ZMUni Compliance Centre

From September 11 to 17, 2025, 5 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).     The technical requirements for the 5 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.   Filaggrin Filaggrin is a key protein involved in keratinocyte differentiation and the function of the epidermal barrier. It can be degraded into free amino acids, which, along with their derivatives—such as urocanic acid and pyrrolidone carboxylic acid—combine with other humectants to form the natural moisturizing factor, supporting hydration of the stratum corneum.   Pleione bulbocodioides Stem Extract

  On September 15,2025, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) has released 18 draft cosmetic standards for public consultation. The public consultation period will remain open until October 9, 2025.   The drafts include newly added prohibited ingredients, revised microbial limits for eye, lip, and children's cosmetics, and adjusted usage limits for certain permitted, restricted, and prohibited substances.   Detailed standards are as follows:   Modification Type No. Name Remark Eye, Lip, and Children's Cosmetics 1 Microbial Limits for Eye, Lip, and Children's Cosmetics China's Safety Technical Standards for Cosmetics(STSC) currently set a microbial limit of 500 CFU/g (or CFU/mL) for eye, lip, and

From September 1 to 10, 2025, 3 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).      The technical requirements for the 3 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.   Camellia Chekiangoleosa Notification 20250107 was submitted by Forest Cabin, one of the first skincare brands in China to highlight Camellia chekiangoleosa (red camellia) as a key skincare ingredient. Earlier in May, the brand had submitted Notification 20250049 for Camellia chekiangoleosa Seed Oil. The newly notified ingredient is the fermented derivative of the previous one.     Coreopsis

  On September 5, 2025, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) issued a public consultation notice on two draft technical guidelines concerning the research and quality control of anti-hair loss cosmetics. These guidelines aim to provide clearer technical direction for product development, safety assessment, and quality standards for high-risk cosmetic categories—commonly referred to as special cosmetics under China's regulatory framework.    The consultation is open for public feedback until September 20, 2025. Comments can be submitted via email to hzppjzx@nifdc.org.cn   Drafts for Consultation: Technical Guidelines for Anti-Hair Loss Products (Trial)(Draft for Comments) Technical Guidelines for Research on Efficacy-Related Ingredients in Anti-Hair

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 August 2025, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.     China Cosmetic Regulatory Updates New Cosmetics Ingredients (NCI) Notification   In August 2025, 14 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:   Before this recap, ZMUni has continued to release passages introducing the NCI updates, along

  On August 29, 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) announced the inclusion of five newly approved toxicological test methods into the the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition).    The five newly introduced methods are:   No. Testing Method Remarks 1 Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) Assay These tow methods reflect China NMPA's more open attitude toward animal testing and support non-animal testing strategies. 2 In Chemico Skin Sensitisation: Kinetic Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (kDPRA) 3 Skin Absorption: In vitro Method These two provide additional safety evaluation options for new cosmetic ingredient application and comprehensive cosmetic product safety

From August 14 to August 27, 2025, 7 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).   The technical requirements for the 7 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.   Fermented lysates Notification 20250100 was submitted by GALENIC COSMETICS LABORATORY SAS (France) for a fermented lysate derived from Bifidobacterium longum subsp. Infantis, a widely used probiotic. In May, 2025, this company also notified another ingredient sourced from the same probiotic (Notification No. 20250050).   Botanicals Notification No.20250101: Annona Squamosa Fruit Extract Notification

The European Union has a well-established and stringent regulatory framework for cosmetics, with clear and detailed requirements regarding ingredient safety, labeling compliance, and market access. As one of the world's key export markets for cosmetics, the EU attracts significant international trade. However, companies that are not fully familiar with EU regulations on cosmetic substances may face serious risks, including product detention, import refusal, or recalls.   This article provides a concise overview of the EU's List of Substances Prohibited in Cosmetic Products, designed to help businesses proactively ensure compliance, avoid the use of banned ingredients, and reduce the risk of