Global Cosmetics Regulatory Updates – Vol 24 February 2025

This article compiles and summarizes the latest updates on cosmetics regulations in China and globally as of February 2025, covering 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

NMPA Issues Provisions on Supporting Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients (2025 No. 12)

On February 6, to further encourage innovation in cosmetic ingredients, and promote the high-quality development of the cosmetics industry, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) formulated the Provisions on Supporting Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients in accordance with the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations and other relevant regulations.

Details

https://www.cirs-group.com/en/cosmetics/china-released-the-provisions-for-supporting-innovation-in-cosmetic-ingredients

National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) Updates the “Information on Ingredients Used in Marketed Products"

On February 9, to further enrich reference data on cosmetic ingredients, and promote the orderly implementation of the cosmetic safety assessment system, the NIFDC updated the Information on Ingredients Used in Marketed Products, replacing the version released on April 30, 2024.

This update expands the number of ingredients from 2,234 to 3,608 and increases the recorded usage data from 4,415 entries to 7,672. Additionally, new application sites, such as body hair and fingernails (toenails), have been included, further enhancing the reference data for cosmetic ingredients to facilitate the systematic implementation of cosmetic safety assessments.

Details

https://www.cirs-group.com/en/cosmetics/china-update-on-information-on-ingredients-used-in-marketed-products-added-1374-new-ingredients-2297-usage-records-and-deleted-one-ingredient-data

Official FAQ (in Chinese)

Public Consultation on the Draft Proposal of "Usage Information of Certain Ingredients Included in the International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index" by NIFDC

To further enrich the reference data for cosmetic ingredients, NIFDC has reviewed the safety assessments of ingredients included in the "International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index" (published on April 30, 2024). Based on this review, NIFDC has compiled usage information for certain ingredients in registered and notified cosmetics, forming the "Draft Proposal on the Usage Information of Certain Ingredients Included in the International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data Index" along with an explanatory document. This draft is now open for public consultation.

Details

https://www.nifdc.org.cn//nifdc/bshff/hzhpbzh/hzhpbzhtzgg/202502191033271449237.html

International

Europe

SCCS Issued Scientific Advice on the Safety of Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate

On February 17, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued scientific advice (SCCS/1678/25) on Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) (CAS No. 302776-68-7). The deadline for comments is set for April 25, 2025.

Taking into account the health concerns associated with DnHexP, the SCCS calculated a maximum level of 0.026% (260 ppm) for this contaminant in the UV filter DHHB. This applies when DHHB is used up to 10% in cosmetic products and only if DnHexP is an unavoidable impurity.

EU Launches Cosmetics Regulation Review

On February 21, the European Commission initiated a comprehensive evaluation of the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009 to assess its effectiveness in protecting human health, ensuring market harmonization within the EU, and supporting innovation in the cosmetics industry. This marks the first comprehensive review since the full implementation of the regulation in 2013, covering all 50 amendments to its annexes as well as broader regulatory developments.

As the first step in the evaluation process, the Commission launched a one-month evidence-gathering exercise from February 21 to March 21, 2025. Stakeholders are invited to provide feedback on the functioning, strengths, and potential gaps of the regulation.

France to Ban PFAS in Cosmetics

On February 21, France passed a law banning the use of chemicals which primarily refer to perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These kinds of chemicals are widely used in various industrial products and are named for their persistence in the environment. PFAS are known to accumulate in both the environment and the human body. Studies suggest that long-term exposure to these substances may be linked to cancer, liver and heart damage, as well as immune and developmental impairments in infants and children. This new French law is set to take effect in early 2026, at which point the manufacture, import, export, and sale of cosmetics containing PFAS will be prohibited.

The Americas

Colombia Proposes New Cosmetic Labeling Regulations

On February 27, Colombia proposed new regulations for cosmetic labeling, with a public consultation period open until April 28, 2025.

Key Provisions include:

• Purpose and Definitions
• Labeling Requirements: Product Name, Generic Name, Trademark, Name and Address of the Manufacturer or Importer, Country of Origin, Net Content, Warnings and Usage Restrictions for Specific Ingredients, Batch Number, List of Ingredients (using International Nomenclature or a commonly accepted naming system), Expiration Date / Period After Opening (PAO) and so on.
• Prohibited Claims and Representations
• Misleading or Confusing Images and Text. For example, labels must not include visuals or wording that could mislead consumers, such as claims suggesting therapeutic properties.
• Prohibition of Cosmetic Efficacy Claims: The labeling must not include claims indicating beauty-enhancing effects, such as "anti-wrinkle" or "whitening."

Canada Revises the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

In February, Health Canada revised the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist, which outlines prohibited and restricted ingredients in cosmetics. The revisions include:

Items Added:

• Retinal was added to the list of substances described as restricted;
• Thioglycolic acid esters was added to the list of substances described as prohibited.

Items Amended:

• The entry for mixed cresols and derivatives was amended to create separate entries for different cresols, as the substances have different risk profiles.
• The entry for peroxide and peroxide-generating compounds was amended.
• The entry for benzoyl peroxide was amended to indicate that the ingredient may only be used in nail products for professional use. Warnings and cautionary statements to avoid skin contact have been included due to the strong potential to cause irritation and sensitization.
• The entry for retinol and its esters was amended to reduce the maximum concentration permitted for certain products such as body lotions.

Asia

Saudi Arabia Proposes Regulatory Guidelines for Cosmetics Containing Nanomaterials

On February 9, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health proposed regulatory guidelines for cosmetics containing nanomaterials. The public consultation period is open until March 9. The key provisions include:

• Objectives, Scope, and Definitions
• Permitted Uses of Nanomaterials in Cosmetics (e.g., Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are allowed in sunscreens to reduce UV radiation, along with specific regulations for nine categories of cosmetics).
• Requirements for Manufacturers and Importers of Nanomaterial-Containing Cosmetics
• Manufacturers and importers must comply with specific regulations.
• Pre-market notification is required six months before the product is launched in Saudi Arabia.
• Required documentation includes: International and chemical names of nanomaterials, Nanomaterial specifications (including particle size and physicochemical properties), and Toxicological data.
• Labeling Requirements for Nanomaterial-Containing Cosmetics.
• The ingredient list must display the international name of nanomaterials in English.

Prohibited claims (e.g., if a product contains nanomaterials, it must not claim "nano-free" or similar statements).

• Banned Nanomaterials in Cosmetics
• Eight nanomaterials are prohibited, including Styrene/acrylate copolymer and Colloidal silver.

Indonesia Issues New Regulations on Cosmetic Labeling, Promotion, and Advertising

On February 17, the Indonesian Food and Drug Authority (BPOM) issued the Regulation on Cosmetic Labeling, Promotion, and Advertising, which includes the following key provisions:

• Integration of Multiple Existing Regulations: The regulation consolidates several previous rules and clarifies that the labeling, promotion, and advertising of cosmetics and repackaged cosmetic products must be objective, comprehensive, and free from misleading claims.
• Mandatory Labeling and Advertising Requirements: Labels must include 12 key pieces of information, such as product name, ingredient list, and expiration date. Advertisements are prohibited from using medical terminology and images of healthcare professionals.
• Enhanced Regulatory Oversight: The regulation strengthens enforcement through monthly inspections and random spot checks. Non-compliant companies may face administrative penalties, including sales suspension, product recalls, product destruction, and public disclosure of violations.

South Korea Proposes Revisions to the Review Regulations for the Designation and Modification of Cosmetic Ingredient Usage Standards

On February 21, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea issued Announcement No. 92 of 2025, proposing amendments to the review regulations for the designation and modification of cosmetic ingredient usage standards.

The revision aims to clarify the scope and requirements for submitting materials when applying for the cancellation or modification of prohibited ingredients, ensuring the rationality and standardization of the review process for the designation or modification of cosmetic ingredient usage standards. The public consultation period is open until March 13, 2025.

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