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.

On February 11, 2025, the United States notified a cosmetic-related measure (G/TBT/N/USA/2187) restricting the intentional addition of formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers in cosmetics. The deadline for public comments is April 11, 2025. If approved, the restriction will take effect on January 1, 2027.

On November 26, 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) proposed establishing and requiring standardized testing methods for detecting and identifying asbestos in talc-containing cosmetic products, as mandated by the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA). This proposed rule, if finalized, would protect consumers by – to the extent it reduces exposure to asbestos – resulting in fewer asbestos-related illnesses.

This article compiles the cosmetic regulation updates that took place in November and December, covering regions and countries including Europe (EU, Austria, Russia), the Americas (USA, Canada), and the Asia-Pacific region (China, Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia).

On December 11, 2024, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued updated guidance for industry on the registration and listing of cosmetic product facilities and products. The guidance finalizes the frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ) in Appendix B (Q1-19). In addition, three new FAQs (Q20-22) in Appendix B of the guidance are marked as “for comment purposes only”. These three FAQs are available for comments until January 13, 2025.

In 2024, CIRS Group helped enterprises successfully apply for various types of International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) names, including peptides, chemical synthesis-based ingredients, and more.

This article compiles the cosmetic regulation updates that took place in September and October in Europe (including the UK), America, and the Asia Pacific region.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization (WHO), has updated its classification of talc and acrylonitrile, now labeling it as “probably carcinogenic to humans” (Group 2A) for all forms not containing asbestos or asbestiform fibers. This update, published in The Lancet Oncology, may significantly impact the chemical industry, especially under California’s Proposition 65 (Prop 65).

According to the regulations, the FDA was required to accept facility registrations and product listings by December 29, 2023. However, in November 2023, the FDA issued guidelines delaying the implementation of cosmetic facility registrations and product listings under MoCRA until July 1, 2024, to ensure the industry had sufficient time to submit the necessary information. Additionally, the FDA adjusted the requirements for registrations and product listings for facilities that first began manufacturing or processing cosmetic products after December 29, 2022, to be mandatorily enforced by July 1, 2024.

FDA Direct is a U.S. Food and Drug Administration's web-based and free structured product labeling (SPL) authoring tool. Previously CDER Direct, FDA Direct now includes CDER Direct and Cosmetics Direct. Users can create separate accounts, depending on drugs or cosmetics submissions, or a single account that includes both CDER Direct submissions as well as Cosmetics Direct submissions.