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China Reopens Consultation on Proposals for the Establishment of Cosmetics Standards in 2025
On May 6, 2025, the China National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued a public notice to solicit proposals for the establishment of cosmetics standards in 2025. The notice emphasizes that proposals should focus on the following four key areas:
Ingredients Standards: Priority should be given to ingredients widely used in registered and notified cosmetics, those identified as high-risk through adverse reaction monitoring, sampling, and safety risk assessments, as well as ingredients that have completed two years of safety monitoring.
Management Requirements for Banned, Restricted, and Permitted Ingredients: Proposals should reflect international regulations and standards, while also reflecting Chinese ingredient usage and market conditions.
Testing Methods Urgently Needed for Regulatory Oversight: For new methods, the proposal should justify the urgent regulatory need. For revisions to existing methods, the proposal should include a statement detailing the significant limitations or inapplicability of the current method.
Adoption of International Standards: Proposals should consider the adoption of well-established international standards that are urgently needed and widely recognized within the industry.
On May 7, 2025, China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced amendments to the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition) (STSC), introducing 5 new testing methods and revising 2 existing testing methods. These methods will take effect on March 1, 2026, and will apply to cosmetic registration, notification, and sampling testing.
On May 9, 2025, NIFDC improved its cosmetics intelligent application and review system by introducing a new functional module that allows for the simultaneous notification of new cosmetic ingredients and related products. The upgraded module was officially in operation on May 9, 2025.
China General Administration of Customs (GACC): Six Batches of Cosmetics Rejected in April
On May 22, 2025, GACC updated the list of food and cosmetics rejected in April 2025. Among them, three batches of cosmetics were rejected due to non-compliant labeling. In addition, one batch of cosmetics containing cannabis seed oil was found to be non-compliant with relevant regulations, another batch exceeded the permitted total microbial count, and a further batch was found to be past its shelf life.
China NMPA Approves 16 NCIs
In May 2025, NMPA updated the notification status of 20 new cosmetic ingredients (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. Acanthopanax sessiliflorus stem/leaf/fruit extract, notified on May 7, 2025
2. Camellia oil diglyceride, notified on May 8, 2025
3. Camellia chekiangoleosa seed oil, notified on May 9, 2025
4. Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis/lactose ferment extract filtrate, notified on May 12, 2025
5. Hansen's yeast/Pyrus ussuriensis fruit fermentation filtrate, notified on May 15, 2025
6. N-acetylneuraminic acid, notified on May 16, 2025
7. Hydrolyzed Andrias davidianus skin mucus, notified on May 20, 2025
8. Acetyl dipeptide-3 aminohexanoate, notified on May 22, 2025
9. Palmitoyl dipeptide-18, notified on May 22, 2025
10. Oligopeptide-337, notified on May 22, 2025
11. Gentiana veitchiorum extract, notified on May 26, 2025
12. Phlomoides rotata extract, notified on May 26, 2025
13. Ginsenoside CK, notified on May 27, 2025
14. Galactoglucan, notified on May 27, 2025
15. S-allyl-L-cysteine, notified on May 27, 2025
16. Pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt, notified on May 27, 2025
17. Cyclo-dipeptide-1, notified on May 28, 2025
18. Hydrolyzed sodium corallate, notified on May 29, 2025
19. Paeonia delavayi seed oil, notified on May 31, 2025
20. Aster indicus extract, notified on May 31, 2025
Authorities Release Five Batches of FAQs
In May 2025, NIFDC, Shandong Center for Food and Drug Evaluation & Inspection, Guangzhou AMR, and Beijing MPA issued four batches of FAQs, covering topics such as safety assessment requirements, PH testing methods, and Cosmetic Good Manufacturing Practices.
Release Date | Regulatory Authority | Batch |
My 9, 2025 | Shandong Center for Food and Drug Evaluation & Inspection | |
May 12, 2025 | Guangzhou AMR | |
May 21, 2025 | Guangzhou AMR | |
May 28, 2025 | Beijing Municipal MPA |
China Issues Eight Cosmetics-related Standards in May
In May 2025, China issued ten cosmetics-related standards, and one of them was released as a draft for public comment. The essential information is as follows:
No. | Release Date | Initiator | Standard Name | Type | Effective Date |
1 | May 9, 2025 | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology | Industry standard | November 1, 2025 | |
2 | May 9, 2025 | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology | Industry standard | November 1, 2025 | |
3 | May 9, 2025 | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology | Industry standard | November 1, 2025 | |
4 | May 9, 2025 | Ministry of Industry and Information Technology | QB/T 8005-2025 Cosmetic Ingredients—Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 | Industry standard | November 1, 2025 |
5 | May 12, 2025 | Guangdong Cosmetics Association | Group standard | / | |
6 | May 12, 2025 | Chaohu Nutrition Society | Group standard | May 19, 2025 | |
7 | May 26, 2025 | Guangdong Institute of Cosmetics Science and Technology | T/GDICST 009—2025 Guidelines for Development of Natural Cleansing & Care Cosmetics | Group standard | May 28, 2025 |
8 | May 28, 2025 | Guangdong Cosmetics Association | T/GDCA 061—2025 Detection Method of Pluralibacter Gergoviae in Cosmetics | Group standard | May 28, 2025 |
9 | May 28, 2025 | Guangdong Cosmetics Association | T/GDCA 062—2025 Cosmetics—Evaluation of Anti-photoaging Activity—Caenorhabditis Elegans Assay | Group standard | May 28, 2025 |
10 | May 28, 2025 | Guangdong Cosmetics Association | T/GDCA 063—2025 Cosmetics—Evaluation of Anti-thermal Aging Activity—Caenorhabditis Elegans Assay | Group standard | May 28, 2025 |
Taiwan Issues New Testing Method for Preservatives in Cosmetics
On May 21, 2025, Taiwan’s Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) published a recommended method for testing 15 preservatives in cosmetics. Among the listed preservatives, three—Isopropyl p-hydroxybenzoate, Isobutyl p-hydroxybenzoate, and sec-Butyl p-hydroxybenzoate—are not currently subject to use restrictions under Taiwan’s cosmetics regulatory framework. Given that Taiwan often aligns its cosmetic ingredient policies with those of the EU, a review of the EU’s permitted preservatives list was conducted. The review showed that the first two of the ingredients listed above have already been banned for use in cosmetics within the EU, while the third is not listed as an approved preservative.
PMDA: 14 Batches of Cosmetics Recalled in May
In May 2025, Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency (PMDA) announced the recall of 14 batches of cosmetics, including powder paper, body lotion, fragrance, and face oil. Most recalls were due to labeling violations, such as incorrect ingredient lists, mislabeling of product names, and duplicated ingredient notations. Additionally, a few batches were recalled for ingredient non-compliance, involving discrepancies between the actual ingredients and those listed on the labels.
South Korea Releases Updated List of Designated Cosmetic Testing Institutions
On May 20, 2025, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) issued an updated list on designated cosmetic testing institutions. The list includes 22 authorized institutions, along with information on their designation dates, names, addresses, and approved testing scopes, such as general cosmetics, hair coloring agents, and permanent wave products.
South Korea Consults on Guideline on Alternative Animal Testing Methods for Cosmetic Skin Sensitization (EpiSensA)
On May 30, 2025, the National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS) announced a draft Guideline on Alternative Animal Testing Methods for Cosmetic Skin Sensitization (EpiSensA) for public consultation. Stakeholders are invited to review the draft and submit their opinions to [email protected] by June 4, 2025.
Vietnam Publishes Draft Decree on Cosmetic Management
On May 15, 2025, the Vietnam Ministry of Health (MoH) issued a Draft Decree on Cosmetic Management, accompanied by a series of supporting documents. The draft regulations comprise 10 chapters and 68 articles, outlining comprehensive provisions across various aspects of cosmetic management.
Vietnam Strengthens Oversight of Cosmetics and Sunscreen Products
On May 16, 2025, the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) sent a letter to provincial and municipal health departments, urging enhanced surveillance and enforcement measures to combat the increasing circulation of counterfeit, smuggled, and substandard cosmetics. On May 20, 2025, DAV sent another letter, specifically focusing on sunscreen products, calling for immediate and stricter regulatory compliance.
Thailand Introduces e-Certificate System for Health Products, Including Cosmetics
The Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) has launched a new electronic certificate (e-Certificate) system for health products, covering cosmetics, food, medical devices, etc. Effective from May 1, 2025, the system allows businesses to apply for and verify certificates online anytime and anywhere, offering a faster, paperless, and more efficient service experience.
Thailand Updates Standard for In Vitro Testing of Sunscreen UVA Protection
On May 7, 2025, Thailand’s Ministry of Industry officially announced in the Royal Gazette the release of an updated standard for evaluating the UVA photoprotection of sunscreen products. The new standard, TIS 2883-2567: Cosmetics – Determination of Sunscreen UVA Photoprotection In Vitro, replaces the previous version (TIS 2883-2560) and is fully aligned with the international standard ISO 24443:2021. The new standard will come into force 120 days after publication, on September 4, 2025.
Malaysia Launches Electronic Halal Certificates
On May 8, 2025, the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) announced the implementation of the Malaysian Halal Certification Certificate (SPHM) electronically (e-Cert), effective from May 5, 2025. This move aligns with the national Public Service Digitalization agenda, aimed at enhancing the efficiency of government service delivery.
Malaysia Cancels Notification of Three Batches of Non-compliant Cosmetic Products
In May 2025, Malaysian National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) issued three batches of non-compliant cosmetics and urged the public to refrain from buying and using these products, which have been found to contain mercury, betamethasone 17-valerate, hydroquinone, and tretinoin.
In May 2025, Indonesia released draft amendments to the Regulation Concerning the Control of Drug and Food Online Distribution. The regulation scope also covers the online sale of cosmetics.
BPOM Revokes Notification Number of Four Cosmetic Products for Misleading Oral Use Claims
The Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) has revoked the notification number of four cosmetic products after discovering they were promoted with false claims that they could be ingested. The products, which had notification numbers, were found to be marketed online with claims suggesting they were safe for oral use—an act that directly violates BPOM Regulation No. 18 of 2024 Concerning Cosmetic Labeling, Promotion, and Advertising.
On May 24, 2025, the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) released the draft second amendment to the Regulation for Supervision on the Entry of Drugs and Food into the Territory of Indonesia.
Singapore
HSA Alerts 21 Batches of Non-compliant Cosmetics Containing Potent Ingredients Found Overseas
On May 5, 2025, Singapore’s Health Sciences Authority (HSA) released a list of products found overseas in April 2025 that contain potent ingredients, including 21 batches of cosmetics. The potent ingredients detected in these cosmetics include Mercury, Betamethasone, Hydroquinone, Tretinoin, and Rhodamine B.
HAS Recalls a Batch of Non-compliant Cosmetics
On
May 20, 2025, HSA released a notice to recall a batch of hair
conditioner. It was found to contain a mixture of methylchloroisothiazolinone and methylisothiazolinone exceeding the maximum authorized concentration.
India Cancels Registration of Several Cosmetic Products Due to High Salicylic Acid Levels
On May 20, 2025, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) cancelled the registration of several imported cosmetic products due to excessive salicylic acid content in violation of the Cosmetics Rules, 2020. Seven products were found to contain concentrations ranging from 7% to 30%, far exceeding the permissible limits of 3% for rinse-off hair products and 2% for other cosmetics under Indian regulations.
India Publishes Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) Alert for April 2025
On May 20, 2025, India’s CDSCO released the monthly list of products classified as Not of Standard Quality (NSQ) for April 2025. A total of 136 drugs were flagged by state laboratories for failing to meet required standards. Among them, 7 products were cosmetics.
Sri Lanka Revises Document Requirements for New Cosmetic Registrations
On May 19, 2025, the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) of Sri Lanka released an updated checklist of required documents for new cosmetic registration applications. The revised requirements will take effect from June 1, 2025.
On May 23, 2025, Sri Lanka’s NMRA announced the rollout of a Single File Submission policy for new registration and re-registration applications of cosmetic products containing multiple colour variants. Effective June 1, 2025, the new process permits the inclusion of up to ten colour variants within the same product series under a single application file.
Australia Announces to Simplify SIR Compliance for Listed Introductions
On May 29, 2025, the Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) announced that it will implement changes on July 25, 2025, to help chemical introducers comply with reporting obligations for listed introductions that have a specific information requirement (SIR).
Australia Publishes a Batch of Assessment Statements
On May 5, 2025, the AICIS released a batch of assessment statements under section 37 of the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019. Five of the assessed chemicals are relevant to cosmetic use and have been evaluated for assessment certificates.
EU SCCS Finalizes Opinions on Three Cosmetic Ingredients Concerning Children Exposure
In January 2025, EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) issued preliminary opinions on butylparaben (CAS No. 94-26-8), salicylic acid (CAS No. 69-72-7), and methyl salicylate (CAS No. 119-36-8), focusing on their use in cosmetics intended for children. Taking into account the comments received during the public consultation, SCCS released final opinions on these substances on May 2, 2025.
EU Updates Cosmetic Ingredient Lists to Address Newly Classified CMR Substances
On May 13, 2025, EU published Commission Regulation (EU) 2025/877 in its Official Journal, finalizing amendments to the prohibited and restricted ingredient lists of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation). These amendments, based on classifications of CMR substances (those identified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction) under Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/197, will apply from September 1, 2025.
EU Drafts New Amendments to Cosmetic Ingredient Lists Following Latest CMR Classification
In response to the newly classified CMR substances in Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2024/2564, EU submitted a draft regulation to the WTO on May 21, 2025, proposing revisions to four ingredient lists of the Cosmetics Regulation. The proposed changes include:
1) List of prohibited ingredients: 2 revisions, 2 deletions, and 15 additions
2) List of restricted ingredients: 2 additions
3) List of permitted colorants: 1 revision
4) List of permitted preservatives: 1 revision
EU to Finalize Roadmap for Phasing Out All Animal Testing by Early 2026
In response to the European Citizens' Initiative "Save Cruelty Free Cosmetics — Commit to a Europe Without Animal Testing", the European Commission aims to finalize its roadmap for phasing out animal testing by the first quarter of 2026. According to Executive Vice-President Séjourné, the roadmap will present a structured and gradual plan for implementation, promoting the use of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) across 15 legislative areas where animal testing is currently required. Its release will represent a significant step in the EU's ongoing efforts to promote non-animal approaches in chemical safety assessments.
UK to Modify Use Conditions for UV Filter Benzophenone-3
On May 8, 2025, UK notified WTO of a draft regulation titled The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No.2) Regulations 2025, proposing changes to the use requirements for benzophenone-3 in cosmetic products. Compared to existing restrictions, the draft specifies the permitted product types for benzophenone-3 as a UV filter, along with the corresponding concentration limits. It also introduces additional conditions for its use as a stabilizer. The draft is open for comments until July 7, 2025, and expected to come into force on January 21, 2026.
UK SAG-CS Releases Opinions on Formaldehyde Releasers, Homosalate, and 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor
On May 21, 2025, the UK's Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) issued safety opinions on formaldehyde releasing substances, homosalate, and 4-methylbenzylidene camphor. These opinions recommend lowering the labelling threshold for formaldehyde releasing preservatives to 0.001% to better protect consumers, confirm homosalate’s safety at current concentration limits, and express uncertainty regarding the safety of 4-methylbenzylidene camphor owing to insufficient data and potential health concerns.
U.S. to Hold Webinar on Lead Data Collection for Cosmetics Ahead of Formaldehyde Rule Adoption
On May 28, 2025, the United States notified the WTO of an update concerning Washington State’s proposed regulation, Chapter 173-339 WAC – Cosmetic Products Restrictions (Formaldehyde in Cosmetics). As per the notification, an online guidance webinar will be held on June 11, 2025, to assist cosmetic manufacturers in complying with the Interim Lead Policy under the Toxic-Free Cosmetics Act (TFCA). The session will cover lead data collection, testing, submission procedures, etc. Washington’s proposed formaldehyde rule remains under review and is expected to be finalized by September 2025.
U.S. FDA Refuses Entry to 83 Batches of Imported Cosmetics in March 2025
In April 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) denied entry to 83 batches of imported cosmetics for violations of the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Products from 14 countries were affected, with China as the leading source of violations. The majority of rejected items were skincare preparations. The primary cause of rejection was color additive violation.
Canada Proposes to Amend Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
On May 14, 2025, Health Canada issued a notice regarding the review of proposed amendments to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. The proposed amendments are:
1) Adding 3 ingredients;
2) Revising 4 ingredients.
Brazil Clarifies Rules for Accepting Amendments to Cosmetic Registration Applications
On May 29, 2025, the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency (Anvisa) announced new criteria for accepting addenda to cosmetic registration application. Aimed at streamlining the evaluation process conducted by Anvisa's technical sectors, these criteria are scheduled to take effect on June 9, 2025.
Further Reading
Monthly Recap: Global Cosmetic Regulatory Updates | April 2025
Monthly Recap: Global Cosmetic Regulatory Updates | March 2025
Monthly Recap: Global Cosmetic Regulatory Updates | February 2025
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