In the first half of 2025, cosmetic regulations worldwide have evolved steadily. From mature markets in Europe and North America to emerging Asian economies, countries have made updates to ensure consumer safety, protect the environment, and advance industry development. 

These changes affect product market access and consumer interests directly.

ZMUni Compliance Centre has summarized key regulatory updates from major markets, including the EU, US, Canada, South Korea and ASEAN.

Europe

• EU updated Borderline Manual Manual with Vial and Ampoule Product Criteria:

On January 24, 2025, the European Commission updated the Borderline Manual to clarify that products in vials or ampoules with cosmetic functions—such as cleansing, fragrance, or appearance enhancement—and not intended for injection are classified as cosmetics.

• France adopted ban on PFAS in consumer products

On February 20, 2025, the French Parliament passed a law banning PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in domestic markets, targeting cosmetics, textiles, and other products. Starting January 1, 2026, cosmetics containing PFAS will be prohibited from manufacture, sale, and import/export. The regulation does not list specific PFAS substances.

• UK updated Cosmetics Regulation to restrict Methyl Salicylate

On April 1, 2025, the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) issued the 2025 Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations, amending the UK Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 to add methyl salicylate to the list of restricted substances.

• UK proposed restriction on Benzophenone-3 in cosmetics

On May 8, 2025, the UK notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/GBR/102) of its plan to amend Annex VI of the UK Cosmetics Regulation (EC) 1223/2009 to restrict the use of Benzophenone-3 as a UV filter. The measure is set to take effect on January 21, 2026. Products placed on the market before that date may continue to be sold until July 21, 2026.

• EU to updated the Glossary of Common Ingredient Names in cosmetics to standardize the ingredients labeling

On March 13, 2025, the European Commission notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/EU/1116) of its plan to revise the Glossary of Common Ingredient Names for cosmetics and repeal the current Implementing Decision (EU) 2022/677. The revision aims to improve labeling consistency and ingredient identification accuracy. It is expected to be adopted in Q2 2025 and take effect 20 days after publication in the Official Journal of the EU.

• EU 2024 Safety Gate Report: cosmetics lead health risk alerts

On April 16, 2025, the EU released its 2024 Safety Gate report. Cosmetics made up 36% of alerts, with 97% containing banned fragrance BMHCA, known to harm reproduction and cause skin allergies.

• EU updated Cosmetic Substance List to ban 21 New CMR substances

On May 12, 2025, the European Commission adopted Regulation (EU) 2025/877, updating the EU Cosmetics Regulation to add newly classified CMR substances to Annex II (prohibited ingredients). Entry 311 of Annex III was also deleted, with its content moved to Annex II (Entry 1730). The regulation takes effect on September 1, 2025.

• EU proposed to revise Cosmetics Substance List and ban 15 CMR substances

On May 21, 2025, the European Commission notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/EU/1140) of a proposed amendment to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009. The draft adds 15 CMR substances to Annex II and updates Annexes III, IV, and V. Based on Regulation (EU) 2024/2564, the amendment will take effect 20 days after publication and apply from May 1, 2026.

• UK SAG-CS issued opinion on 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (4-MBC)

On May 21, 2025, the UK Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) published Opinion 18 on the use of 4-MBC as a UV filter in cosmetics. SAG-CS concluded that, based on current evidence, the safe use level of 4-MBC in cosmetics cannot be determined and its safety in sunscreens or other cosmetic products cannot be confirmed.

• EU cosmetic ingredient bans in 2025

• EU cosmetic ingredient restrictions in 2025

• EU SCCS Opinion released in 2025 H1

Besides, on April 1, 2025, SCCS published consultation document SCCS/2022/Q/039 seeking scientific advice on the hair dye 'Basic blue 99 (C059)'. The proposal limits Basic Blue 99 to a maximum concentration of 1% in non-oxidative hair dye formulations. The public consultation period lasts 9 months.

North America

• US proposed ban on Formaldehyde and Formaldehyde Releasers in cosmetics

On February 11, 2025, the United States notified WTO (G/TBT/N/USA/2187) of a proposal to amend WAC 173-339 to restrict intentional use of formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers in cosmetics. The proposal includes a specific list of restricted formaldehyde releasers. If adopted, the restrictions will take effect on January 1, 2027.

• Canada revised the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

Health Canada updated the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist by adding one new prohibited ingredient (Thioglycolic acid esters), one new restricted ingredient (Retinal), revising the prohibition on mixed cresols and derivatives, and updating restrictions on peroxide compounds, benzoyl peroxide, and retinol esters.

• Health Canada launched updated cosmetic notification system

On March 6, 2025, Health Canada launched its updated Cosmetic Notification System, featuring key improvements such as new fields for product use directions and warnings, language preference options for notifiers, expanded contact types with address verification, enhanced ingredient name requirements with INCI search, and options to submit detailed label documents. Manufacturers and importers must provide a Canadian address to comply.

• US FDA recalled some acne products for Benzene contamination

On March 11, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) published a statement regarding its testing of 95 acne products containing benzoyl peroxide to evaluate potential benzene contamination. The results revealed that over 90% of the samples either showed no detectable benzene or had only trace amounts. Only a few products were flagged for recall from retail stores.

• Canada proposed to amend Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist

On May 14, 2025, Health Canada issued a notice proposing updates to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist—a list of substances that are prohibited or restricted in cosmetic products in Canada. The proposed amendments are adding 3 ingredients and revising 4 ingredients.

• FDA reaffirmed carcinogenic risk of Talc

On May 20, 2025, the U.S. FDA convened an independent panel of international experts to assess the safety and necessity of talc in food, drug, and cosmetic products. The panel reached a unanimous decision in favor of banning talc, citing safety concerns across all product categories.

• Multiple U.S. States enforce bans on PFAS in cosmetics

While the U.S. federal regulation of cosmetic ingredients remains limited, more states have introduced their own restrictions. In 2025, PFAS bans in cosmetics are taking effect across several states. See the table below for details.

• US proposed new sunscreen rules: first ingredient in 25 years may be approved

On June 3, 2025, the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce received the SAFE Sunscreen Standards Act (H.R. 3686), led by Rep. John Joyce. The bill aims to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act to modernize and streamline the review process for OTC sunscreen active ingredients.

Asia

• South Korea introduced AI Cosbot for Cosmetic Regulation support

On January 2, 2025, South Korea's MFDS launched an AI-powered cosbot pilot project to offer customized information on domestic and international cosmetic regulations and banned ingredients, supporting Korean cosmetic exports and advancing the K-beauty industry throughout 2025.

• South Korea expanded testing of overseas direct-purchase cosmetics in 2025

On January 13, 2025, the MFDS announced a major increase in testing overseas online-sold cosmetics—from 110 items in 2024 to 1,080 in 2025—focusing on color and eye products for harmful substances. Non-compliant products may face sales bans and customs restrictions. The 2025 budget allocates 280 million KRW for these efforts, with recent tests showing multiple failures among color, eye, and nail cosmetics.

• Thailand updated the List of Prohibited Ingredients in cosmetic

On January 31, 2025, Thailand published a notice in the Royal Gazette adding 56 substances—such as sodium perborate and nickel chloride—to its list of prohibited cosmetic ingredients (Entries No. 1613–1668). The changes took effect on February 1, 2025, aligning national regulations with recent updates to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD). A 180-day grace period is granted for companies to reformulate products already produced, imported, or sold before the announcement.

• South Korea issued Q&A on cosmetic outer packaging labeling

On February 14, 2025, the MFDS published a Q&A clarifying labeling principles for cosmetic outer packaging based on recent Cosmetics Act amendments. It explains when required information can appear on outer packaging, highlighting that transparent packaging may display details without opening, but the guidance is for reference only and not legally binding.

• Indonesia issued new cosmetic labeling and advertising regulations

On February 17, 2025, Indonesia's BPOM introduced new rules requiring 12 key labeling details, banning medical terms and healthcare images in ads, and enhancing oversight with monthly and surprise inspections. Non-compliance can lead to product bans, recalls, destruction, and public disclosure. Consumers are urged to report violations through official channels.

• South Korea proposed cancelling natural and organic cosmetics certification regulations

On March 26, 2025, South Korea's MFDS issued three public consultations (Announcements No. 111, 112, and 113) proposing to repeal regulations on natural and organic cosmetics certification.

• South Korea revised Cosmetic Ingredient Usage Standards

On March 26, 2025, MFDS officially implemented regulations on lifting or modifying bans and on designating or changing cosmetic ingredient standards, offering clearer guidance for companies submitting related applications.

• Philippines updated ASEAN Cosmetic Directive

On March 18, 2025, the Philippines FDA issued Circular No. 2025-002, announcing updates to the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive following the 39th ASEAN Cosmetic Committee Meeting. Key changes include adding DEET to the banned substances list, amendments to restricted substances, inclusion of Acid Yellow 3 with conditions, updated criteria for CMR substances, and a review of ACD annexes.

• South Korea enacted world's first Synthetic Biology Promotion Act

On April 2, 2025, South Korea's National Assembly passed the Synthetic Biology Promotion Act, the first law globally dedicated to synthetic biology. The law will take effect in 2026 after cabinet approval, with supplementary legislation and guidelines to be developed during the one-year preparation period.

• Indonesia announced 2025 Legislative Plan

On April 28, 2025, the Indonesian Food and Drug Supervisory Agency (BPOM) released the 2025 legislative plan which includes finalized and draft amendments as well as new regulations. Regulations related to cosmetics covers areas such as cosmetic notification, ingredient requirements, labeling testing, production, and both online and offline distribution.

• Malaysia implemented electronic Halal Certificates

On May 8, 2025, JAKIM announced that electronic halal certificates (e-Certs) for the Malaysian Halal Certification Scheme (SPHM) have been effective since May 5, 2025.

• Vietnam proposed new cosmetic product management decree

On May 15, 2025, Vietnam's Ministry of Health released Draft Decree No. 2935/BYT-QLD, covering classification, notification, manufacturing, import/export, labeling, advertising, quality control, and recalls for cosmetics. The regulation will take effect on July 1, 2026, with a transition period allowing existing certificates until June 30, 2028, after which re-notification under the new rules will be required.

• Vietnam strengthened cosmetic market surveillance and enforcement

On May 16, 2025, Vietnam's Drug Administration (DAV) issued Official Dispatch No. 2965 urging stronger action against counterfeit, smuggled, and substandard cosmetics. On May 20, DAV followed with Notice No. 1372, focusing on enhanced post-market surveillance of sunscreens to combat non-compliance, false claims, and improper notifications, aiming to protect consumers and uphold industry trust.

• Indonesia proposed stricter import testing requirements for cosmetics

On June 2, 2025, BPOM released a draft regulation to enhance safety and quality control of imported cosmetics by specifying mandatory test parameters for Certificates of Analysis (CoA) in the import certification process, signaling stronger regulatory oversight.

• South Korea proposed stricter rules for overseas direct-purchase cosmetics

On June 19, 2025, South Korea's MFDS issued Notification No. 2025-258 proposing amendments to the Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act to strengthen oversight of cosmetics bought directly from overseas, including risk disclosure, mandatory testing, and consumer usage surveys. Public consultation is open until July 30, 2025.

*Note: This article is compiled by ZMUni Compliance Centre, drawing from the latest updates from official regulatory authorities in various countries and regions. For any questions regarding interpretations or expressions, please consult the official real-time announcements.