ZMUni Compliance Centre

The global cosmetics regulatory environment continues to evolve. To help businesses stay updated with regulatory changes, ZMUni Compliance Center regularly releases a monthly recap of global cosmetics regulations. This article covers the regulatory developments related to cosmetics in China and globally in March 2026, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.     China Cosmetic Regulatory Updates   New Cosmetics Ingredients (NCI)   In March 2026, 15 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:     The technical requirements for the 15 NCIs mentioned above have not been disclosed,

  On March 31, 2026, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released the Announcement on Matters Related to Cosmetics Registration and Notification (Draft for Comments), inviting public comments from March 31 to April 30, 2026. Stakeholders may submit feedback to hzpjgyc@nmpa.gov.cn.   The draft aims to implement the Opinions on Deepening Cosmetics Regulatory Reform and Promoting High-Quality Industry Development (No. 18 [2025]) and to further advance reforms in cosmetics evaluation and approval. It sets out eight key measures.   Among these, provisions related to encouraging first launches in China, reducing animal testing requirements, and simplifying changes to domestic responsible persons are particularly relevant

On March 30, 2026, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued two draft mandatory national standards for public consultation, covering cosmetic labelling (Instructions for Use of Consumer Products – Part 3: General Labelling for Cosmetics, see our separate update for details) and toothpaste safety (General Technical Requirements for the Safety of Toothpaste). The consultation period runs from March 30 to May 29, 2026.   Under the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations (2021), toothpaste is regulated by reference to general cosmetics in China. In recent years, China has introduced specific regulatory requirements covering raw materials, physicochemical and microbiological testing, and toxicological evaluation, alongside

  On March 30, 2026, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued two draft mandatory national standards for public consultation, covering cosmetic labelling (Instructions for Use of Consumer Products – Part 3: General Labelling for Cosmetics) and toothpaste safety (General Technical Requirements for the Safety of Toothpaste, see our separate update for details). The consultation period runs from March 30 to May 29, 2026.   The General Labelling for Cosmetics seeks to unify regulatory requirements and introduce innovations such as electronic labelling, improving consumer information access, safety protection, and regulatory efficiency in the cosmetics sector. Once finalized, it will replace GB 5296.3—2008.  

  From March 16 to March 23, 2026, 4 new cosmetic ingredients (NCIs) have completed notifications with China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).   Ceramide OP Royal jelly, often referred to as a "longevity factor," is rich in 10-hydroxy-2-decenoic acid (10-HDA), a key active known for its strong antioxidant and anti-aging potential. However, single-ingredient approaches face limitations in addressing photoaging and repair.   An upgraded derivative, Ceramide OP, demonstrates enhanced performance compared with 10-HDA. It shows superior efficacy in promoting skin tissue repair, improving elasticity and resilience, and combating skin aging.     Tetrastigma Hemsleyanum Leaf Extract Tetrastigma hemsleyanum is a vine species commonly found

From March 18 to 20, 2026, PCHi 2026 took place in Hangzhou, bringing together a wide range of industry players across the cosmetic, personal care, and home care sectors. This year's edition featured over 860 exhibitors from 26 countries and regions, with exhibition space exceeding 70,000 square meters, and attracted professional visitors from more than 70 countries worldwide.   As one of the leading global events for cosmetic ingredients and related industries, PCHi continues to serve as an important platform for industry exchange and international collaboration.       During the exhibition, Chris Wang, Senior Regulatory Analyst & Head of

      On March 18, 2026, the National Technical Committee for Standardization of Flavors, Fragrances and Cosmetics issued a notice inviting public comments on the second batch of proposed cosmetic standards for 2026. A total of seven draft national and industry standards are included in this consultation.   Details are as follows: No. Standard Title Type Comment Deadline 1 Determination of human epidermal growth factor in cosmetics by LC-MS/MS (draft) National Standard (Formulation) May 5, 2026 2 Determination p-toluidine in Colorants Solvent Violet 13, Acid Violet 43 and Solvent Green 3 of Cosmetics Gas chromatography (draft) National Standard (Formulation) May 5,

    On March 19, 2026, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released a public consultation draft of the mandatory national standard titled General Requirements for Cosmetic Safety. The consultation period is open until May 18, 2026.   This draft replaces GB 7916-1987 Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics, marking its first revision since 1987.   Originally introduced to regulate cosmetic production and safeguard consumer health in China, GB 7916-1987 no longer fully meets current regulatory and industry needs, particularly following the implementation of the Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR). Gaps remain in terminology, technical specifications, and management provisions.   The revision aims