Are Electronic Registers for Beauty Products the Future?

Ukraine introduces an electronic register for all beauty products – should the UK follow suit?

In a significant move toward transparency and consumer safety, Ukraine is set to launch an electronic information notification system for beauty products this year, according to Oleksandr Yemets, Director of the electronic health state enterprise EZdorovya.

Until now, Ukraine has not maintained a centralised database for beauty and cosmetic products — meaning creams, shampoos, lipsticks, and similar items could enter the market without a single unified system of traceability or regulatory oversight.

Under the new initiative, every product will be issued an “electronic passport”, a digital record containing key details such as formulation data, ingredient lists, and safety documentation. Manufacturers and importers will be required to input this information into the system prior to market release. Additionally, authorised health institutions will have access to the database to better assess potential allergic reactions or health risks linked to specific ingredients.

This development forms part of Ukraine’s broader efforts to harmonise with European Union regulatory standards, facilitating the integration of Ukrainian cosmetics into the wider EU market. By creating a robust national framework for product transparency, Ukraine is laying the groundwork for greater international confidence in its beauty and personal care industry.

Why this matters for consumers and the industry

• Improved traceability – Each product can be tracked and verified through its digital profile.
• Enhanced safety oversight – Regulators can swiftly assess ingredient data and address adverse reactions or product recalls.
• Consumer protection – Shoppers gain confidence through greater access to verified product information.
• Industry credibility – Transparent systems help elevate brand trust and ensure compliance with international best practices.

Should the UK adopt a similar system?

Yes — and here’s why.

The UK’s cosmetics and aesthetics market is one of the largest in Europe, yet it currently lacks a single, centralised public database of cosmetic products. While the UK Cosmetics Regulation (SI 2020/1577) requires product notification via the Submit Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (SCPN), this system is not publicly accessible and does not provide consumer-facing information or cross-agency interoperability.

Adopting a model similar to Ukraine’s could:

• strengthen consumer protection through transparent, real-time product data;
• allow faster responses to adverse reactions and unsafe products;
• promote accountability among brands and importers;
• align the UK with emerging global standards of digital product traceability;
• and reinforce the UK’s reputation as a leader in safety, integrity, and innovation within the beauty sector.

As the beauty industry continues to evolve — blending technology, science, and consumer empowerment — a national electronic registry could be the next vital step in safeguarding public health and ensuring trust in the products we use every day.

References and Sources

• “Ukraine to launch electronic system containing information on all beauty products.” Ukrinform, 2 October 2025. https://www.ukrinform.net/amp/rubric-economy/4042990-ukraine-to-launch-electronic-system-containing-information-on-all-beauty-products.html
• UK Cosmetics Regulation (SI 2020/1577), UK Government Legislation.
• Submit Cosmetic Product Notification Portal (SCPN), Office for Product Safety and Standards, UK Gov.