To foster innovation in cosmetic ingredients and advance the high-quality growth of the cosmetic industry, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) of China has developed the Provisions for Supporting Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients (No. 12 of 2025). These provisions, formulated in line with the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations and other pertinent laws and regulations, were officially issued and took effect on February 6, 2025.
The Provisions primarily include the following nine aspects:
1. Optimization of Technical Requirements for the Classification of New Cosmetic Ingredient Registration and Notification
The new provisions refine the classification management of new ingredients, adjust safety assessment requirements, and simplify the evaluation process for ingredients with a well-established safety history to accelerate their market application. For new cosmetic ingredients being used for the first time both domestically and internationally, certain toxicological studies and long-term human safety trials may be exempted or reduced, provided that enterprises conduct scientific safety assessments.
2. Promoting the Simultaneous Submission of New Ingredients and Related Products
Enterprises are encouraged to submit applications for new ingredients and related cosmetic products simultaneously to improve approval efficiency. For a notified new cosmetic ingredient intended for use in special cosmetics, the registration application for the special cosmetic product can be submitted simultaneously with the notification of the new ingredient. Additionally, the intelligent cosmetic evaluation system will be upgraded to provide more convenient services for the registration and filing of new ingredients and the approval of special cosmetics containing them.
3. Enhancing Innovation Services and Application of New Ingredients
The provisions support innovation and application of new cosmetic ingredients by implementing early intervention and full-process guidance for new ingredients that meet certain criteria, such as those intended for first-time market launch in China, developed using modern scientific technologies in combination with traditional Chinese advantages, or derived from unique plant resources. Furthermore, a dedicated review pathway will be established to prioritize evaluation and expedite the market launch of both the new ingredients and the corresponding products.
4. Strengthening Technical Guidance and Communication for New Ingredients
Technical guidelines for new ingredients will be formulated, and the communication and exchange mechanisms for new cosmetic ingredients, the communication both before registration/notification and during the review and verification process will be optimized. Also, provincial regulatory authorities with the necessary conditions and capabilities would be selected to play an active role in pre-application consultations, communication, and follow-up guidance.
5. Improving the Safety Monitoring Period Management for New Ingredients
Collaboration in filing, evaluation, and adverse reaction monitoring will be strengthened, cross-regional supervision will be optimized, and a dynamic adjustment mechanism for the ingredient inventory will be established.
6. Providing Technical Guidance for Cosmetic Ingredient Standards Research
Guidelines on the intended use of cosmetic ingredients will be developed, and technical requirements for different ingredient categories will be refined to enhance industry standardization.
7. Promoting the Development and Revision of Cosmetic Ingredient Standards
Priority will be given to establishing standards for widely used, high-risk, and traditionally significant ingredients, referencing international standards to continuously optimize industry regulations.
8. Strengthening Fundamental Research on Cosmetic Ingredients
Enterprises are encouraged to enhance research on manufacturing processes, safety evaluation, and efficacy assessment while promoting the adoption of alternative methods to animal testing to improve ingredient quality. Research on alternative methods to animal testing will continue to be deepened, accelerating their application in the safety assessment of new cosmetic ingredients.
9. Advancing the Digitalization of Cosmetic Ingredient Management
A comprehensive ingredient information database will be developed to enhance data sharing, improve regulatory efficiency, and provide precise information guidance and services for the industry.
The introduction of the new regulations accelerates the approval and market entry of new cosmetic ingredients, reducing compliance costs for enterprises and increasing returns on R&D investments. It will further stimulate innovation in the cosmetics industry, helping companies develop safer and more effective ingredients.
About CIRS
The CIRS cosmetic team is dedicated to ensuring that cosmetic products meet the stringent regulatory standards around the globe. 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; and
- China Cosmetic Formula/Label/Claim Review
If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.
Further Information
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/ggtg/hzhpggtg/jmhzhptg/20250206171649139.html
