On November 9, 2026, the NIDC announced that to further improve the technical standards for cosmetics, the NIDC has organized the development of the drafts for comments of five cosmetic standard development and revision projects, including Platinum (nano), which are now open for public comments. Comments may be submitted in the “Cosmetic Standard Development and Revision Management System” by December 11, 2026.
1. Platinum (nano) (Draft for Comments)
Overview: Colloidal platinum, INCI name COLLOIDAL PLATINUM, CAS No. 7440-06-4, is included in the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC). Based on insufficient safety information, platinum (nano) will be subject to stricter management. Platinum (nano) includes colloidal platinum.
Relationship with similar international standards: Based on insufficient safety information, the EU has included platinum (nano) and colloidal platinum (nano) in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (list of substances prohibited in cosmetic products).
Relationship with China’s existing standards: Colloidal platinum is included in the IECIC. This revision proposes to include “platinum (nano), including colloidal platinum” in the list of prohibited ingredients of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics. After the adjustment, it will be consistent with the relevant EU provisions.
2. Silver (nano) (Draft for Comments)
Overview: Colloidal silver, English name Colloidal Silver, INCI name COLLOIDAL SILVER, CAS No. 7440-22-4, is included in the IECIC. Based on the potential reproductive toxicity risk of silver (nano), it will be subject to stricter management. Silver (nano) includes colloidal silver.
Relationship with similar international standards: Based on the potential reproductive toxicity risk, the EU has included silver (nano, 1 nm < particle size < 100 nm) in Annex II of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (list of substances prohibited in cosmetic products).
Relationship with China’s existing standards: Colloidal silver is included in the IECIC. This revision proposes to include “silver (nano), including colloidal silver” in the list of prohibited ingredients of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics. After the adjustment, it will be consistent with the relevant EU provisions.
3. Toluene (Draft for Comments)
Overview: Toluene, INCI name TOLUENE, CAS No. 108-88-3, is included in the IECIC.
The List of Priority Controlled Chemicals (Second Batch) of China stipulates that environmental risk control measures shall be taken to minimize the impact of the production and use of toluene on human health and the environment.
Relationship with similar international standards: In view of the safety risks of toluene to human health and the environment, the EU and other countries or regions have imposed controls on the occupational exposure to toluene, and the control requirements are being tightened gradually.
Relationship with China’s existing standards: Toluene is included in the IECIC. This revision proposes to include toluene in the list of prohibited ingredients of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (Table 1).
4. Alpha-Arbutin and Arbutin (Draft for Comments)
Overview: Alpha-arbutin, INCI name ALPHA-ARBUTIN. Arbutin, INCI name ARBUTIN. Both alpha-arbutin and arbutin are included in the IECIC. Based on the potential skin sensitization, carcinogenic, and mutagenic risks of hydroquinone, the metabolite of alpha-arbutin and arbutin, alpha-arbutin and arbutin will be subject to stricter management.
Relationship with similar international standards: Based on the potential sensitization, carcinogenic, and mutagenic risks of hydroquinone, the metabolite of alpha-arbutin and arbutin, the EU has included alpha-arbutin in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down), with a maximum allowed concentration of 2% when used in face creams and 0.5% in body lotions; the hydroquinone content in the formula shall be kept as low as possible and shall not exceed the unavoidable trace level;
The EU has also included arbutin in Annex III of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (list of substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions laid down), with a maximum allowed concentration of 7% when used in face creams, and the hydroquinone content in the formula shall be kept as low as possible and shall not exceed the unavoidable trace level.
Relationship with China’s existing standards: Both alpha-arbutin and arbutin are included in the IECIC. This revision proposes to include alpha-arbutin in the restricted ingredients of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (Table 3), with a maximum allowed concentration of 0.5% when used in body products and 2% for other products, and the hydroquinone content in the products shall not exceed 3 mg/kg;
It is also proposed to include arbutin in the restricted ingredients of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (Table 3), with a maximum allowed concentration of 3% when used in body products and 7% for other products, and the hydroquinone content in the products shall not exceed 3 mg/kg. After the adjustment, it will be basically consistent with the relevant provisions of the EU and other countries or regions.
5. Ammonium Silver Zinc Aluminum Silicate (Draft for Comments)
Overview: Ammonium silver zinc aluminum silicate, INCI name AMMONIUM SILVER ZINC ALUMINUM SILICATE, is included in the IECIC. Based on the potential reproductive and developmental toxicity risk, ammonium silver zinc aluminum silicate will be subject to stricter management.
Relationship with similar international standards: Ammonium silver zinc aluminum silicate is included in Annex V of Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 on cosmetic products (list of permitted preservatives), with a maximum allowed concentration of 1.0% when used in solid powder foundations and deodorant spray products, and the silver content in the ingredient shall not exceed 2.5%. The relevant management requirements for use in ASEAN, Thailand, and Malaysia are consistent with those of the EU.
Relationship with China’s existing standards: Ammonium silver zinc aluminum silicate is included in the IECIC. Based on the potential reproductive and developmental toxicity risk, it is proposed to include ammonium silver zinc aluminum silicate in the restricted ingredients of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (Table 3), with a maximum allowed concentration of 1.0% in loose powders and deodorant products (sprays and aerosols), and the silver content in the ingredient shall not exceed 2.5%. After the adjustment, it will be basically consistent with the relevant provisions of the EU, ASEAN, Thailand, Malaysia, and other countries or regions.
CIRS Reminder
This consultation makes major adjustments to the regulatory positioning of several ingredients commonly used in the industry, covering two control pathways: prohibition and restriction. Once officially implemented, it will directly affect formula development, ingredient procurement, and the compliance of products already on the market. Relevant companies are advised to sort out their lists of ingredients in use and assess the impact on products on the market and formulas in reserve; they may submit feedback during the comment window, and carry out compliance preparations in advance, such as ingredient substitution, formula optimization, and updating of safety dossiers.
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