On April 30, 2025, China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued a new supplementary testing method: BJH 202501 Determination of Meprednisone in Cosmetics.
This method outlines the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Meprednisone (CAS No.1247-42-3) in various categories of cosmetics, such as liquid (water, oil), cream and milk, gel, and wax-based products.
Meprednisone is a type of glucocorticoid, with common derivatives including methylprednisolone acetate and related compounds. Glucocorticoids and their by-products are known for their skin-lightening and anti-allergic properties. When added to cosmetics, these substances can significantly enhance effects such as acne reduction, anti-inflammation, pigmentation fading, and whitening.
However, prolonged use may lead to serious side effects, including steroid-dependent dermatitis and metabolic disorders. To ensure consumer safety, China's Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 edition) explicitly prohibit the use of hormones such as glucocorticoids in cosmetic products.
To strengthen the regulation of cosmetics that may be adulterated or produced using substances prohibited in cosmetic manufacturing, China NMPA has released a total of 12 supplementary testing methods for cosmetics since 2021, as of May 6, 2025. These methods cover the detection of 41 specific substances. The relevant documents are as follows:
|
No. |
Supplementary Testing Method |
Issue Date |
|
1 |
2021-09-02 |
|
|
2 |
BJH 202102 Determination of Five Components Including Bimatoprost in Cosmetics |
2021-09-13 |
|
3 |
BJH 202201 Determination of Five Components Including Mupirocin in Cosmetics |
2022-07-28 |
|
4 |
BJH 202202 Determination of Eight Components Including Elubiol in Cosmetics |
2022-09-13 |
|
5 |
BJH 202203 Determination of 16alpha-hydroxyprednisolone in Cosmetics |
2022-11-23 |
|
6 |
BJH 202204 Determination of Five Components Including Tetrahydrozoline in Cosmetics |
2022-12-23 |
|
7 |
BJH 202205 Determination of Dehydroandrographolide Succinate in Cosmetics |
2022-12-26 |
|
8 |
BJH 202301 Determination of Tacrolimus and Pimecrolimus in Cosmetics |
2023-07-07 |
|
9 |
2023-11-02 |
|
|
10 |
BJH 202401 Determination of 10 Ingredients in Cosmetics, Including Finasteride |
2024-01-09 |
|
11 |
BJH 202402 Determination of Diflorasone 17-Propionate and Diflorasone 21-Propionate in Cosmetics |
2024-05-10 |
|
12 |
2025-04-30 |
