China's NCI Approval Updates: First Insect-Derived Cosmetic Ingredient Notified

Publication date：2025-10-24

From October 16 to 24, 2025, 4 new cosmetic ingredients (NCIs) were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA).

The technical requirements for the 4 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.

Another noteworthy update is that on October 20, 2025, the NMPA released the second dynamic adjustment of the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC) this year, which involved the inclusion of three new cosmetic ingredients in the IECIC List II (bringing the total to five).

For details, please refer to our previous article: China Existing Cosmetic Ingredient Inventory Updates: 3 New Cosmetic Ingredients Included & 49 Entries Revised.

s-Mussel (Pentapeptide-125 Di-Hydroxyproline Tripeptide-138 Lysine N6-(Pentapeptide-125 Di-Hydroxyproline Tripeptide-138))

This NCI combines two key features: as a macromolecule, it is stable, resistant to degradation, and does not penetrate human tissues or enter metabolic processes; at the same time, it retains certain peptide functionalities, allowing it to act as a skin protectant on the surface.

The notifier, USUN BIO—a global pioneer in medical applications of mussel adhesive protein—has addressed major challenges in industrial production and room-temperature stability, while demonstrating the ingredient's localized anti-inflammatory benefits.

Notably, this NCI was fully supported by ZMUni Compliance Center throughout the notification process, marking our 26th NCI completed this year. With our technical expertise, ZMUni ensured a smooth and efficient process, helping USUN BIO bring this innovative peptide safely and compliantly to the Chinese cosmetics market.

2'-Fucosyllactose

2'-FL is an important member of the human milk oligosaccharides (HMOs) family, composed of fucose, galactose, and glucose. As one of the most abundant and well-studied HMOs in breast milk, 2'-FL is known for its key nutritional and functional benefits in infant formula.

Previously, 2'-FL obtained approval for use in food applications in multiple regions: the United States (FDA), the European Union (EFSA), Australia & New Zealand (FSANZ), and China (NHC).

As of this update, a total of seven HMO-related NCIs have completed notification, five of which were supported by ZMUni.

Black Soldier Fly Larvae (BSFL) oil

The black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) is a versatile insect that thrives in hot, humid climates. Its larvae (BSFL) efficiently decompose organic waste and can be used as fertilizer or as an alternative source of lipids and proteins in animal nutrition.

Black soldier fly larval oil also shows potential as a cosmetic ingredient, offering anti-aging, skin-brightening, and UVB-protection benefits.