The EU Commission has published two regulations, amending its cosmetics legislation to allow the use of zinc oxide and potassium hydroxide in certain cosmetic products from May 21, according to a report published by Chemical Watch.

Potassium hydroxide will be approved for use in products to soften or remove calluses up to a maximum concentration of 1.5 percent weight by weight, although labels must carry a message warning consumers to avoid contact with the eyes.

Zinc oxide, meanwhile, can be used as a UV filter, both in its nano- and non-nano form with concentration limited to 25 percent as long as the product will not be applied in such a way that it could be inhaled by the end-user.