Cosmetics & Beauty
European cosmetic brands under the EU Cosmetics Regulation, which bans over 1,300 ingredients.
EU Cosmetics vs. US Cosmetics: Different Regulation
The EU bans over 1,300 ingredients in cosmetics, the US 11. Products sold in the US (for example with formaldehyde, high concentrations of parabens, or mercury) are banned in Europe.
Quick Switch
From US cosmetic brands to European alternatives
All Brands in Detail
Hand-picked European cosmetic brands. All brands verified for quality and standards.
L'Oréal
Cosmetics group from Paris, founded in 1909
- World's largest cosmetics company for over 100 years
- Over 35 international brands for every budget
- Own research laboratories with 3,800 scientists
- Sustainability: L'Oréal for the Future until 2030
KIKO Milano
Italian cosmetics production with EU quality standards
- Professional quality at affordable prices
- Over 1,000 products in permanent range
- Own stores, no intermediaries
- Cruelty-free and vegan product lines available
Catrice
German cosmetics development according to EU testing standards
- Make-up from €3.99, most affordable EU quality make-up
- Over 90% of products vegan and cruelty-free
- Available in over 80 countries
- Trendy limited editions every 6 weeks
Lavera
NATRUE-certified natural cosmetics from German production
- NATRUE-certified natural cosmetics
- No silicones, PEGs or paraffins
- 100% cruelty-free and vegan-certified
- Organic-certified ingredients from sustainable cultivation
Yves Rocher
Botanical cosmetics directly from the heart of Brittany
- Complete supply chain control, from field to product
- Own plantations in Brittany
- Over 3,000 products on botanical basis
- Committed to zero deforestation
Frequently Asked Questions
How do EU cosmetics differ from US cosmetics?
The EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 bans over 1,300 ingredients. The US has about 11 banned substances in cosmetics. Ingredients that are legal in US products (for example certain formaldehyde releasers or hormone-active substances) are banned in the EU.
Are there affordable European makeup alternatives?
Catrice is among the most affordable options: lipsticks from €3.99, mascara from €4.99. The German company is available in most dm and Rossmann stores and states that over 90% of its products are vegan and cruelty-free.
Which European brands are cruelty-free?
Catrice (over 90% of products vegan and cruelty-free), Lavera (100% cruelty-free and NATRUE certified) and KIKO Milano (vegan product lines available) are among the European brands with cruelty-free product lines.