According to data published by China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA), a total of 80 new cosmetic ingredients completed notification procedures in the first half of 2025, marking a 77.8% year-on-year increase.
Among the 80 notifications, 11 were submitted by overseas enterprises from Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, France, and Italy, indicating a continued trend of international innovation entering the Chinese market.
Another notable trend is the rise of China's distinctive plant-derived ingredients, such as Chrysanthemum lavandulifolium extract, Paeonia delavayi seed oil, Phlomoides rotata extract, and Stachyose, highlighting China's growing focus on leveraging local botanical resources for cosmetic innovation.
In response to China's dynamic regulatory landscape, ZMUni Compliance Centre continues to support clients with successful notifications of diverse ingredient types, including peptides, plant extracts, synthetic molecules, animal-derived substances, and functional chemical compounds.
Among the 80 NCIs notified in the first half of 2025, ZMUni successfully assisted with nearly 25% of the notifications, reflecting our leading position in the field of new cosmetic ingredient application in China.
With authorization from relevant clients, we are pleased to share the following representative cases:
Disodium Cytidine Phosphate has been widely used in the food and pharmaceutical industries—as a flavor enhancer, nutritional supplement, and precursor in nucleotide drug synthesis. Public sources also indicate its potential use in cosmetics, where it may help enhance skin hydration.
According to Veminsyn Biotech, the efficacy of Epiphyllum Oxypetalum Callus Extract includes regulating key circadian rhythm genes (bmal1b and clock1a), activating mitochondrial metabolism through CoQ10 gene expression, boosting cellular energy release (ATP), and enhancing the skin's natural nighttime repair capacity. Based on these functions, the extract is well-suited for use in energizing facial mists, blue light protection serums, restorative night creams, and overnight recovery masks.
In June 2025, Veminsyn Biotech announced the completion of a strategic funding round totaling nearly 100 million RMB, jointly invested by L' Oréal Group and Nice Group. This financing round highlights the company's leading position in the field of bioactive material innovation and marks further recognition from global industry leaders.
This is China's first notified new cosmetic ingredient derived from Andrias davidianus. The core active component, Andrias davidianus glycopeptide, features a unique O-linked glycopeptide structure, with a molecular weight under 3.5 kDa and a polysaccharide content of 15.65%. It offers excellent skin permeability and demonstrates multiple bioactivities including moisturizing, repairing, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, making it suitable for use in serums, creams, masks, and other performance-driven skincare products.
Dieckmann Bio has developed Ceramide EOS with a purity of over 95% using a green synthesis process followed by purification. In cosmetics, this ingredient functions as a skin protectant and moisturizer, and appears as an off-white to yellowish solid powder.
Stachyose, a naturally occurring tetrasaccharide, is gaining attention in the cosmetics field for its moisturizing, skin-repairing, and microbiome-supporting benefits—particularly in relation to the gut–skin axis.
In this application, the stachyose submitted by Jayu Bio is extracted from the root of Rehmannia glutinosa, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb commonly known as Di Huang. Widely grown in northern China, especially Henan Province, it is one of the "Four Major Huai Medicines."
Phytonadione Epoxide, a structurally optimized derivative of Vitamin K-1, addressing the limitations of traditional Vitamin K-1—namely, its instability and allergenic potential, which led to its prohibition under China's Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics.
By modifying the molecular structure, this ingredient aims to retain the skin barrier-enhancing benefits of Vitamin K-1 while minimizing irritation, making it a safer and more effective option for modern cosmetic formulations.
Bletilla sinensis, a rare orchid species native to China, has long been recognized for its medicinal value. To support sustainability, callus tissue culture is used instead of traditional extraction methods, avoiding harm to wild populations and enabling more consistent levels of bioactive compounds. This makes Bletilla sinensis Callus Extract well-suited for high-performance, multifunctional skincare.
LAN, a clean beauty brand in China that features Bletilla extracts in signature products such as LAN Time Essence Oil, reflecting the brand’s deep connection with orchids.
Regulatory updates:
China Issues Major Update to IECIC: Two-Tier Management and Dynamic Online Access
China Releases Updated Ingredient Usage Data to Support Cosmetic Safety Assessments
China Unveils Further Provisions to Foster Cosmetic Ingredient Innovation & Development
Compliance insights:
Cosmetic Ingredients in China: Your Guide to the Latest Compliance Requirements
Understanding Cosmetic Product and Ingredient Efficacy Claims in China
Essential Steps for Registering Whitening and Freckle-Removal Ingredients in China
We also host regular webinars on key cosmetic compliance topics, offering industry insights and practical guidance. Popular topics include:
China Special Cosmetics: Regulatory Updates & Registration Strategies (June, 2025)
China Cosmetic Compliance: Best Practices for Full CPSR Implementation
If you'd like to request presentation slides from our previous sessions, fill out this form and select the topics you're interested in: https://forms.gle/817HRjhoLZttPuy4A.
For regulatory inquiries, service requests, or potential partnerships, feel free to reach out to us at: info@zmuni.com. Let us help you bring innovation to China—compliantly and confidently.
