If you work in the nail products sector—whether as a professional nail artist, retailer or manufacturer—a significant change will directly affect the European market from 1 May 2026.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/78 introduces significant changes to the use of certain colourants in cosmetic products, particularly CI 77820—silver. This development is expected to affect both product formulations and their availability on the market, bringing new requirements for professionals and businesses in the sector.
What is the colourant CI 77820?
The colourant CI 77820 is a white metallic pigment with CAS number 7440-22-4, which is widely used to give a silver, metallic or glossy appearance to:
- Nail polish / Nail lacquer
- Nail gels
- Nail art colourants and pigments
- Lip products (lipstick, lip gloss)
- Eyeshadows
As a colourant, it is listed in Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (entry 142) and was previously permitted in certain cosmetic products.
What changes under Regulation (EU) 2026/78?
The new regulation, published in the Official Journal of the European Union on 13 January 2026, amends Annexes II, III, IV and V to the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.
Reason: Silver was classified as a Category 2 CMR substance.
Silver was classified as toxic to reproduction, Category 2—in three forms:
- Solid silver — particle diameter ≥ 1 mm
- Silver powder — 100 nm particle diameter < 1 mm
- Nanosilver — 1 nm < particle diameter ≤ 100 nm
What is prohibited from 1 May 2026? The use of CI 77820 in nail polish, nail gels, nail art pigments & colours, and acrylic nail products is no longer permitted from 1 May 2026.
How does this affect the market? — Practical implications
Checklist for professionals & retailers
Check your product formulations for CI 77820 / Silver.
Check the INCI ingredient lists on nail polish and nail gel labels.
Contact your manufacturer or supplier for information on compliance.
Update the Product Information File (PIF) if you are the Responsible Person.
Replace non-compliant stock before 1 May 2026.
Alternative colourants
The ban on CI 77820 does not mean the end of silver nail colours. There are approved alternatives that can achieve similar results:
- CI 77000 (Aluminium Powder)
- CI 77947 (Zinc Oxide)
FAQ
Q1: Does this apply only to nail polish, or also to gels?
It applies to all nail products: nail polish, gels, acrylics, nail art pigments and any other product applied to the nails.
Q2: What happens to the stock I already have?
The regulation applies from 1 May 2026. From that date, non-compliant products cannot be made available on the market. It is recommended that you manage your stock well in advance.
Q3: Does this also apply to products imported from outside the EU?
Yes. The regulation applies to all cosmetic products made available on the EU market, regardless of their country of manufacture.
Staying informed and adapting to the new requirements in good time are key to continuing to operate legally and safely in the nail industry.
This article is for informational purposes. For specific questions about the compliance of your products, please contact us.
Source: Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/78 of 12 January 2026 | Official Journal of the European Union, 13 January 2026
