower gel and shampoo, yet need several on the leave-on body lotion, because the leave-on threshold is lower. The safety assessor may also recommend a lower fragrance level in the lotion. The practical lesson is to design the label family together, with space for a longer ingredient list on the lotion, rather than assuming all three labels will look the same. If the products also go to Great Britain, check whether the UK allergen list differs.

Who checks what

• Manufacturer: formula, ingredient selection, INCI list, percentages for the assessor, fragrance information, manufacturing documentation.
• Safety assessor: checks ingredients and limits, allergens and microplastics status, and signs the safety report.
• Responsible Person: approves label wording, languages and claims, and notifies the product.

Our facility is GMP-compliant and ISO certified, with a state FDA cosmetic manufacturing licence, an AYUSH licence and US FDA registration; see quality and certifications. Browse formats in the hotel amenities collection. Always confirm current rules with your Responsible Person, importer or a regulatory consultant.

Frequently asked questions

Do INCI names need translating?

No. INCI names are used in their standard form across the EU. Other mandatory label information may need translating.

Why does body lotion list more allergens than shower gel?

Leave-on products have a lower threshold for naming fragrance allergens than rinse-off products, so the same scent may trigger more names on a lotion label.

Can we call our toiletries microplastic-free?

Only if the claim has been checked against the legal definition and can be substantiated. Ask your safety assessor first.

Can one label cover several countries?

Often, if it carries every required language. Confirm with your Responsible Person for each market.

Building a European range? Start at our Europe hotel amenities hub or explore hotel toiletries manufacturing.