This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations in China and globally as of April 2025, covering industry news, newly issued regulations, relevant policy adjustments, and regulatory requirements. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.
China
This section is divided into two main modules: Regulatory Updates and Local Developments & Industry News. The first module primarily covers the latest regulatory developments issued by national authorities such as the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC). The second module compiles and summarizes cosmetics-related updates from local authorities as well as key industry news.
Regulatory Updates
Announcement of the National Medical Products Administration on Issuing the Measures for the Administration of Cosmetics Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment (No. 37 of 2025)
On April 9, 2025, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued the Measures for the Administration of Cosmetics Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment in order to strengthen the supervision and administration of cosmetics, and to standardize the work related to cosmetics safety risk monitoring and assessment. These Measures were formulated in accordance with the Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics and other relevant laws and regulations. The Measures are hereby promulgated and shall come into force as of August 1, 2025.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/fgwj/xzhgfxwj/20250409165401197.html?3jfdxVGGVXFo=1744256677982
Notice of the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control on the Publication of the Usage Information of Selected Ingredients Included in the International Authoritative Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index
On April 10, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued this notice to implement the requirements set forth in the Announcement of the National Medical Products Administration on Issuing Several Measures to Optimize the Administration of Cosmetics Safety Assessment (No. 50 of 2024), further enrich the reference data for cosmetic ingredients, and promote the orderly implementation of the cosmetics safety assessment system.
Building upon the updated Information on the Use of Ingredients in Marketed Products released on February 9, 2025, and based on industry feedback, the NIFDC has reviewed certain ingredients included in the Index of International Authoritative Cosmetics Safety Assessment Data (renamed as the International Authoritative Cosmetics Safety Assessment Data Index, published on April 30, 2024) that either lack safety assessment conclusions or are subject to restricted use conditions. Considering their actual use in registered or filed cosmetics in China, the NIFDC has compiled the Information on the Use of Certain Ingredients Included in the International Authoritative Cosmetics Safety Assessment Data Index.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhtzgg/202504100943531515755.html
Amendment to the National Standard General Requirements for Labeling and Instructions for Disinfection Products to Be Officially Implemented from May 1, 2025
On April 29, 2024, the State Administration for Market Regulation (Standardization Administration of China) approved 34 mandatory national standards, including Medical Glass Thermometers, and one amendment to a mandatory national standard. Among them, the amendment to GB 38598-2020 General Requirements for Labeling and Instructions for Disinfection Products has come into effect on May 1, 2025.
Announcement of the National Medical Products Administration on Issuing the Supplementary Testing Method for Cosmetics--Determination of Methylprednisolone in Cosmetics (No. 47 of 2025)
On April 30, 2025, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued the supplementary testing method for cosmetics titled Determination of Methylprednisolone in Cosmetics. This method specifies the procedures for the qualitative and quantitative determination of methylprednisolone in cosmetics. It is applicable to the determination of methylprednisolone in cream and lotion-based products, liquid (water- and oil-based) products, gels, mud-type products, and facial mask-type cosmetics.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/ggtg/hzhpggtg/jmhzhptg/20250430093646190.html
Local Developments & Industry News
Hubei | Annual Report on Adverse Reaction Monitoring of Cosmetics in Hubei Province (2024)
On April 8, 2025, the Hubei Provincial Medical Products Administration released the Annual Report on Adverse Reaction Monitoring of Cosmetics in Hubei Province (2024). To comprehensively reflect the province-wide monitoring situation of cosmetic adverse reactions in 2024 and to enhance public safety in cosmetic use, the Hubei Provincial Medical Products Administration organized the compilation of this report by the Hubei Adverse Drug Reaction (Medical Device) Monitoring Center.
https://mpa.hubei.gov.cn/zfxxgk/fdzdgknr/blfyjcxx/202504/t20250408_5606173.shtml
Hebei | Notice of the Hebei Provincial Medical Products Administration on Issuing the Measures for the Evaluation and Classified Management of Quality Credit Ratings of Cosmetics Manufacturers in Hebei Province (Trial)
On April 16, 2025, the Hebei Provincial Medical Products Administration issued the Measures for the Evaluation and Classified Management of Quality Credit Ratings of Cosmetics Manufacturers in Hebei Province (Trial). The purpose of these Measures is to promote the establishment of an integrity system among cosmetics manufacturers and to strengthen their primary responsibility for quality and safety. Under the Measures, cosmetics manufacturers are classified into four credit rating levels. A dynamic management mechanism is implemented through procedures including self-evaluation, information verification, preliminary evaluation, result notification, and objection handling. Regulatory authorities will adopt differentiated regulatory measures based on the credit rating level of each enterprise. These Measures shall come into effect from the date of issuance and will remain valid for two years.
https://yjj.hebei.gov.cn/directory/web/hbpda/xxgk/zfxxgk/zhce/ztfl/hzpjg/20250417091423162.html
Shanghai | Implementation Guidelines for the 2025 Supervision and Spot Inspection of Packaging Measurement for Food and Cosmetics in Shanghai
On April 16, 2025, the Shanghai Municipal Administration for Market Regulation issued the Implementation Guidelines for the 2025 Supervision and Spot Inspection of Packaging Measurement for Food and Cosmetics in Shanghai. The guidelines specify the sampling methods, inspection items, and determination criteria. Samples are to be collected from manufacturing enterprises or retail outlets. Five key indicators are inspected: packaging void ratio, number of layers, packaging cost, and other related parameters. If any single indicator fails to meet the mandatory requirements, the product will be deemed to exhibit excessive packaging. These guidelines shall come into effect as of the date of issuance.
https://scjgj.sh.gov.cn/911/20250416/2c984ad6963c0dbe01963cb77ac90c4a.html
CAFFCI | Release of the "Chinese-English Names Correspondence for Certain Fragrance Ingredients" by the China Association of Fragrance, Flavour and Cosmetic Industries (CAFFCI)
In collaboration with the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, and based on the relevant technical regulatory requirements, CAFFCI conducted a translation project for the Chinese-English correspondence of certain fragrance ingredients. A technical review meeting was organized, resulting in the formation of the Chinese-English Names Correspondence for Certain Fragrance Ingredients.
Shandong | Shandong Provincial Medical Products Administration Deploys 2025 Supervision and Inspection Work for Cosmetics Manufacturing
On April 23, 2025, the Shandong Provincial Medical Products Administration issued the 2025 Provincial Supervision and Inspection Plan for Cosmetics Manufacturing, outlining the deployment and arrangements for regulatory inspections of cosmetics manufacturing across the province in 2025. The initiative aims to further strengthen regulatory oversight of the cosmetics production sector, reinforce corporate responsibility, and ensure the safety of cosmetics use by the public.
http://mpa.shandong.gov.cn/art/2025/4/23/art_101683_10416467.html
Global
Europe
SCCS Issued Final Opinion on Benzophenone - 1
On April 1, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion (SCCS/1672/24) on Benzophenone -1 (CAS No. 131-56-6). The preliminary opinion on Benzophenone -1 was issued on November 7, 2024.
The SCCS considers Benzophenone-1 not safe when used as a light stabiliser in cosmetic products for the following reasons:
- The available data indicate genotoxicity potential of Benzophenone-1.
- The evidence assessed by the SCCS also shows that Benzophenone-1 is an endocrine-active substance due to clear demonstration of estrogenic activity and weak anti-androgenic activity both in vitro and in vivo, and potential activity against thyroid modality in vitro.
https://www.cirs-group.com/en/cosmetics/sccs-issued-final-opinion-on-benzophenone-1
SCCS Issued Preliminary Opinion on Hydroxyapatite (nano)
On April 3, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued a preliminary opinion (SCCS/1677/25) on Hydroxyapatite (nano) (CAS No. 1306-06-5). The deadline for comments is set for May 30, 2025.
Based on the data provided, the SCCS considers hydroxyapatite (nano) safe when used at concentrations up to 29.5% in toothpaste, and up to 10% in mouthwash. This safety evaluation only applies to the hydroxyapatite (nano) that has the following characteristics:
- composed of rod-shaped particles of which at least 87% (in particle number) have aspect ratios equal to or less than 3, and the remaining 13% have aspect ratios not exceeding 9;
- the HAP particles are not coated or surface-modified.
https://www.cirs-group.com/en/cosmetics/sccs-issued-preliminary-opinion-on-hydroxyapatite-nano
Major Reform to EU REACH Regulation Impacts the Cosmetics Industry
On April 3, 2025, at the CARACAL-54 meeting of the joint advisory body REACH-CLP, the European Commission officially released the final proposal for the reform of the REACH Regulation. The European Chemical Industry Council (Cefic) pointed out that the digital transformation is expected to increase costs for SMEs by 40%, and that the 10-year review cycle and complex mixed assessment models may slow the development of innovative pharmaceuticals.
The following core issues are directly related to cosmetics companies that are planning to enter or have already entered the EU market: Registration Validity Period Shortened to Ten Years; Registration Numbers May Be Revoked; Higher Data Requirements; Polymers Will Also Require Registration; Digital Product Passport (DPP); Digitalization of Safety Data Sheets (SDS); Customs Enforcement Integration; Distance Sales and others.
SCCS Issued Preliminary Opinion on Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-5
On April 22, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1679/25) on Benzophenone-2 (BP-2) (CAS No. 131-55-5) and Benzophenone-5 (BP-5) (CAS No. 6628-37-1). The deadline for comments is set for June 17, 2025.
Regarding whether there are specific concerns regarding the use of Benzophenone-2 and Benzophenone-5 in cosmetic products.
- Benzophenone-2 (BP-2): The SCCS cannot conclude on the safety of Benzophenone-2 because genotoxicity potential cannot be excluded. The data on repeated dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity of Benzophenone-2 are also either limited or not available. The available evidence shows that BP-2 is an endocrine-active substance, due to a clear demonstration of estrogenic activity both in vitro and in vivo.
- Benzophenone-5 (BP-5): Due to the scarcity of information for Benzophenone-5, the SCCS has considered that data from a close analogue BP-4 can be used for read-across for the safety assessment of BP-5. Thus, considering the toxicological data on Benzophenone-4, including the potential endocrine disrupting properties, the SCCS is of the opinion that BP-5 is safe when used as a UV filter up to a maximum concentration of 5% in sunscreen, face and hand cream, lipstick, sunscreen propellant spray and pump spray, when used separately or in combination (based on deterministic aggregated exposure of BP-4).
The SCCS considers that the use of Benzophenone-2 in cosmetic products may pose a risk to the consumer because of the indications for genotoxicity and endocrine activity. The assessment of safety of BP-2 in cosmetic products also requires appropriate data on repeated dose toxicity and reproductive toxicity.
Asia
Thailand Issues Testing Method for Benzene in Cosmetics
On April 2, 2025, the Ministry of Industry of Thailand released an official testing method for the detection of benzene in cosmetics. This method applies to both cosmetic products and essential oils, utilizing gas chromatography (GC) for analysis. The limit of detection is set at 10 mg/kg. The method came into effect immediately upon its publication.
Thailand Notifies Draft Regulation on Cosmetic Labelling: Fluoride Toothpaste
On April 4, 2025, Thailand notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft regulation titled “Cosmetic Labelling: Fluoride Toothpaste” (Notification No. G/TBT/N/THA/773). Pursuant to Section 22, Paragraph 3 of the Cosmetic Act B.E. 2558 (2015), manufacturers, importers, or contract manufacturers intending to place fluoride toothpaste on the market must ensure that product labels include the following information:
- The term “fluoride toothpaste” or an equivalent expression;
- The total fluoride content expressed as fluoride ion (F⁻), indicated in parts per million (ppm) or an equivalent unit.
These labelling requirements are supplementary and must be observed in conjunction with the labelling provisions outlined in the Notification of the Cosmetic Committee on Cosmetic Labelling B.E. 2562 (2019). The public consultation period for the draft regulation ends on June 3, 2025.
Taiwan (ROC) Issues Draft Amendment to the "List of Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetic Products (Draft)"
On April 7, 2025, the Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu issued notification G/TBT/N/TPKM/559, announcing the draft amendment to the "List of Prohibited and Restricted Ingredients in Cosmetic Products (Draft)." The comment period for this draft is 60 days from the date of notification, and the amendment is expected to take effect on July 1, 2026.
Israel Updates Labelling Requirements for Formaldehyde in Cosmetics
On April 22, 2025, the Israeli Ministry of Health updated its labelling requirements for formaldehyde under the national cosmetic ingredient regulations to align with the European Union Cosmetics Regulation. The key provisions are as follows:
- If a cosmetic product contains substances listed in Annex V, and the released concentration of formaldehyde in the finished product exceeds 0.01% (10 mg/kg), the label must include the statement: “Releases formaldehyde”.
- If the only change to the product is the addition of this warning label, there is no requirement to update the cosmetic license or submit a new product notification.
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