The safety of cosmetic products is ensured primarily by the manufacturer. In addition, a set of regulatory elements is effective to exclude the use of hazardous ingredients in cosmetics. In addition to the ban of certain compounds, limitations and use restrictions are compiled in annexes of the directive. In the future, major changes in the safety assessment of cosmetic ingredients are expected considering the ban of animal experiments. The present high level of consumer protection must be maintained; furthermore, innovations should be put into practice without unacceptable risks for the consumer. The new EU regulation on cosmetic products shall be directly applicable in all member states. Finally, two examples for a risk assessment of cosmetic ingredients are presented: diethylene glycol in tooth paste and boric acid in lip care products.