[Updated] Thailand Updates Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics Containing Climbazole

Editor's note: This article was originally published on August 9, 2024, and updated on February 7, 2025, as per the latest developments. Updated content is highlighted in green below.

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.¹

On August 5, 2024, the Thai Food and Drug Administration (Thai FDA) released a draft notification for public consultation, proposing revisions to the warning statements on the labels of cosmetics containing climbazole as a preservative. The consultation period is open until August 19, 2024.²

Once adopted, the notification will come into force the day after its publication in the Government Gazette. Cosmetic stakeholders whose products meet the current labeling standards for climbazole as a preservative ingredient will have a 180-day grace period to adapt to the new requirements.

Specifics of the proposed amendments are as follows:

Removing the age restriction text “Do not use in children under 6 years of age.”
Modifying the text from “If irritation or abnormality occurs, stop using and consult a doctor or pharmacist.” to “If irritation occurs after using the product, stop using and consult a doctor or pharmacist.”
Eliminating the notes section, as currently climbazole is specified only for use in hair, eyebrow, mustache, and beard products (excluding eyelashes and facial skin). There is no need to specify additional notes.

Comparison of the Amendments Before and After Revisions (Texts in red means amendments. Texts with strikethrough means deletion.)
	Ref No.	Substance / CAS No.	Warnings which must be printed on the label
Before revisions	30	Climbazole 38083-17-9	Do not use for children under 6 years of age. Contains Climbazole. Be careful not to get it into the eyes. If irritation or abnormality occurs, stop using and consult a doctor or pharmacist. Notes: The warning statement shall be specified on the label of products for hair, eyebrows, mustaches, beards, except for eyelashes.
After revisions	30	Climbazole 38083-17-9	Contains Climbazole. Be careful not to get it into the eyes. If irritation occurs after using the product, stop using and consult a doctor or pharmacist.

ChemLinked Comments

The Thai FDA’ move aims to bring the warnings for climbazole used as a preservative in line with the latest amendments to the labeling requirments for its use as a restricted ingredient approved on April 23, 2024. This alignment will standardize warning labels for climbazole in cosmetics, ensuring consistent labeling practices and eliminating potential consumer confusion.