Monthly Recap: Global Cosmetic Regulatory Updates | February 2025

China Simplifies Safety Assessment Requirements for NCIs and Accelerates Product Launches Using NCIs

On February 6, 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released and implemented Several Provisions on Supporting Innovation of Cosmetic Ingredients. The key points can be summarized into:

1) Simplifying safety assessment requirements for NCIs;

2) Establishing a concurrent application mechanism for NCIs and related products;

3) Improving safety monitoring period management.

China Releases the Latest Version of Ingredient Usage Information of Marketed Products

On February 9, 2025, the China National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) officially updated the Ingredient Usage Information of Marketed Products, replacing the previous version released on April 30, 2024.

Douyin E-commerce Releases the Cosmetics Ingredient Consistency Sampling Inspection Standards

On February 12, 2025, Douyin E-commerce released the Cosmetics Ingredient Consistency Sampling Inspection Standards. The platform will commission nationally accredited third-party testing institutions to conduct random inspections of merchants' products. If a product exhibits low consistency, Douyin will take action against the violating merchants in accordance with the Violation Management Rules. In severe cases, cooperation may be terminated based on the relevant service terms.

China Plans to Expand Safety Data for 979 Cosmetic Ingredients

NIFDC issued a notice on February 19, 2025, soliciting public opinions on the Information on the Use of Some Ingredients Included in the International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index (Draft for Comments).

NMPA Holds 2025 National Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Conference

From February 27 to 28, the 2025 National Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Conference was held in Changsha, Hunan. The conference reviewed the achievements of cosmetics regulation in 2024 and outlined six key tasks for 2025.

1) Strengthening comprehensive risk prevention and control;

2) Continuously deepening regulatory reforms and innovations;

3) Accelerating improvements in the supervision and operation mechanisms;

4) Strengthening regulatory foundations;

5) Fostering a collaborative governance framework;

6) Actively engaging in international exchanges and cooperation.

China NMPA Approves Nine NCIs

In February 2025, NMPA updated the notification status of nine NCIs. Since the detailed technical requirements for newly notified NCIs have not been made public, the English translations below are merely literal translations based on these NCIs’ Chinese names, which may differ from the INCI names provided by the notifiers.

1. Palmitoyl Heptapeptide-101, notified on February 5, 2025.

2. Saussurea involucrata callus powder, notified on February 6, 2025

3. TRICHOLOMA MATSUTAKE ferment filtrate, notified on February 7, 2025

4. Dihydroxyphenylethanol, notified on February 7, 2025

5. Naematelia aurantialba Fruiting Body Extract, notified on February 12, 2025

6. Polyurethane-102, notified on February 18, 2025

7. Polyester-43, notified on February 18, 2025

8. IPDI/Di-C12-13 Alcohol Tartrate/Bis-Hydroxyethoxypropyl Dimethicone Copolymer, notified on February 18, 2025

9. Eleutherococcus trifoliatus Leaf/Stem Extract, notified on February 18, 2025

NIFDC, Beijing and Shandong Authorities Publish Three Batches of FAQs

In February 2025, NIFDC, Beijing Municipal Medical Products Administration (MPA) and Shandong Center for Food and Drug Evaluation & Inspection released three batches of FAQs covering topics of cosmetic ingredient information, product safety assessment, as well as materials and product management.

China Issues 12 Cosmetics-related Standards in February

In February 2025, China issued two cosmetics-related standards, and released ten draft cosmetics standards for public comments. The essential information is as follows:

Market Condition

1. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the retail sales of cosmetic products from January to February 2025 were CNY 72 billion, with a year-on-year (YoY) increase of 4.4%.

Notes: To mitigate the effects of non-fixed factors during the Spring Festival and improve data comparability, the National Bureau of Statistics only released combined data for January and February.

2. According to the GACC, the total import value of cosmetics and toiletries from January to February 2025 totaled CNY 17.3 billion, increasing 3.3% YoY.

Taiwan Publishes New Method for Testing Microorganisms in Cosmetics

On February 19, 2025, Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) introduced a recommended testing method for certain microorganisms in cosmetics, covering aerobic plate count, staphylococcus aureus, escherichia coli, pseudomonas aeruginosa, and candida albicans. Currently, these microorganisms are subject to limits set by the List of Micro-organisms Limits in Cosmetic Products in Taiwan. 

PMDA: 326 Batches Cosmetics and Quasi-drugs Recalled in February

In February 2024, the Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) issued a series of notifications concerning 326 batches of cosmetics and quasi-drugs, including hair dyes, eyeshadows, and sunscreen. The most significant issue was ingredient specification non-compliance, affecting 280 batches, followed by labeling issues, which involved 39 batches.

South Korea Amends Labeling Requirements for Cosmetic Packaging

On February 7, 2025, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued amendments to the Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act, which came into effect immediately upon publication. The key changes are relating to the labeling requirements for cosmetic packaging, with notable revisions to Annex 4 - Standards and Methods for Labeling on Cosmetic Packaging.

South Korea Proposes New Guidelines for Lifting Bans on Prohibited Ingredients

On February 21, 2025, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) sought feedback on proposed revisions to the Regulations on the Designation and Change of Cosmetic Ingredient Standards. Stakeholders wishing to provide their opinions on the draft revisions must submit their comments by March 13, 2025.

South Korea Publishes Two FAQ Collections on Cosmetics Regulations

On February 14 and February 19, 2025, the MFDS published two FAQ collections addressing cosmetic packaging and labeling, as well as the evaluation of functional cosmetics, respectively.

Philippines FDA Adjusts LTO Renewal Application Timeline

On February 14, 2025, the Philippines Food and Drug Administration (FDA) introduced an interim extension for the License to Operate (LTO) renewal filing period, effective February 17, 2025. Previously, applications had to be submitted within 90 days before expiration under Administrative Order No. 2024-0015. To streamline the process, the FDA has extended the submission window to 180 days before expiration. This measure will remain in effect until further notice.

HSA Alerts 119 Batches of Non-compliant Cosmetics Containing Potent Ingredients Found Overseas

On February 27, 2025, Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released a list of products found overseas in January 2025 that contain potent ingredients, including 119 batches of cosmetics. The potent ingredients detected in these cosmetics include Retinoic acid, Mercury, Hydroquinone, etc. These ingredients are prohibited for general use in cosmetics in accordance with ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).

Indonesia Seizes IDR 31.7 Billion Worth of Illegal Cosmetics

On February 21, 2025, the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) released a list of 91 illegal cosmetic brands, both domestic and imported, frequently sold on online marketplaces and advertised on social media. The list was compiled following a nationwide inspection of factories, importers, distributors, and retailers from February 10 to 18. During the inspection, BPOM seized 205,133 illegal products spanning over 4,000 variants, valued at Rp 31.7 billion (US$1.9 million)—a tenfold increase from the Rp 3 billion worth of cosmetics confiscated the previous year.

BPOM Releases Supervision Results and Follow-Up Actions on Cosmetic Relabelling

In response to social media reports on cosmetic relabelling, BPOM conducted investigations into businesses and individuals suspected of regulatory violations and issued an official statement on February 21, 2025. While no further cosmetic relabeling activities were found, BPOM found that some cosmetics were being distributed that did not comply with the notification data, meaning they were not produced by the manufacturers they should have been. This repeated and serious violation poses risks of quality degradation and potential safety hazards.

Vietnam Amends Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT Providing Cosmetic Management

On February 10, 2025, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) released a draft Circular Amending and Supplementing Several Articles and Appendixes of Circular 06/2011/TT-BYT. The proposed amendments focus on electronic cosmetic notification and decentralization of administrative procedures. The DAV invites relevant units to review and provide feedback by March 1, 2025.

Vietnam Requests to Improve the Cosmetic Notification System

On February 19 and February 28, 2025, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) sent two letters to the National Health Information Center, requesting the Center to coordinate with the General Department of Customs and IT partners to promptly fix technical problems identified during the cosmetic notification process, and provide timely feedback.

Malaysia Cancels Notification of Five Batches of Non-compliant Cosmetic Products

In February 2025, Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) issued five batches of non-compliant cosmetics and urged the public to refrain from buying and using these products, which have been found to contain mercury.

Thailand Proposes Amendments to Cosmetic Ingredient Lists: 19 New Additions, 4 Revisions, and 2 Deletions

On February 28, 2025, Thailand released nine draft announcements for public consultation, proposing significant amendments to the country's cosmetic ingredient lists. The revisions include the addition of 17 prohibited ingredients and 2 restricted ingredients, modifications to 4 existing ingredient entries, and the removal of 2 permitted preservatives. The consultation period will end on March 14, 2025.

Thailand Proposes Revisions to the Labeling Requirements for Fluoride Toothpaste 

On February 28, 2025, Thailand’s Cosmetics Committee issued two draft announcements for public consultation, proposing updates to the labeling requirements for fluoride-containing cosmetics. These drafts specifically revise the warning statements for products containing 20 fluoride compounds and introduce new labeling requirements for fluoride-containing toothpaste. The public consultation period is open until March 14, 2025.

Thailand Introduces Draft Regulations for Microneedle-Based Cosmetics

On February 28, 2025, Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) released two draft announcements for a 14-day public consultation, introducing new regulations on microneedle-based cosmetics. These proposed rules aim to restrict the production, import, and sale of certain microneedle products while mandating labeling requirements for permitted dissolving microneedle patches. 

Thailand Proposes Draft Guidelines for Cosmetic Ingredient Evaluation

On February 28, 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Public Health unveiled a draft announcement, Criteria, Methods, and Conditions for Evaluating Academic Documents in the Cosmetic Review Process, for public consultation. The consultation period is open until March 14, 2025. The draft aims to address a regulatory gap by establishing clear guidelines for evaluating academic documents for new cosmetic ingredients without prior history of use in cosmetics.

India Launches New Module on SUGAM Portal for Additional Cosmetic Variants

On February 12, 2025, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) announced the introduction of a new module on the SUGAM online portal, designed for the application and issuance of permissions for additional variants of already approved cosmetic products. This feature is fully functional from February 22, 2025.

Sri Lanka Seeks Public Input on Draft Standard for Children’s Skin Powder

On February 14, 2025, the Sri Lanka Standards Institution (SLSI) released a draft standard for children's skin powder, open for public comment until April 13, 2025. Titled DSLS 187:… Specification for Skin Powder for Children (Third Revision), the draft outlines quality, safety requirements, and testing methods for skin powders with or without herbal extracts. It excludes adult body and face powders covered under SLS 389 and medicated powders. Once adopted, it will replace current SLS 187: 2013 Specification for Skin Powder for Babies (Second Revision).

Australia TGA Publishes Literature Review of Sunscreen Ingredients

On February 4, 2025, the Australia Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) released a literature review on seven active ingredients used in sunscreens: avobenzone, ethylhexyl triazone, homosalate, octocrylene, octinoxate, oxybenzone and phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid. Based on national and international safety data, this review assessed the suitability of these ingredients for use in therapeutic sunscreen products, focusing on their potential to penetrate the skin and affect viable cells systemically, as well as their toxicity.

Australia AICIS Finalizes Updates to 2025 Industrial Chemicals Categorization Guidelines

On February 28, 2025, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) published the outcome of public consultation on the Industrial Chemical Categorization Guidelines ( the Guidelines) in 2025. Key changes include adding 120 chemicals to the “list of chemicals with high hazards” (116 from external sources and 4 AICIS-assessed chemicals), along with editorial improvements for clarity. The next version of the Guidelines will be issued in September 2025.

EU Updates Borderline Manual with Classification Guidance for Products in Vials and Ampoules

On January 24, 2025, the European Commission published an updated version of the Manual of The Working Group on Cosmetic Products (Sub-group on Borderline Products) on the Scope of Application of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Art. 2(1)(A)) (Borderline Manual). Compared to the February 2024 version, the updated Borderline Manual adds a new section, which offers specific guidance on determining whether products in vials or ampoules meet the criteria for classification as cosmetics under the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (the Cosmetics Regulation).

EU SCCS Drafts Opinion on the UV Filter DHHB

On February 17, 2025, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published its preliminary opinion on the safety of diethylamino hydroxybenzoyl hexyl benzoate (DHHB) in cosmetics. The opinion focuses on safety concerns regarding di-n-hexyl phthalate (DnHexP) contamination in DHHB, and is open for public comments until April 25, 2025.

EU Launches First Evaluation of the Cosmetics Regulation

On February 21, 2025, EU launched its first evaluation of the Cosmetics Regulation, a decade after its full implementation. The evaluation aims to assess the regulation's application, effectiveness, and relevance, particularly in the context of green and digital transitions, evolving market trends, and global competitiveness. It will also examine key aspects such as scope, definitions, risk assessment for certain ingredients, and labelling requirements, while also identifying opportunities for simplification. Findings will guide potential revisions. Stakeholders can submit feedback until March 21, 2025.

California Adds Male Reproductive Toxicity Endpoint to Bisphenol S (BPS) Listing Under Proposition 65

On February 11, 2025, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) announced the addition of male reproductive toxicity as a recognized hazard for bisphenol S (BPS) under Proposition 65. BPS was initially listed as a reproductive toxicant for its female reproductive toxicity endpoint.

The updated listing took effect on January 3, 2025, with warning requirements for significant exposure to BPS for male reproductive toxicity endpoint set to take effect on January 3, 2026.

Washington State Proposes Rule to Restrict Formaldehyde in Cosmetics

On February 6, 2025, Washington State’s Department of Ecology released a formal draft rule under Chapter 173-339 WAC, proposing restrictions on 28 formaldehyde-releasing chemicals in cosmetic products. This rule, developed as part of the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act, aims to reduce formaldehyde exposure by clarifying restrictions on intentionally added toxic chemicals.

The proposed regulations would apply to cosmetic manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and cosmetology businesses operating in Washington State, covering products sold online, in stores, and used in professional services.

The public comment period is open until April 11, 2025, and if adopted, the restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2027.

California Revises Priority Product Definition for Nail Products Containing Methyl Methacrylate

On February 10, 2025, California’s Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) announced a modification to its proposed rulemaking to designate nail products containing methyl methacrylate (MMA) as a Priority Product under the Safer Consumer Products (SCP) Regulations. Originally initiated on November 1, 2024, the revised proposal now excludes nail products containing 1,000 parts per million (ppm) or less of MMA. The public consultation period ended on February 25, 2025.