Canada Imposes Restrictions on Castor Oil, Monomaleate and Proposes Usage Thresholds for Certain Cosmetic Ingredients

On June 27, 2026, the Government of Canada published two notices in the Canada Gazette impacting cosmetic formulations for the Canadian market. ¹ One notice establishes immediate, legally binding conditions on the use of castor oil, monomaleate, which came into force on June 10, 2026. The other proposes to regulate three substances in the Alkanolamines and Fatty Alkanolamides group used in cosmetics—including TEA, LDE, and CDE—by setting concentration thresholds that would trigger a pre-market notification requirement for new activities. The public comment period for this proposal is open until August 27, 2026.

Key Regulatory Changes and Proposals

The notices introduce both a final rule and a proposal, each affecting different substances. Below are the key details for cosmetic manufacturers and importers.

Ministerial Conditions for Castor Oil, Monomaleate (CAS No. 241153-84-4)

Under Ministerial Condition No. 22434, the Canadian Minister of the Environment has permitted the manufacture and import of castor oil, monomaleate, subject to strict conditions, as the substance is suspected of being toxic or capable of becoming toxic. These conditions are now in effect.