DERMOCOSMETICS AT THE PHARMACY

Erythrosis, couperose, and rosacea often come to the counter with the same question. Distinguishing between them with three questions changes the advice, protects the pharmacist, and turns a single sale into an ongoing care journey.

From July 31, 2026, the list of allergens that must be declared on the label will grow from 26 to more than 80. Two generations of INCI for the same product will coexist on the shelf: what to say to anyone who notices.

Following the European opinion on prostaglandin analogues, the question is now reaching the counter. It is neither a ban nor a green light: how should the difference be explained, how should the INCI be read, and what does keeping it on the shelf entail?

In Consumer Health, dermocosmetics is the segment taking the biggest hit—around 13%, with facial skincare at 11%. Seven percentage points of margin are disappearing from the pharmacy’s income statement. But price has never been the channel’s advantage.

As of May 1, 2026, pharmacies must check their inventory and stock: there is no transition period, and non-compliant products can no longer be sold.

The PPWR will also apply to cosmetic packaging from 12 August 2026. What will really change regarding weight and volume, recyclability, recycled plastic, empty space and environmental claims, with the timeline through 2038.

PFAS are extremely stable synthetic compounds known as “forever chemicals.” What does the French ban entail, and what is changing in Europe?