Global Cosmetics Regulatory Updates-Vol.38 (April 2026)

This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations as of April 2026, 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: Cosmetics Regulations, Standards, and 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

Fourth Dynamic Adjustment to the Inventory of Used Cosmetic Ingredients

On April 13, 2026, the NMPA carried out the fourth dynamic adjustment to the Inventory, with a total of 50 revisions. The new cosmetic ingredient Snow Lotus Callus Powder (雪莲花愈伤组织粉) has completed its three-year safety monitoring period. Upon evaluation, it was found to comply with the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR) and related provisions, and has been included in Category II of the Inventory. This adjustment also standardized the Chinese names and/or INCI/English names of 49 ingredients in Category I of the Inventory. 

Six Technical Guiding Principles for Hair Dye, Perm, and Sunscreen Cosmetics Published

On April 15, 2026, the NIFDC published six technical guiding principles:

• Technical Guiding Principles for the Study of Hair Dye Cosmetics (Trial)
• Technical Guiding Principles for Quality Control Requirements of Hair Dye Cosmetics (Trial)
• Technical Guiding Principles for the Study of Perm Cosmetics (Trial)
• Technical Guiding Principles for Quality Control Requirements of Perm Cosmetics (Trial)
• Technical Guiding Principles for the Study of Sunscreen Cosmetics (Trial)
• Technical Guiding Principles for Quality Control Requirements of Sunscreen Cosmetics (Trial)

Following the formal implementation of the CSAR in 2021, higher requirements were placed on the quality, safety, and supervision of these three categories of cosmetics. The publication and implementation of these guiding principles provide normative technical references for the research and quality control of hair dye, perm, and sunscreen cosmetics.

NIFDC Publishes the 2025 Annual Cosmetic Review Report

On April 29, 2026, the NIFDC published the 2025 Annual Cosmetic Review Report. The report summarized the 2025 cosmetics work from seven aspects, including deepening the reform of the review system, supporting ingredient innovation and development, and accelerating the improvement of the standard system.

Standards Updates

Five Cosmetic Industry Standards Published, Covering Biotechnology-derived and Plant-derived Ingredients

On April 7, 2026, the NMPA published five cosmetic industry standards, including the General Technical Requirements for Biotechnology-derived Cosmetic Ingredients. These five standards are recommended standards, effective from May 1, 2027. As technical references, they help establish a systematic and standardized cosmetic standard system and provide important basis for cosmetic ingredient quality control, product safety assessment, and quality and safety supervision.

27 Standards: NMPA Issues the 2026 Cosmetic Standards Project Plan

On April 24, 2026, the Comprehensive Department of the NMPA issued the notice on the 2026 Cosmetic Standards Project Plan, covering a total of 27 cosmetic-related standards. Among them, the Determination Method for Water Resistance of Sunscreen Cosmetics is a revision standard, while the remaining 26 are new standards. The implementation of this plan will continue to improve the cosmetic standard system and provide technical support for industry regulation and product safety.

NIFDC Seeks Public Comments on Two Cosmetic Standards

On April 30, 2026, the NIFDC published two draft cosmetic standards for public consultation: the Test Method for Skin-Whitening and Spot-Fading Efficacy of Cosmetics (Draft) and the Test Method for Anti-Hair Loss Efficacy of Cosmetics (Draft). The consultation period closes on June 5, 2026.

Beijing Daily Chemical Industry Association Revises Group Standard for Domestic Ordinary Cosmetic Filing

On April 9, 2026, the Beijing Daily Chemical Industry Association announced the revision of the group standard T/BDCA 0001-2026, the Guidelines for Filing Inspection and Evaluation of Domestic Ordinary Cosmetics in Beijing, effective immediately. The former standards T/BDCA 0002-2018 and T/BDCA 0003-2018 are simultaneously repealed. 

Other Cosmetic-Related Standards Summary:

Note: SAC = Standardization Administration of China; SAMR = State Administration for Market Regulation; FDSA = Food and Drug Safety Association.

Industry News and Local Developments

Heilongjiang Province Issues 16 Measures to Support High-Quality Development of the Cosmetics Industry

On April 3, 2026, the Heilongjiang Provincial Medical Products Administration issued the Several Measures to Support the High-Quality Development of the Cosmetics Industry, effective for five years. Based on the NMPA's Opinions on Deepening the Reform of Cosmetic Supervision and Promoting High-Quality Industrial Development, the document proposes support measures from 16 aspects, including industry expansion, ingredient innovation, personalized services, and digital labeling.

Ningxia Issues Three-Year Action Plan for Cosmetic Quality System Improvement

On April 27, 2026, the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region Medical Products Administration issued the Three-Year Action Plan for Improving the Production Quality Management System of Cosmetic Enterprises (2026-2028). The plan outlines three key tasks: targeted measures to help enterprises improve their quality systems; quality and efficiency enhancement to promote high-quality industrial development; and capacity building to improve regulatory services.

International Cosmetics Regulatory Developments

This section primarily covers global cosmetics-related developments for April, 2026. 

Europe

EU SCCS Publishes Preliminary Opinion on Heliotropin in Cosmetics

On April 15, 2026, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published a preliminary opinion (SCCS/1688/26) on the use of heliotropin (piperonal, CAS No. 120-57-0, EC No. 204-409-7) in cosmetics. The public consultation closes on June 15, 2026.

EU SCCS Publishes Final Opinion on BHA

On April 16, 2026, the SCCS published its final opinion (SCCS/1682/25) on butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA, CAS No. 25013-16-5). The final opinion is consistent with the preliminary opinion published on November 17, 2025.

EU SCCS Publishes Final Opinion on Silver, Defining Product Scope and Safety Limits

On April 24, 2026, the SCCS published its final opinion on the use of silver in cosmetics, further clarifying that micron-sized silver particles show no skin penetration, and specifying safe concentration limits for rinse-off, leave-on, and children's cosmetics.

EU Amends Cosmetic Regulation: Usage Requirements for 12 Cosmetic Ingredients Adjusted

On April 28, 2026, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2026/909, revising the usage specifications for multiple cosmetic ingredients. The amendment covers a total of 12 ingredients, including benzyl salicylate, triphenyl phosphate, HC Yellow No. 16, and DHHB, and simultaneously amends the relevant entries in Annexes II (Prohibited Substances), III (Restricted Substances), V (Authorized Preservatives), and VI (Authorized UV Filters) of the EU Cosmetic Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009. The regulation enters into force on May 18, 2026, with transitional periods for certain amendments to allow companies to adjust formulations accordingly.

Americas

Canada: Fragrance Allergen Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics Officially Enter into Force

Starting April 12, 2026, Canada officially implemented the first phase of fragrance allergen disclosure for cosmetics. All cosmetics containing any of the 24 specified fragrance allergens are required to list these allergens separately on the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) according to concentration requirements. A 12-month grace period applies to products already on the market.

US: Minnesota Extends PFAS Product Reporting Deadline to September 15, 2026

On April 15, 2026, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) announced a further extension of the first PFAS product reporting deadline from July 1, 2026, to September 15, 2026. Minnesota is the first US state to implement a comprehensive PFAS ban in three phases: Phase 1 (since January 1, 2025) prohibits the intentional addition of PFAS in 11 designated product categories including cosmetics; Phase 2 (since January 1, 2026) requires manufacturers to fully disclose PFAS use; Phase 3 (effective January 1, 2032) will comprehensively ban the intentional addition of PFAS in all products.

Asia

South Korea: MFDS Launches Cosmetic Safety Assessment Introduction Support Program

On April 1, 2026, the South Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) launched the Cosmetic Safety Assessment Introduction Support Program, recruiting 1,500 small and medium-sized cosmetic responsible sellers nationwide and providing professional consulting services. The South Korean government plans to phase in a mandatory cosmetic safety assessment system starting from 2028. The application period ran from April 1 to April 30, 2026, with results to be announced in mid-May 2026.

South Korea Amends Cosmetics Act Enforcement Rules, Strengthening Safety Management of Overseas Direct-Purchase Cosmetics

On April 2, 2026, the Korea Cosmetics Industry Association (KCIA) announced that the MFDS had partially amended the Cosmetics Act Enforcement Rules (Prime Ministerial Decree No. 2109) on March 31, 2026, aiming to further strengthen the safety supervision of cosmetics purchased directly from overseas. The amendments took effect on April 2, 2026.

South Korea Temporarily Allows Sticker Labels for Cosmetics to Address Packaging Material Shortages

On April 3, 2026, the MFDS announced that to address packaging material supply shortages, food, cosmetics, and other products will temporarily be allowed to use adhesive labels to display labeling information when using alternative packaging materials. This temporary measure took effect on April 5, 2026, for a period of six months (subject to early termination or extension depending on actual supply conditions). 

South Korea Publishes Three Guidelines for Animal Testing Alternatives in Cosmetics

On April 8, 2026, the MFDS published three guidelines for animal testing alternatives, further promoting the adoption of alternative methods in the cosmetics sector and providing technical support and guidance for enterprises using in vitro models for cosmetic safety assessment.

South Korea Proposes Amendments to Precautions for Use and Allergen Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics

On April 9, 2026, the MFDS published Notice No. 2026-184, proposing amendments to the Regulations on Precautions for Use and Allergen Labeling of Cosmetics. The draft is currently open for public consultation until June 8, 2026. The amendments aim to optimize warning label requirements based on actual product usage, further improving the cosmetic labeling management system and enhancing consumer safety.

CIRS Reminder

Cosmetics companies are advised to stay closely informed of the latest domestic and international regulatory developments, standards, and industry trends from April 2026. By strengthening compliance management across the entire value chain and proactively assessing compliance risks arising from policy changes at home and abroad, companies can better plan product R&D, formulation strategies, and market expansion, and respond effectively to the evolving regulatory landscape. For any global cosmetics compliance needs, please feel free to contact CIRS Group.

If you need any assistance or have any questions, please get in touch with us via service@cirs-group.com.

Our Global Compliance Services

[Regulatory Compliance Services]

• China: Compliance Consulting for Cosmetics and Ingredients
• International: Compliance Consulting for Cosmetics (EU, US, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, ASEAN, Middle East, Mexico, Brazil, Africa)
• China and International Compliance Consulting for Disinfectants and Household Products

[Data Services]

• China: Cosmetics and Ingredients Data Services (China CosIng)
• International: Cosmetics and Ingredients Data Services covering China (including Taiwan), EU, North America, ASEAN, Japan, and South Korea (Global CosIng)

[Product Testing Services]

• Cosmetic Safety and Human Efficacy Testing
• Toxicological Safety Assessment for Cosmetic Ingredients
• In Vitro Efficacy Testing for Cosmetics and Ingredients