This article reviews and summarizes the latest regulatory developments in China's cosmetics sector during the first half of 2025. It covers updates in laws and regulations, ministerial rules, technical standards, and other relevant aspects. The aim is to help enterprises stay informed of policy changes, ensure compliant product launches, and effectively enhance market competitiveness.
Public Consultation by the NIFDC on Nine Draft Test Methods Including the “In Vitro Skin Absorption Test (Draft for Comments)”
On January 22, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued a notice to solicit public comments on nine draft test methods, including the In Vitro Skin Absorption Test (Draft for Comments). In order to further improve the technical standards for cosmetics (including toothpaste), the NIFDC has organized the formulation of nine test methods, now open for public consultation.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/xxgk/ggtzh/tongzhi/202501221347011412290.html
NMPA Issues Provisions to Support Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients (Decree No. 12 of 2025)
On February 6, 2025, in order to implement the guiding principles of the 20th CPC Central Committee’s Third Plenary Session, further encourage innovation in cosmetic ingredients, and promote high-quality development of the cosmetics industry, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued the Provisions to Support Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients (Decree No. 12 of 2025). These provisions were formulated in accordance with the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation and other relevant laws and regulations.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/ggtg/hzhpggtg/jmhzhptg/20250206171649139.html
NIFDC Updates “Information on Ingredients Used in Marketed Products”
On February 9, 2025, to implement the requirements of the NMPA Announcement on Optimizing Measures for Cosmetic Safety Assessment Management (No. 50 of 2024), the NIFDC updated the Information on Ingredient Use in Marketed Products, replacing the previous version released on April 30, 2024.
This update expands the number of cosmetic ingredients covered from 2,234 to 3,608 and increases the number of usage records from 4,415 to 7,672. Additionally, new application sites such as body hair and fingernails/toenails have been added. These enhancements aim to enrich the reference data for cosmetic ingredients and support the orderly implementation of the cosmetic safety assessment system.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhtzgg/202502071436561433633.html
NIFDC Solicits Public Comments on the Draft “Usage Information of Selected Ingredients Included in the International Authoritative Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index”
On February 19, 2025, the NIFDC issued a notice to solicit public comments on the draft document titled Usage Information of Selected Ingredients Listed in the International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index (Draft for Comments) and its drafting instructions.
This initiative is part of the implementation of the NMPA Announcement on Optimizing Measures for Cosmetic Safety Assessment Management (No. 50 of 2024), aiming to further enrich the reference data for cosmetic ingredients. NIFDC reviewed the ingredient assessment data included in the International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index released on April 30, 2024, and compiled usage information for selected ingredients used in registered and filed cosmetic products in China.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhtzgg/202502191033271449237.html
NMPA and NHC Issue the 2025 Edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China (Announcement No. 29 of 2025)
On March 25, 2025, the NMPA and the National Health Commission (NHC) jointly issued the 2025 edition of the Pharmacopoeia of the People’s Republic of China, following its approval by the plenary session of the Executive Committee of the 12th Pharmacopoeia Commission. The new edition will come into effect on October 1, 2025.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/fgwj/gzwj/gzwjyp/20250325183810122.html
NIFDC Solicits Public Comments on the Draft Technical Guidelines for Updating Filing Information of New Cosmetic Ingredients
On March 27, 2025, the NIFDC issued the Draft Technical Guidelines for Updating Filing Information of New Cosmetic Ingredients for public consultation. This initiative is in line with the Provisions on Supporting Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients issued by the NMPA, aiming to guide filers in the standardized updating of filing information and related research activities for new cosmetic ingredients.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpjssp/hzpsptzgg/202503271158101497304.html
NMPA Issues the Administrative Measures for Cosmetic Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment (Announcement No. 37 of 2025)
On April 9, 2025, the NMPA issued the Administrative Measures for Cosmetic Safety Risk Monitoring and Assessment. Formulated in accordance with the Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics and other relevant laws and regulations, the Measures aim to strengthen the supervision and administration of cosmetics and to standardize the work related to cosmetic safety risk monitoring and assessment.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/fgwj/xzhgfxwj/20250409165401197.html?3jfdxVGGVXFo=1744256677982
NIFDC Issues Notice on the Publication of "Usage Information of Selected Ingredients Included in the International Authoritative Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index"
On April 10, 2025, NIFDC released the Usage Information of Selected Ingredients Included in the International Authoritative Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index. This move is in response to the NMPA Announcement on Issuing Several Measures to Optimize Cosmetic Safety Assessment Management (No. 50 of 2024), aiming to enrich reference data on cosmetic ingredients and promote the orderly implementation of the cosmetic safety assessment system.
Building upon the updated Information on Ingredient Use in Marketed Products released on February 9, 2025, and based on industry feedback, NIFDC reviewed ingredients from the Index of International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data (originally published on April 30, 2024, and recently renamed), particularly those without safety assessment conclusions or with restricted use conditions. Taking into account their use in registered and filed cosmetics in China, NIFDC compiled the current usage information for these specific ingredients.
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 will come into effect on May 1, 2025.
Announcement of the NMPA on Issuing the Supplementary Testing Method for Cosmetics--Determination of Methylprednisolone in Cosmetics (No. 47 of 2025)
On April 30, 2025, the 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
Second Call for Proposals on the Formulation of Cosmetic Standards for 2025
On May 6, 2025, the NIFDC issued a public notice to solicit proposals for the formulation of cosmetic standards for 2025. This initiative is part of the ongoing work plan for cosmetic standard development. In accordance with the overall arrangement for cosmetic standardization, the Secretariat of the Cosmetic Standards Technical Committee of the NMPA is now launching a second round of public consultation to collect project proposals for the 2025 cosmetic standards development plan.
Proposals should focus on the following four key areas: Standards for cosmetic ingredients; Management requirements for prohibited, restricted, and permitted ingredients; Testing methods urgently needed for regulatory purposes; Adoption and harmonization of international standards.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/xxgk/ggtzh/tongzhi/202505060837201550252.html
2024 Annual Cosmetic Evaluation Report
On May 6, 2025, the NIFDC released the 2024 Annual Cosmetic Evaluation Report. The report primarily covers the following aspects: Overview of key activities carried out throughout the year; Status of cosmetic registrants, filing applicants, domestic responsible persons, and manufacturing enterprises; Registration status of special cosmetics; Filing status of general cosmetics; Filing status of toothpaste products; Registration and filing of new cosmetic ingredients and Progress in cosmetic standardization and regulatory framework development.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpjssp/hzpsptzgg/20250506192736130.html
Announcement of the NMPA on the Inclusion of Seven Testing Methods, Including the Method for Detecting Hard Particles in Toothpaste, into the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety (2015 Edition) (No. 18 of 2025)
On May 7, 2025, the NMPA organized the drafting of seven testing methods, including the Testing Method for Hard Particles in Toothpaste. These methods have been reviewed and approved by the Chairpersons' Meeting of the NMPA Cosmetic Standards Technical Committee and are hereby officially issued. They will be incorporated into the relevant sections of the Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Safety (2015 Edition).
These methods will come into effect on March 1, 2026. Prior to their official implementation, cosmetic registrants and filing applicants are encouraged to adopt these methods in relevant testing activities.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/ggtg/hzhpggtg/jmhzhptg/20250507161547128.html
Launch of the Integrated Submission Module for Simultaneous Notification of New Cosmetic Ingredients and Related Products
On May 9, 2025, the NIFDC announced the official launch of a new functional module within the Smart Cosmetic Registration and Evaluation System, enabling the simultaneous submission of new cosmetic ingredients and related products.
In order to implement the requirements outlined in the Provisions on Supporting Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients issued by the NMPA, and to enhance the efficiency of the review and approval processes for new cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic products, the NIFDC has optimized the Smart Cosmetic Registration and Evaluation System. A new functional module has been added to support the integrated submission of new cosmetic ingredients and their associated products, which officially went live on May 9, 2025. Through this module, registrants and filers of new cosmetic ingredients and related products may submit the registration application for special cosmetics that utilize the new ingredient concurrently at the time of the ingredient’s registration or notification.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpjssp/hzpsptzgg/202505091750271555058.html
2024 National Annual Report on Cosmetic Sampling and Testing
On May 20, 2025, the NMPA released the 2024 National Annual Report on Cosmetic Sampling and Testing. In 2024, drug regulatory authorities across the country organized sampling inspections of 12 categories of cosmetics, including anti-acne products, toothpaste, general skincare products, makeup products, spot-removal and whitening products, and children's cosmetics. A total of 21,362 product batches were sampled and tested.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/hzhp/hzhpjgdt/20250520093605132.html?3jfdxVGGVXFo=1748240468933
China NIFDC Solicits Public Comments on Nine Draft Cosmetic Standards, Including General Rules for Physicochemical Testing Methods
On June 24, 2025, the NIFDC issued a public consultation notice to further improve cosmetic technical standards. NIFDC has organized the drafting and revision of nine draft cosmetic standards, including: General Rules for Physicochemical Testing Methods (Draft for Comments) and its drafting notes, Testing Methods for Six Cosmetic Ingredients Including Cannabidiol (CBD) (Draft for Comments) and its drafting notes, etc. Public comments are now being solicited.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhtzgg/202506240922061614120.html
Announcement of the NMPA on Matters Related to the Management of the "Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients" (No. 61 of 2025)
June 24, 2025, the NMPA issued this announcement to implement the Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics, further regulate the management of cosmetic ingredients, and encourage ingredient innovation.
- According to the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations, new cosmetic ingredients that have been registered or filed and have completed a 3-year safety monitoring period without any safety issues shall be included in the Inventory. To facilitate the management of existing cosmetic ingredients, the NMPA will manage the Inventory through two lists: List I and List II.
- List I is based on the Inventory issued by the NMPA in 2021, with the removal of the item “maximum historical usage amount in products.” The Chinese names and INCI/English names of relevant ingredients have been standardized, and the remarks for certain ingredients have been adjusted in accordance with the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics.
- List II includes two new cosmetic ingredients: “N-Acetylneuraminic Acid” and“β-Alanyl-Hydroxyprolyl-Diaminobutyroyl Benzylamide.” These two new ingredients have completed the 3-year safety monitoring period after filing and have been evaluated as compliant with relevant regulatory requirements.
- The NMPA has established a dynamic adjustment mechanism for the Inventory. The Inventory will be dynamically updated, supplemented, improved, and corrected based on scientific research progress, industry development, and actual regulatory needs.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/ggtg/hzhpggtg/jmhzhptg/20250624153604180.html
Notice of the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control on the Issuance of Two Technical Guidelines Including the Guideline for the Study and Determination of the History of Safe Use of New Cosmetic Ingredients (Trial)
June 24, 2025, the NIFDC has formulated the Guideline for the Study and Determination of the History of Safe Use of New Cosmetic Ingredients (Trial) and the Guideline for the Study and Determination of the History of Safe Consumption of New Cosmetic Ingredients (Trial).
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpjssp/hzpsptzgg/202506241613081614732.html
About CIRS
The CIRS cosmetic team is dedicated to ensuring that cosmetic products meet stringent global regulatory standards. It can provide one-stop services covering the whole life-cycle of a personal care product, which includes cosmetic ingredient development, physical/chemical tests, toxicological tests (in vivo & in vitro), efficacy studies (in vivo & in vitro), ingredient registration, and product registration.
Cosmetic services in China:
- China Cosmetic Registration and Filing;
- China New Cosmetic Ingredient Registration and Filing;
- China Cosmetic Ingredient Quality and Safety Information Code Application (NMPA Code);
- China Cosmetics Safety and Efficacy Test;
- China Cosmetic Safety Assessment Report;
- China Toothpaste Filing;
- China Disinfectant Notification;
- China Cosmetic Formula/Label/Claim Review; and
- Customs Clearance
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