On May 29, 2026, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) published eight testing methods to be incorporated into the corresponding chapters of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition).
The following four test methods are new:
- Determination of Trivalent Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium in Cosmetics
- Determination of Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl in Cosmetics
- Determination of 1-Hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole Sulfate and Other 10 Ingredients in Cosmetics
- Safety Evaluation of Long-term Use Tests of Cosmetics on the Human Body
The following four test methods are revised, replacing the original methods in the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition):
- Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test
- In Vitro Mammalian Cells Chromosome Aberration Test
- 90-Day Oral Toxicity Test
- 90-Day Dermal Toxicity Test
The above eight methods will come into effect on March 1, 2027. It is encouraged to adopt the above methods for testing related to cosmetics registration and dossier filing ahead of their implementation.
Four Newly Added Testing Methods
1. Determination of Trivalent Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium in Cosmetics
This method specifies the determination of trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium in cosmetics by high-performance liquid chromatography–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). This method is applicable to the determination of trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium in cream and emulsion products, liquid (aqueous and oil-based) products, gel products, powder products, compressed products, and mud/mask products.
2. Determination of Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl in Cosmetics
This method specifies the determination of ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl in cosmetics by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method is applicable to the determination of ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl in liquid (aqueous and oil-based) products, cream and emulsion products, powder products, and gel products.
3. Determination of 1-Hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole Sulfate and Other 10 Ingredients in Cosmetics
This method specifies the determination of 1-hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole sulfate and ten other ingredients in cosmetics by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method is applicable to the determination of 1-hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole sulfate and ten other ingredients in hair dye cosmetics. Cosmetic ingredients may exist in various forms, such as sulfates and hydrochlorides. When multiple forms coexist, they shall be uniformly calculated in one form.
The 11 ingredients covered by this method include: 1-hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole sulfate, hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate, tetraaminopyrimidine sulfate, 1,3-bis-(2,4-diaminophenoxy)propane hydrochloride, HC Red No. 3, Disperse Black 9, 2-amino-6-chloro-4-nitrophenol, Basic Red 76 (CI 12245), hydroxypropyl bis(N-hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine) hydrochloride, 2,6-dimethoxy-3,5-pyridinediamine hydrochloride, and 6-methoxy-2-methylamino-3-aminopyridine hydrochloride (HC Blue No. 7).
4. Safety Evaluation of Long-term Using Tests of Cosmetics on the Human Body
This method specifies the objectives, subject requirements, and procedures for long-term human use testing. This method is applicable to the evaluation of adverse reactions on human skin caused by new skin-whitening and freckle-removing cosmetic ingredients.
Four Revised Testing Methods
5. Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test
This method specifies the basic principles, requirements, and procedures for the bacterial reverse mutation test. This method is applicable to the detection of gene mutations in cosmetic ingredients and products.
6. In Vitro Mammalian Cells Chromosome Aberration Test
This method specifies the basic principles, requirements, and procedures for the in vitro mammalian cell chromosome aberration test. This method is applicable to evaluating the mutagenicity of cosmetic ingredients and products.
7. 90-Day Oral Toxicity Test
This method specifies the basic principles, requirements, and procedures for the 90-day oral toxicity test in rodents. This method is applicable to evaluating the 90-day oral toxicity of cosmetic ingredients.
8. 90-Day Dermal Toxicity Test
This method specifies the basic principles, requirements, and procedures for the 90-day dermal toxicity test in animals. This method is applicable to evaluating the 90-day dermal toxicity of cosmetic ingredients.
CIRS Reminder
The update of these eight test methods further improves China's cosmetic safety standards system, drives domestic testing technology toward alignment with advanced international standards, and continuously enhances the scientific and regulatory rigor of cosmetic safety oversight. The new regulations will officially take effect on March 1, 2027. Enterprises are advised to make full use of the transition period to complete compliance adaptations in an orderly manner.
It is recommended to comprehensively conduct product self-inspections, assess key items such as chromium components, novel preservatives, and hair dye ingredients, proactively prepare for long-term human use testing related to new skin-whitening and freckle-removing ingredients, and complete product verification and validation in accordance with the new standards to ensure stable compliance operations after the new regulations take effect.
CIRS Group will continue to monitor changes to the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics and promptly release the latest updates.
About CIRS
Established in 2007, the CIRS Group is a leading product safety and regulatory consulting firm. CIRS has branch offices in the Republic of Ireland, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan and China. CIRS Group utilizes its technical expertise, various resources, and international network to provide one-stop compliance services from regulatory compliance, laboratory testing, R&D to data services across multiple industries. This includes chemicals, cosmetics, food and food beverages, medical devices, agrochemical products, disinfectants, and consumer goods. It helps clients gain a competitive advantage by reducing business risks associated with regulatory affairs.
The CIRS cosmetic team provides expert support to ensure that cosmetic products meet stringent global cosmetic regulations and safety standards.
We offer comprehensive, lifecycle-based solutions for personal care products, from early-stage cosmetic ingredient development through to final product registration. Our services include:
- Cosmetic ingredient development and regulatory strategy,
- Physical/chemical and analytical tests,
- Toxicological tests (in vivo & in vitro),
- Efficacy and claim substantiation studies (in vivo & in vitro), and
- Ingredient and product registration across global markets.
With deep expertise in cosmetic regulatory compliance and safety evaluations, our team enables brands to bring products to market efficiently and with confidence.
Our Services
- China Cosmetics Registration and Filing
- China New Cosmetic Ingredients Registration and Filing
- China Toothpaste Filing
- Cosmetics Safety Test
- Cosmetics Efficacy Claims Test
- Being a Domestic Responsible Person
- Safety Assessment Report
- Cosmetic Ingredient Quality and Safety Info Code Application
- Formula/Label/Ingredient Review
- Regulatory Consulting/Reporting/Training
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If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.
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