NEWS

On 14 November, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion(SCCS/1681/25) on Tea Tree Oil (CAS/EC No. 68647-73-4 /285-377-1). Previously on 6 June, 2025, the SCCS issued scientific opinion(SCCS/1681/25) on Tea Tree Oil which has been open for comments. The final opinion issued this time is largely consistent with the opinion issued during the public consultation phase, but includes certain updates. These updates are highlighted in bold in the following text.

China’s NMPA has issued 24 new measures to reform cosmetics regulation. Explore the key changes, impacts on innovation, registration, safety, and international alignment.

This article provides a consolidated overview of the relevant regulatory notices, supplemented by recent developments in regulatory enforcement activities-such as unannounced inspections and sampling inspections-conducted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and selected provincial and municipal authorities. The aim is to assist enterprises in staying informed of evolving regulatory trends and to reinforce awareness of quality management and compliance requirements.

In Part I of this series, we introduced the evaluation methods for dandruff, sebum levels, and itchiness. In this article (Part II), we focus on the evaluation methods for erythema, papules, pustules, and the overall hair status.

On October 31, 2025, the UK Government submitted notification G/TBT/N/GBR/107 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), announcing the draft Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2026 and proposing amendments to the Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The draft proposes the prohibition of 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor in cosmetic products, the banning of 16 CMR substances, and the tightening of the labelling requirements for formaldehyde-releasing substances. Stakeholders can accept feedback until December 30, 2025.

Recently, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) issued an announcement revoking the distribution permits of 34 cosmetic products. The revocation was due to the presence of harmful and/or prohibited ingredients in these products, which may pose serious health risks to consumers.

In light of increasing concerns over carcinogenic risks, the European Union is considering banning the use of ethanol as an active ingredient in hand sanitizers and other disinfectant products, triggering significant controversy. On October 10, a working group under the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) issued an internal recommendation classifying ethanol as a hazardous substance that may increase the risk of cancer and suggested it should be replaced in cleaning and other disinfectant products.

On June 6, 2025, CIRS Group officially launched the Global Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database--Global CosIng. This database integrates regulatory information on cosmetic ingredients from major markets, including China (Taiwan included), the European Union, the United States, Canada, ASEAN countries, South Korea, and Japan. It is designed to provide enterprises with a one-stop, authoritative, and user-friendly platform for ingredient compliance inquiries, supporting cosmetic companies in global regulatory compliance and product development.

On October 6, 2025, Health Canada announced an update to the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) and a revision of the Cosmetic Notification Guide.

On October 30, 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved two new cosmetic ingredients for registration – a major step forward in China’s cosmetic ingredient innovation. Details and analysis below.