On February 6, 2026, China’s National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released six draft standards for the formulation and revision of microbiological examination methods in cosmetics. Public comments are now being solicited, with the deadline set for March 22, 2026. Feedback could be submitted through the “Cosmetics Standards Development and Revision Management System” at the following link. The following is a consolidated summary of the content for reference.
Detailed Information
1. General Guidelines for Microbiological Examination Methods in Cosmetics
This Guideline specifies the basic requirements for microbiological testing of cosmetics. It applies to sample collection, storage, preparation of test samples, and quality control.
To ensure the scientific validity of the revised general guidelines, the newly added experimental sections have undergone rigorous validation. Method validation was jointly conducted by the drafting organizations responsible for the examination methods of total aerobic microbial count, Staphylococcus aureus, thermotolerant coliform bacteria, Burkholderia cepacia complex, and mold and yeast, ensuring the reliability, scientific integrity, and accuracy of the guidelines.
2. Aerobic Plate Count in Cosmetics
This standard specifies the method for determining the total aerobic microbial count in cosmetics. It is applicable to the quantitative determination of total aerobic bacteria in cosmetic products.
The method is primarily based on the “Method for Determining Total Aerobic Microbial Count” in the Technical Safety Standard for Cosmetics (2015 Edition), GB 4789.2-2022 Food Microbiological Examination—Determination of Total Aerobic Count, and ISO 21149:2017/Amd.1:2022(E). GB 4789.2-2022 serves as the main drafting template. While ensuring scientific rigor and accuracy, the method also takes into account practical laboratory testing conditions, thereby improving its operability and convenience.
3. Detection of Thermotolerant Coliform Bacteria in Cosmetics
This standard specifies the method for detecting thermotolerant coliform bacteria in cosmetics. It is applicable to the examination of thermotolerant coliforms in cosmetic products.
4. Detection of Staphylococcus aureus in Cosmetics
This standard specifies the method for detecting Staphylococcus aureus in cosmetics. It is applicable to the examination of Staphylococcus aureus in cosmetic products. The standard is suitable for commonly used cosmetic forms such as creams, lotions, emulsions, powders, and aqueous solutions.
5. Detection of Mold and Yeast in Cosmetics
This standard specifies the method for determining the number of mold and yeast in cosmetics. It is applicable to the quantitative determination of mold and yeast in cosmetic products.
6. Detection of Burkholderia cepacia Complex in Cosmetics
This standard specifies the method for detecting Burkholderia cepacia complex in cosmetics. It is applicable to the examination of Burkholderia cepacia complex in cosmetic products.
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