This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations as of December 2025, including domestic China industry news, newly issued regulations, updates to relevant standards and policies, and regulatory requirements, as well as global regulatory trends in the cosmetics sector. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.
China’s Cosmetics Regulatory and Standards Updates & Industry News
This section is divided into two main modules: Regulatory & Standards Updates and 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 latest developments related to cosmetic standards will also be presented in this section. The second module compiles and summarizes cosmetics-related key industry news.
Regulatory Updates
Notice from the General Office of the NMPA on Issuing the Three-Year Action Plan (2026-2028) for Enhancing the Production Quality Management Systems of Cosmetics Enterprises
On December 12, 2025, the General Office of the NMPA issued the Three-Year Action Plan (2026-2028) for Enhancing the Production Quality Management Systems of Cosmetics Enterprises. Quality system management is the core and essence of cosmetics quality and safety supervision, and process safety is a prerequisite for product safety. The effective operation of production quality management systems by cosmetics registrants, notifiers, and entrusted manufacturing enterprises is a key safeguard for product quality control and overall safety.
To further enhance the operational standards of quality management systems across the cosmetics industry, ensure the safety of cosmetic use by the public, and support the high-quality development of the cosmetics sector, this action plan has been formulated based on current industry practices.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/fgwj/gzwj/gzwjhzhp/20251212100210113.html
China NIFDC Solicits Public Comments on Two Draft Technical Guidelines for Naming New Cosmetic Ingredients of Plant and Fermentation Origin
On December 12, 2025, the NIFDC has drafted the following documents in accordance with the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation and the Measures for the Administration of Cosmetics Registration and Notification: Technical Guideline for the Naming of New Cosmetic Ingredients of Plant Origin (Draft for Public Comment) and Technical Guideline for the Naming of New Cosmetic Ingredients of Fermentation Origin (Draft for Public Comment). The above documents have been open for public consultation, which concluded on December 26, 2025.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/xxgk/ggtzh/tongzhi/202512110835161836063.html
Notice on Soliciting Proposals for the Formulation of Cosmetic Standards in 2026
On December 12, 2025, the China NIFDC issued a notice to solicit proposals for the formulation of cosmetic standards for the year 2026. Stakeholders are encouraged to focus on key areas such as raw material safety control, safety and efficacy evaluation, and the application of emerging technologies, with particular emphasis on the following five directions: Prohibited, Restricted, and Permitted Ingredients; Raw Material Standards; International Standards; Testing Methods and General Technical Requirements. The solicitation of proposals has concluded as of January 15, 2026.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/xxgk/ggtzh/tongzhi/202512121554431838040.html
China NIFDC Issues Two Trial Technical Guidelines on Anti-Hair Loss Cosmetics
On December 16, 2025, the China NIFDC issued two trial technical guidelines to standardize and guide the research of anti-hair loss cosmetics and their related functional ingredients. The two technical guidelines are as follows: Technical Guideline for the Research of Anti-Hair Loss Cosmetics (Trial) and Technical Guideline for the Research of Functional Ingredients Related to Anti-Hair Loss Cosmetics (Trial).
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/xxgk/ggtzh/tongzhi/202512160840031842713.html
Notice on the Issuance of the Technical Guidelines for the Intended Use of Cosmetic Ingredients (Trial) by the NIFDC
On December 19, 2025, the China NIFDC NIFDC issued the Technical Guidelines for the Intended Use of Cosmetic Ingredients (Trial) in order to implement the Provisions on Supporting Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients, regulate the intended use of cosmetic ingredients, and encourage ingredient innovation. The Guidelines were organized and formulated by NIFDC and will come into effect on June 19, 2026.
These Technical Guidelines are applicable to registrants and filers of cosmetics and new cosmetic ingredients, serving as a technical reference for the standardized submission of the intended use of cosmetic ingredients during the registration and filing process.
https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhtzgg/202512191544441847330.html
China’s NMPA Announcement on Matters Related to Toothpaste Filing Management (No. 124 of 2025)
On December 23, 2025, the NMPA issued an announcement regarding the implementation of toothpaste regulatory regulations and the simplification of documentation requirements for already-marketed toothpaste filings. Manufacturers of toothpaste products eligible for simplified filing must complete and organize the relevant product filing documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements by December 1, 2025. After deliberation by experts, considering that toothpaste products subject to simplified filing have a certain history of production, sale, and use, manufacturers may submit documented proof of the product’s safe use history in lieu of a toxicological test report when preparing the filing documentation.
For products whose initial market launch date is after January 1, 2021, when submitting supplementary filing documentation, manufacturers may provide a statement detailing the product’s production and sales history, any occurrence of quality or safety incidents, and adverse reaction monitoring status, in addition to a compliant product safety assessment report, to demonstrate a safe use history. In such cases, an oral mucosal irritation test report may be exempted.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/ggtg/hzhpggtg/jmhzhptg/20251223114130129.html
The General Affairs Department of the NMPA Solicits Public Comments on the “Provisions on the Dossier Requirements for Registration and Notification of New Cosmetic Ingredients (Draft Amendment for Public Comment)”
On December 26, 2025, the General Affairs Department of the NMPA released the Provisions on the Dossier Requirements for Registration and Notification of New Cosmetic Ingredients (Draft Amendment for Public Comment), which was drafted under the organization of the NMPA and is now open for public comment. The public consultation period is set from December 26, 2025 to January 25, 2026.
When applying for the registration or notification of new cosmetic ingredients, registrants and notifiers shall submit documentation in accordance with the requirements set forth in this regulation.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/zhqyj/zhqyjhzhp/20251226094111160.html?sessionid=
Transition Period for Five Categories of Special Purpose Cosmetics Ended on December 31, 2025
On December 17, 2021, China's NMPA issued the Announcement on Further Clarifying Matters Related to the Transitional Management of Former Special Purpose Cosmetics (2021 No. 150). Five categories of former special purpose cosmetics-namely hair growth, hair removal, breast enhancement, body slimming, and deodorant-prior to January 1, 2021, under the former Regulations on Hygiene Supervision of Cosmetics, were granted a unified transition period ending on December 31, 2025.
This means that, starting from January 1, 2026, the production, import, or sale of cosmetics claiming the above-mentioned efficacies will be considered non-compliant if they continue to be marketed as special purpose cosmetics.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/xxgk/ggtg/hzhpggtg/jmhzhptg/20211217140727142.html?sessionid=
Standards Updates
MIIT Publishes Notice on Soliciting Public Comments on Six Mandatory National Standards (Drafts for Approval), Including Safety Technical Specification for Detergents
On December 31, 2025, the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) released a notice to solicit public comments on six mandatory national standards (drafts for approval), including the Safety Technical Specification for Soap and Detergents.
This document specifies safety requirements such as terminology and definitions, raw material safety, biodegradability, test methods, risk control measures, labeling requirements, and the transition period. It applies to detergents manufactured and sold (including imported) within the territory of the People's Republic of China. However, it does not apply to cosmetics, disinfectant products, food-use detergents, medical and industrial cleaning products, or dry-cleaning agents that use organic solvents as cleaning components. The transition period is 12 months from the date of the standard’s official release.
https://www.miit.gov.cn/jgsj/kjs/jscx/bzgf/art/2025/art_801b9e576b2a49d4b39c301fad34bfaa.html
Industry News
NMPA Convenes Symposium on Cosmetics Regulation Work
On December 29, 2025, China’s NMPA held a symposium on cosmetics regulation work in Shijiazhuang to review the achievements of regulatory efforts in 2025, analyze the current situation, and discuss key priorities for 2026.
The meeting emphasized that 2026 marks the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan. It called for the thorough implementation of the guiding principles of the 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China and its subsequent plenary sessions. In accordance with the unified deployment of the NMPA, efforts should focus on key areas, continue deepening reforms in full-process regulation, strengthen the safety baseline across all dimensions, and promote high-quality development of the cosmetics industry throughout the entire supply chain.
https://www.nmpa.gov.cn/yaowen/ypjgyw/hyxx/hzhphyxx/20251229141829173.html
International Cosmetics Regulatory Updates
This section primarily covers global cosmetics-related developments for December, 2025.
EUROPE
SCCS Issued Preliminary Opinion on Cannabidiol (CBD) Used in Cosmetic Products
On 19 November 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1685/25) open for comments on Cannabidiol (CBD) (CAS No. 13956-29- 1). The deadline for comments is set for 21 January, 2026. The SCCS considers the presence of THC impurities as safe at concentrations up to 20 0.00025% in dermal and oral cosmetic products – whether used alone or together. This Opinion does not consider cosmetic products that may lead to exposure of the end user's lungs by inhalation.
SCCS Issued Preliminary Opinion on Thiomersal and Phenylmercuric Salts
On 19 November 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1686/25) open for comments on the safety of Thiomersal (CAS No 54-64-8) and Phenylmercuric salts (CAS No 62-38-4, 94-43-9) as preservatives in cosmetic products. The deadline for comments is set for 21 January, 2026.
These mercury compounds are not considered safe at concentration levels currently permitted in cosmetic products. Compared with the mercury compounds mentioned before, the potential risk for human health is aggravated by additional exposure to mercuric compounds from sources other than cosmetics.
SCCS Issued Preliminary Opinion on Silver Used in Cosmetic Products
On 18 December 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1687/25) open for comments on Silver (CAS No 7440-22-4) used in cosmetic products. The deadline for comments is set for 23 February, 2026.
The SCCS considers micron-sized particulate Silver [100nm<particle diameter<1 mm] safe when used up to a maximum concentration of 0.2% in rinse-off and 0.3% in leave-on cosmetic products, as specified in the Tables 5 and 6. This Opinion does not apply to the use of micron-sized particulate Silver [100nm<particle diameter<1 mm] in propellant-based spray products because such applications were not covered by the Applicant, and therefore not assessed for safety by the SCCS.
NORTH AMERICA
US FDA Finds Insufficient Data to Determine Safety of PFAS in Cosmetic Products
On December 29, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a congressionally mandated report under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) evaluating the use of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in cosmetic products. While the report reviews available scientific evidence on potential safety concerns, the FDA’s evaluation did not reach definitive safety determinations and underscores significant uncertainty due to gaps in existing data on PFAS exposure through cosmetics.
ASIA
Taiwan Updates Administrative Fees for Cosmetics
On November 6, 2025, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced the revised version of the “Administrative Fee Standards for Cosmetics”. The updated standards will take effect on July 1, 2026.
https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/newsContent.aspx?cid=3&id=31286&sessionid=
Indonesia Introduces Cosmetic Testing Parameters for Import Certificate Applications
On December 8, 2025, the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) issued Regulation No. 627 of 2025, which specifies the required testing parameters to be included in the Certificate of Analysis (CoA) submitted during applications for the Border Import Certificate (Surat Keterangan Impor Border, SKI Border) for cosmetics. This regulation has been officially taken into effect on January 8, 2026.
https://jdih.pom.go.id/preview/slide/1719/627/2025/c92a10324374fac681719d63979d00fe
Thailand Revises Mandatory Labeling Requirements for Fluoride Toothpastes
On December 24, 2025, the Ministry of Public Health of Thailand published notifications in the Royal Thai Government Gazette, Volume 142, Part 400D, on pages 56-8, 76, and 80, announcing the revision of warning statements for fluoride-containing cosmetic products and the introduction of new mandatory labeling requirements for fluoride toothpastes. The revised requirements came into effect the day following the date of publication. A two-year transitional period is granted for the compliance of existing product labels.
https://ratchakitcha.soc.go.th/documents/97748.pdf
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