The new legislation will cap the percentage allowed to 0.3% for pure retinol, with body lotions allowed to contain levels up to 0.05%. While the legislation is focussed on the EU, the UK is expected to follow suit. But don’t worry if your current retinol product exceeds the cap. Dr Sam Bunting thinks that the ban is “probably overkill” since we absorb relatively minimal amounts from our skincare relative to what we get from our diet.

In a report released, the EU’s Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety said: “Compared to food, the contribution of vitamin A from cosmetics is lower. However it will add to the overall consumer exposure, and this may be of concern for consumers with the highest exposure (5% of the total population) to vitamin A from food and food supplements.”

It’s also worth noting that your favourite retinol product won’t be taken off the shelves immediately. Brands have been given three years in order to reformulate their existing retinol products should they wish to continue trading in Europe. Not only that, but the ban won’t actually affect the percentages allowed in prescription tretinoin either, allowing those requiring a heftier dose of vitamin A (often prescribed to reduce acne) with a controlled, doctor-led solution.

“The fact that brands are being allowed 3 years to change their formulations is reassuring,” says Dr Bunting. “If there was real danger, faster action would likely be required.”

Here’s everything you need to know about the EU’s ‘retinol ban’