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China NIFDC Seeks Feedback on Nine Testing Methods for Cosmetics and Toothpaste
On January 22, 2025, China National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released nine testing methods for public consultation. Comments can be submitted via NIFDC’s Cosmetics Standards Formulation and Revision Management System by February 21, 2025.
China General Administration of Customs (GACC): Ten Batches of Cosmetics Rejected in December
On January 14, 2024, the GACC updated the list of rejected food and cosmetics for December 2024. Among them, ten batches were cosmetics, including two batches containing cannabidiol (CBD) that do not meet national standards and eight with non-compliant labels.
Beijing and Guangzhou Authorities Publish Two Batches of FAQs
In January 2025, the Guangzhou Administration for Market Regulation (AMR) and Beijing Municipal MPA released two FAQs covering topcis of cosmetic manufacturing requirements, quality control, cosmetic notification, annual reports, etc.
Release Date | Regulatory Authority | Batch |
January 14, 2025 | Beijing Municipal MPA | |
January 27, 2025 | Guangzhou AMR |
China NMPA Approves Ten NCIs
In January 2025, NMPA updated the notification status of ten 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. Ginsenoside galacturonic acid oligosaccharide, notified on January 8, 2025.
2. Fucosyllactose, notified on January 8, 2025
3. Camellia oleoyl glycine, nitified on January 9, 2025.
4. Naematelia aurantialba fruiting body extract, notified on January 10, 2025
5. 3’-Sialyl lactose sodium salt, notified on January 13, 2025
6. 5’-Cytidine disodium salt, notified on January 16, 2025
7. Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-12, notified on January 20, 2025
8. Gentiana veitchiorum Extract, notified on January 23, 2025
9. Polyurethane-42, notified on January 23, 2025
10. Sophora davidii seed extract, notified on January 24, 2025
China Issues 10 Cosmetics-related Standards in January
In January 2025, China issued seven cosmetics-related standards and released three draft cosmetics standards for public comment. The essential information is as follows:
No. | Release Date | Initiator | Standard Name | Type | Effective Date |
1 | January 3, 2025 | Chinese Association of Plastics and Aesthetics | T/CAPA 13—2024 Standard for Evaluating the Blue Light Protection Efficacy of Human Skin | Group Standard | January 3, 2025 |
2 | January 9, 2025 | Guangdong Cosmetics Association | T/XXX XXXX—XXXX Cosmetics-Evaluation of Anti-photoaging Activity-Caenorhabditis Elegans Assay | Group Standard | / |
3 | January 9, 2025 | Guangdong Cosmetics Association | T/XXX XXXX—XXXX Cosmetics-Evaluation of Anti Thermal Aging Activity-Caenorhabditis Elegans Assay | Group Standard | / |
4 | January 15, 2025 | Guangdong Institute of Cosmetics Science and Technology | Group Standard | January 16, 2025 | |
5 | January 15, 2025 | Guangdong Institute of Cosmetics Science and Technology | T/GDICST 007—2025 Bag-on-valve Aerosol Cosmetics（Self-foaming Gel) | Group Standard | January 16, 2025 |
6 | January 15, 2025 | Guangdong Institute of Cosmetics Science and Technology | T/GDICST 008—2025 Seed Source of Callus Cells From Saussurea Involucrata | Group Standard | January16, 2025 |
7 | January 21, 2025 | Guangdong Association for Instrumental Analysis | Group Standard | January 28, 2025 | |
8 | January 21, 2025 | Zhejiang Health Products and Cosmetics Industry Association | Group Standard | / | |
9 | January 24, 2025 | State Administration for Market Regulation (Standardization Administration of China) | GB/T 45212-2025 Determination of Methyldibromo Glutaronitrile in Cosmetics—Gas Chromatography Method | National Standard | August 1, 2025 |
10 | January 24, 2025 | State Administration for Market Regulation (Standardization Administration of China) | National Standard | August 1, 2025 |
Market Condition
1. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the retail sales of cosmetic products from January to December 2024 were CNY 435.7 billion, with a year-on-year (YoY) decrease of 1.1%. In December, the retail sales increased by 0.8% YoY to CNY 34.4 billion.
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 December 2024 totaled CNY 116.1 billion, declining 7.9% YoY. In December, the import value increased by 8.3% YoY to CNY 9.2 billion.
Taiwan, China
Taiwan Introduces New Labeling Requirements for 24 Fragrances and Flavorings
On January 21, 2025, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) issued two drafts for public consultation, Ingredients of Specific Fragrances or Flavorings That Should Be Labeled in Cosmetics and amendments to the Labeling Requirements for Cosmetic Packaging, Containers, Labels or Directions. These drafts require 24 fragrances and flavorings to be specified on product labels when their concentrations exceed 0.001% in leave-on products and 0.01% in rinse-off products. Comments can be submitted until March 24, 2025.
Japan Published the Guidelines for Environmental Design of Containers and Packaging for Cosmetics
On January 8, 2025, Japan disclosed the Guidelines for Environmental Design of Containers and Packaging for Cosmetics.
The guidelines explain the items related to the packaging structure and packaging materials set forth in the "design guidelines for products using plastics" of the new plastic law. By establishing these guidelines, the authority expected cosmetics companies to adopt environmentally conscious design actively, minimize environmental impact from the product development and packaging design stages, and enhance the sustainability of their products.
PMDA: 465 Batches Cosmetics and Quasi-drugs Recalled in January
In January 2025, the Japan Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) successively announced and recalled 465 batches of unqualified cosmetics and quasi-drugs, including 458 batches of hair dye, 2 batches of eye makeup, and 5 batches of medicinal bath salts. According to statistics, mislabeling was the non-compliance reason for these products.
South Korea Releases Cosmetic Policy Plan 2025
The Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) published a notice on January 2, 2025, announcing the policy plan for cosmetic industry in 2025. According to the announcement, MFDS plans to conduct quality inspections on 1,200 cosmetic items, including high-risk products for infants and children, wet wipes, etc., in 2025. Additionally, MFDS will enhance inspections of online cosmetics sellers in collaboration with the cyber investigation team and will closely examine products purchased from overseas platforms to ensure integrated monitoring both online and offline.
South Korea Reminds Custom Cosmetic Enterprises of Ingredient Listing Submission
On January 2, 2025, the Korean Cosmetic Association (KCA) issued a reminder for custom cosmetic enterprises to submit the reports for custom cosmetic ingredient listings for 2024 by February 28, 2025. Late submissions will incur a penalty of 500,000 KRW (about 417 USD).
KCA Published the Guidelines on Vegan Cosmetic Labels and Advertisements
On January 13, 2025, the Korean Cosmetics Association (KCA) released the guidelines on Vegan cosmetic labels and advertisements. This guideline has been developed to provide a definition and criteria for the term ‘vegan’ in cosmetics, as well as to summarize the minimum requirements for enterprises on conducting vegan cosmetic labeling and advertising.
South Korea Enlarges the Scope of Prohibited Labels and Advertisements for Cosmetics
As revealed by the MFDS on January 21, 2025, new prohibited expressions for cosmetic labeling and advertising were published by revising the Guidelines of Cosmetic Labels and Advertisements.
South Korea Modified Cosmetic Act
On January 31, 2025, MFDS revised the Cosmetic Act to abolish the government-led natural and organic cosmetics certification system. The authority intends to adopt a private voluntary certification system for the certification of natural and organic cosmetic recognition. This policy will be effective on August 1, 2025.
Indonesia Launches Cosmetic Product Notification System 3.0
On January 2, 2025, the Indonesian Directorate of OTSKK Registration under BPOM Registration posted on social media that the Cosmetics Notification System 3.0 has been launched and is now in operation.
Thailand Expands the List of Prohibited Ingredients in Cosmetics
On January 31, 2025, Thailand published a notification in the Royal Government Gazette, adding 56 new substances (entries 1613–1668) to its List of Prohibited Ingredients in Cosmetics.
These changes took effect on February 1, 2025. A 180-day grace period is provided for cosmetic businesses that have already manufactured, imported, or sold products containing the newly prohibited ingredients before the effective date of the notification.
Thailand Updates Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics Containing Climbazole
On January 31, 2025, the Thai Cosmetics Committee issued an announcement approving amendments to the required warning statements on labels of cosmetics containing climbazole as a preservative.
The revised labeling requirements officially took effect on February 1, 2025. Cosmetic stakeholders with products labeled according to the previous standards before this date are granted a 180-day transition period to comply with the new requirements.
Thailand Updates Import Requirements for Non-Commercial Cosmetics
On January 31, 2025, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health (MOPH) introduced updates to certain provisions within the regulations governing the importation of cosmetics intended for samples, exhibitions, academic studies, research, or analysis, initially released on February 18, 2020.
These revisions focus on refining the criteria, methods, conditions, and documentation necessary for importing these four categories. The adjusted requirements officially came into force on February 1, 2025.
Vietnam Announces to Strengthen Cosmetic Management
On January 14, 2025, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) issued Official Dispatch No. 119/QLD-MP on Strengthening Cosmetics Management. Based on several issues identified during its market review, such as inaccurate contact information and the failure to maintain the Product Information File (PIF), the DAV outlined a series of requirements for health departments and cosmetic businesses to enhance the regulation and management of cosmetics.
Vietnam Releases the Draft Outline of E-Commerce Law
On January 17, 2025, the Minister of Industry and Trade of Vietnam (MOIT) issued a notice regarding the development of an E-Commerce Law aimed at enhancing the regulation and management of commercial activities conducted on e-commerce platforms. The MOIT invites agencies, organizations, and individuals, both domestically and internationally, to review and provide their feedback.
HSA Alerts One Batch of Non-compliant Cosmetics Containing Potent Ingredients Found Overseas
On January 2, 2025, Singapore's Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released a list of products found overseas in December 2024 that contained potent ingredients, including one batch of cosmetics. The potent ingredient detected in this batch of cosmetics is Clobetasol. This ingredient is prohibited for general use in cosmetics in accordance with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).
Philippines Establishes National Halal Office to Strengthen Domestic and Global Market Presence
On December 17, 2024, the Philippines launched the National Halal Industry Development Office (NHIDO) under the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). This initiative supports the government's four-year Halal strategic plan and aims to enhance the country's position in the global Halal market.
Malaysia Cancels Notification of One Batch of Non-compliant Cosmetic Products
In January 2025, the Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) issued one batch of non-compliant cosmetics and urged the public to refrain from buying and using these products, which have been found to contain mercury.
India Proposes Amendments to Menthol Standards
On January 13, 2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released two draft amendments to the standards for synthetic menthol and natural menthol, aiming to align with technological advancements and international practices. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on these drafts until March 14, 2025.
India Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Standard for Carrot Seed Oil
On January 16, 2025, the BIS released a draft standard for carrot seed oil, inviting public comments until March 17, 2025. Carrot seed oil is the essential oil extract of the seed from the carrot plant, Daucus carota. The draft standard outlines key specifications, sampling methods, and testing procedures to ensure the oil’s quality and compliance.
EU SCCS Issues Preliminary Opinions on Three Ingredients Regarding Children Exposure
On January 13 and 20, 2025, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) initiated public consultations on its opinions regarding butylparaben, salicylic acid, and methyl salicylate, with a focus on their exposure risks on children. Based on the latest safety assessments, SCCS issued separate conclusions on the safety of these ingredients in cosmetics intended for children.
EU SCCS Finalizes Opinion About HC Red No. 18 (Submission II)
On December 10, 2024, EU SCCS released the preliminary opinion on HC Red No. 18 (CAS No. 1444596-49-9) in response to the industry's second submission of a safety assessment dossier for the ingredient. After a thorough consultation, SCCS issued its final opinion on January 23, 2025, upholding the initial conclusion.
UK to Regulate the Use of Methyl Salicylate in Cosmetics
On January 16, 2025, the UK notified WTO of a draft regulation titled The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, proposing restrictions on the use of methyl salicylate in cosmetics. The proposed restrictions are based on the opinion of the UK’s Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety in Consumer Products (SAG-CS) and partially differ from EU regulations. The draft is open for comments until March 17, 2025, with adoption scheduled for April 30, 2025.
California Designates Vinyl Acetate as a Carcinogen Under Proposition 65
On January 3, 2025, California’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA) officially added vinyl acetate to the Proposition 65 list as a carcinogen, following the Carcinogen Identification Committee’s (CIC) determination on December 19, 2024.
Starting January 3, 2026, businesses must provide warnings for significant exposures to vinyl acetate. Given its widespread use in retail, food and beverage, paint, adhesives, and personal care industries, affected companies are advised to use the one-year grace period to evaluate compliance measures, including potential Proposition 65 warnings or product reformulations.
Arizona Proposes to Ban Animal Testing
On January 14, 2025, the Arizona Senate introduced SB 1031, a bill seeking to prohibit manufacturers from selling or offering for sale cosmetics in Arizona that have undergone animal testing during development or production conducted by the manufacturer, its suppliers, or contracted individuals. The bill includes exceptions and outlines penalties for violations. If passed, Arizona would join other U.S. states in restricting cosmetic animal testing.
Canada Releases Assessment Conclusions for Multiple Substances
On January 25, the Canadian Department of Environment and the Department of Health released assessment conclusions for several substances. They published significant new activity notice for trisiloxane and a draft assessment for the 14 Terpene and Terpenoid Substances Group.
Canada Updates Two Technical Guidance Documents
Health Canada has updated two key technical guidance documents for cosmetics. The Evidence of Safety Requirements for Tooth Whitening Products Containing Peroxide is now available on their website. Additionally, the Technical Guidance for Professional-Use Cosmetic Products Containing Alpha-Hydroxy Acids has been revised to align with the latest conditions from the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist dated May 17, 2024. For a copy of the latter, please contact the regional office.
Canada Releases Annual Compliance Verification Report for 2023-2024
On January 31, 2025, Health Canada released its Annual Compliance Verification Report for 2023-2024. This report provides details on the top recalled consumer product categories and outlines targeted inspection activities related to consumer products and cosmetics conducted throughout the year.
Canada to Update Cosmetic Notification Form
According to a notice sent by Health Canada, the Cosmetics Notification Form will be updated in March 2025. The key updates involve:
Section 2: Product
Section 3: Notifier
Section 4: Manufacturing, importing, label and other contact
Section 5: Product ingredients
Section 6: Documents and pictures
Section 9: How to view/edit the previous CNF
Australia Adds One Ingredient to the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC)
On December 4, 2024, the Australia Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) announced the addition of one industrial chemical (2-Octenenitrile, 3,5,7-trimethyl-, CAS No. 947237-95-8) to the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) under Section 83 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019.
Australia Launched Public Consultation on Proposed Amendments to the Poisons Standard
On January 17, 2025, Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) initiated a public consultation regarding proposed amendments to the Poisons Standard for six substances. Among them, three substances are relevant to cosmetic use. Stakeholders are invited to provide their feedback before February 17, 2025.
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