Taiwan to Amend Regulation on Alpha Hydroxyl Acids

Takehome:

Taiwan will attempt to reform regulations on alpha hydroxyl acids with the aim of clarifying requirements and adding maximum permitted concentrations.

During a cosmetic communication and discussion conference held at the end of 2016, members of TFDA discussed amending the regulation on alpha hydroxyl acids, and implementing a maximum concentration of alpha hydroxyl acids used in products of 10%.

For the usage of alpha hydroxyl acids, it is suggested defining usage as "stratum corneum exfoliation" instead of "enhancing renewal of skin".

The conference proposed that if products containing alpha hydroxyl acids are used as PH modifier, they should obey the above regulations. While labels and packages will be exempt from requirements to add precautions. 

Precautions that should normally be labeled for alpha hydroxyl acids products are listed below:

Fruit acids may cause irritation; please note the following when using this kind of product:

1. Please stop using if any discomfort occurs;
2. Do not use this product on wounds or if redness and swelling occurs;
3. If redness and swelling occurs after use, please discontinue use and consult a physician;
4. Infants and children are prohibited from using this kind of products;
5. For sensitive skin users, please conduct an allergy test prior to using this product. If no irritation occurs, the products may be used;
6. This product contains alpha hydroxyl acids, which may cause increase photosensitivity and lead to sunburn
7. This product must be used with sunscreens, protective clothes and avoid excessive sun exposure for one week.

All information above is under discussion on internal conference, which cannot be treated as official release.