This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations in China and globally as of May 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 parts: Regulatory Updates and Local Developments & Industry News. The first part 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 part compiles and summarizes cosmetics-related updates from local authorities as well as key industry news.
Regulatory Updates
Second Call for Proposals on the Formulation of Cosmetic Standards for 2025
On May 6, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (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 National Medical Products Administration (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 National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (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 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 National Medical Products Administration (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 National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (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 National Medical Products Administration (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 National Medical Products Administration (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
Local Developments& Industry News
Shanxi | Shanxi Province 2025 Provincial Cosmetic Supervision and Inspection Plan
On May 22, 2025, the Shaanxi Provincial Medical Products Administration released the 2025 Provincial Cosmetic Supervision and Inspection Plan. The plan aims to strengthen the supervision of cosmetic registration, filing, production, and business operations, thereby ensuring product quality and safety. Formulated based on relevant laws and regulations and informed by risk assessment, the plan focuses on high-risk areas such as children's cosmetics and special cosmetics, while reinforcing regulatory oversight of key sectors including online sales platforms and centralized trading markets.
https://mpa.shaanxi.gov.cn/zfxxgk/fdzdgknr/wjtz/sjwj/202505/t20250522_3521535.html
Development Research Center of the State Administration for Market Regulation | China Cosmetics Innovation and Development Research Report (2025) was released
On May 25, 2025, marking the 19th National Skincare Day, the Development Research Center of the State Administration for Market Regulation held the China Cosmetics Industry Innovation and Development Seminar in Beijing and officially released the China Cosmetics Innovation and Development Research Report (2025). China's cosmetics market continues to demonstrate robust growth potential. According to the report, the market size is projected to exceed 579.1 billion yuan in 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 6%. This growth is driven by both consumption upgrading and diversified consumer demand.
https://www.kdocs.cn/l/clHRvpyuEROf
Global
Europe
SCCS Issued Final Opinion on Butylparaben - Children Exposure
On 2 May, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion (SCCS/1674/25) on Butylparaben (CAS No. 94-26-8). The preliminary opinion was issued on 13 January, 2025.
SCCS is of the opinion that the use of Butylparaben as preservative at a maximum concentration of 0.14% (as acid) in all cosmetic products included in this exposure assessment is not safe for children between 0.5-1 years, 1-3 years, 3-6 years and 6-10 years when used in combination. With the exception of body lotion, it is safe in single dermal and oral product categories, when used only in the respective product category.
In the SCCS’s opinion, Butylparaben could be considered safe for children of all age groups that were evaluated, provided that the maximum concentration of Butylparaben is reduced in some product types so that the aggregate exposure does not exceed 245 µg/kg bw/day.
During the public consultation, the SCCS received a proposal from the Applicant to maintain the concentration of Butylparaben at 0.14 % (as acid) in rinse-off products and reduce it to 0.002 % (as acid) in leave-on products and 0.092 % (as acid) in oral care products. Based on these reduced concentrations, Butylparaben is considered safe for children of all age groups and product types included in the assessment, whether used individually or in combination.
https://www.cirs-group.com/en/cosmetics/sccs-issued-final-opinion-on-butylparaben-children-exposure
SCCS Issued Final Opinion on Salicylic Acid - Children Exposure
On 2 May, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion (SCCS/1675/25) on Salicylic Acid (CAS No. 69-72-7). The preliminary opinion was issued on 13 January, 2025.
SCCS is of the opinion that Salicylic Acid (CAS 69-72-7) is not safe when used as preservative at a concentration of 0.5% in all cosmetic products listed under conclusion (b), considering its current restrictions in place. With the exception of body lotion, it is safe in single dermal and oral product categories, when used only in the respective product category.
The use of Salicylic Acid as a restricted ingredient for purposes other than inhibiting the development of micro-organisms is not safe at the following concentrations when aggregate exposure is considered:
- up to 3.0% for the cosmetic rinse-off hair products used by children (shampoo, conditioner),
- up to 2.0% for selected other dermally applied products used by children (face moisturizer, hand cream, liquid soap, shower gel), and
- up to 0.5% for body lotion.
With the exception of body lotion, it is safe in single dermal and oral product categories, when used only in the respective product category.
Reducing the concentration, for example to 0.1% in dermal products, would make the use safe for dermal products and toothpaste. During public consultation the SCCS has received a proposal of the Applicant to keep rinse-off products at 0.5%, reduce Salicylic Acid in leave-on products to 0.15% and oral Care products to 0.1%. Applying these concentrations Salicylic Acid is safe for children 3-10 years old.
SCCS Issued Scientific Advice on Methyl Salicylate - Children’s Exposure (Revision of SCCS/1654/23)
On 2 May, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued scientific advice (SCCS/1675/25) on Methyl Salicylate (CAS No. 119-36-8) which is the revision of the scientific advice been issued on 22 September, 2023 (SCCS/1654/23) . The SCCS is of the view that, to be considered safe, the concentration of Methyl Salicylate should not exceed 0.4% in toothpaste and 0.02% in other products when used in products intended for children of age 0-3 years.
UK Proposes Restrictions on the Use of Benzophenone-3 in Cosmetic Products
On 8 May 2025, the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) under the Department for Business and Trade issued Notification G/TBT/N/GBR/102, proposing the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) (No.2) Regulations 2025. The draft regulations seek to amend Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 (List of UV filters allowed in cosmetic products) to impose restrictions on the use of Benzophenone-3 in cosmetic products. The deadline for submitting comments is 60 days from the date of notification.
SAG-CS Issued Opinion on 4-MBC as a UV Filter in Cosmetic Product
On May, 2025, Scientific Advisory Group of Chemical Safety of Non-food and Non-medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) issued opinion on 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC) as a UV Filter in Cosmetic Product.
The Members agreed that 4-MBC exhibits endocrine disrupting properties in in vivo studies. The Members noted concerns with regard to the safety of 4-MBC including the lack of a robust genotoxicity and reproductive/developmental toxicity package and concerns with regard to endocrine disruption properties. The Members were not able to derive a safe level for use of 4-MBC in cosmetics. Given the limited data package available for review, and potential concerns for genotoxicity and endocrine disruption, the SAG-CS could not conclude that 4-MBC is safe for use in sunscreen products and other cosmetic products.
EU Amends Cosmetics Regulation: 21 CMR Substances Added to the List of Prohibited Substances
On May 12, 2025, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2025/877, amending the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This amendment incorporates a new group of substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR substances)-as identified under the Classification, Labelling and Packaging (CLP) Regulation- into Annex II, the List of Substances Prohibited in Cosmetic Products. Additionally, Entry 311 of Annex III has been deleted and its content transferred to Entry 1730 of Annex II. This regulation will enter into force on September 1, 2025.
EU Proposes Cosmetics Regulation Amendment: 15 CMR Substances to Be Banned and Annexes III-V to Be Revised
On 21 May 2025, the European Union submitted notification G/TBT/N/EU/1140 to the World Trade Organization (WTO), proposing an amendment to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. This proposed amendment aims to add 15 substances classified as CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction) to Annex II (List of Prohibited Substances). At the same time, updates will be made to Annex III (List of Restricted Substances), Annex IV (List of Permitted Colorants), and Annex V (List of Permitted Preservatives). The regulation will enter into force on the 20th day following its publication in the Official Journal of the European Union and will apply from 1 May 2026.
North America
Health Canada Proposes Amendments to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
On May 14, 2025, Health Canada issued a notice proposing updates to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist. The proposed amendments include the addition of three new restricted ingredients and revisions to four existing entries. In addition, Health Canada may make further adjustments to existing entries, such as the inclusion of new synonyms, CAS numbers, and minor corrections, including the rectification of typographical errors.
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