This article covers the regulatory developments related to cosmetics within China and internationally in January 2025, with an emphasis on updates in China new cosmetic ingredient notifications, cosmetic safety assessment, labeling, and import/export alerts.

China Cosmetic Regulatory Updates

New Cosmetics Ingredients (NCI) Notification

In January 2025, 10 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:

The technical requirements for the 10 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the monitoring period.

As of February 13, 2025, data from NMPA shows that since 2021, only one NCI completed registration, while 222 have been filed for notification. This includes six withdrawals and seven cancellations. Notably, 15 ingredients have been notified in 2025 so far.

Regulation Updates

On January 22, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released nine draft testing methods, including the In Vitro Skin Absorption Test, for public consultation. These methods aim to enhance technical standards for cosmetics, including toothpaste. See previous report.

On January 10, 2025, China NIFDC held a technical exchange on peptide-based new cosmetic ingredients, aiming to encourage innovation in cosmetic ingredients. Representatives from key cosmetic companies discussed ingredient classification, naming, bioactivity, and safety assessment. Regulatory reviewers and experts provided guidance on R&D challenges, while industry representatives shared insights on optimizing the new ingredient evaluation process.

Regional Updates

• Shanghai Implements Risk-Based Management for Cosmetic Manufacturers

To strengthen oversight and enhance quality and risk awareness among cosmetic manufacturers, the Shanghai Medical Products Administration has issued the Measures for the Risk-Based Classification Management of Cosmetic Manufacturers in Shanghai. This Measures aims to optimize regulatory resource allocation and improve supervision efficiency and takes effect on February 13, 2025, and remain valid for five years until February 12, 2030.

• Guangzhou Reports Submission of 3,200 Full Version of CPSR in 2024

On January 9, 2025, the Guangzhou Municipal Administration for Market Regulation released its 2024 Annual Work Summary, highlighting key regulatory initiatives. The report noted that in 2024, the top 50 cosmetic companies achieved 100% compliance in submitting full version of safety assessment reports (generally known as CPSR) for cosmetic products. By the end of 2024, a total of 3,200 products from 190 cosmetic companies had submitted full version of CPSR, marking significant industry progress.

Official FAQs

On January 14, 2025,the Beijing Medical Products Administration issued "FAQs on the Registration of General Cosmetics" (Vol. 41). This edition addresses common concerns from cosmetic manufacturers, offering detailed clarifications based on key regulations, including the Good Manufacturing Practices for Cosmetics, Regulations on Supervision and Administration of Enterprises in Implementing Entity Responsibility for Cosmetic Quality and Safety, and the Administrative Measures on Cosmetics Inspection.

On January 27, 2024, Guangzhou Medical Products Administration issued the 74th "FAQs on the Registration of General Cosmetics." This update covers key topics such as product status “freezing,” the use of canceled or withdrawn new cosmetic ingredients, and other NCI notification-related concerns.

Administrative Penalty

On January 14, 2024, the General Administration of Customs published a list of non-compliant imported cosmetics from December 2024, which included 10 batches from the United States(7 batches), the United Kingdom(2 batches) and Thailand(1 batch). 

Among them, 8 batches of hair care products were denied entry due to labeling non-compliance, while 2 batches of oil-based products failed to meet national standards due to the presence of cannabidiol (CBD) beyond regulatory limits.

International Cosmetic Regulatory Updates

Europe

• SCCS Opinion

On January 13, 2025, the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released two preliminary scientific opinion: One (SCCS/1674/25) on Butylparaben (CAS No. 94-26-8, EC No. 202-318-7) - Children's exposure; and the other on (SCCS/1675/25) on Salicylic Acid (CAS No. 69-72-7, EC No. 200-712-3) - Children's exposure. Deadlines for comments is March 10, 2025.

On January 17, 2025, SCCS issued a Scientific advice–children's exposure to Methyl salicylate (methyl 2-hydroxybenzoate) - Revision of SCCS/1654/23 (SCCS/1676/25). Deadline for comments is February 17, 2025.

On January 23, 2025, SCCS issued its final opinion on the second submission for HC Red No. 18 (Colipa No. B124) (CAS No. 1444596-49-9) (SCCS/1673/24). Based on the provided data, the SCCS concluded that HC Red No. 18 is safe for use in oxidative hair dye products at a concentration of 1.5%, and in non-oxidative hair dye products at a concentration of 0.5%.

• UK  Proposes Restrictions on Methyl Salicylate in Cosmetics

On January 16, 2025, the United Kingdom notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft regulation titled the The Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, which proposes to limit the use of methyl salicylate (CAS No. 119-36-8) in cosmetics. The proposed restriction is based on advice from the UK Consumer Product Safety Chemical Science Advisory Group (SAG-CS) and differs in certain aspects from EU regulations. The draft regulation is open for public consultation until March 17, 2025, with plans for formal adoption by April 30, 2025.

Asia

• Indonesia 

On November 26, 2024, the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) issued a notice regarding the adjustment of registration service timelines for natural medicines, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. The notice confirmed that Indonesia's Notifkos cosmetic notification system officially reopened with the Notifkos 3.0 version for businesses on January 2, 2025.

On December 31, 2024, the Indonesian Halal Products Assurance Agency (BPJPH) released and implemented Regulation No. 80 of 2024, which outlines the standard operating procedures (SOP) for halal certification services for micro and small enterprises (MSEs). The regulation also provides detailed implementation guidelines.

• South Korea

On January 2, 2025, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that it would adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technology to provide customized information about domestic and international cosmetic regulations and banned ingredients, aimed at supporting the export of Korean cosmetics and leading the global K-beauty industry. A pilot project for the AI cosbot is available from January 2 to December 31, 2025.

On January 13, 2025, the MFDS released an updated announcement regarding the testing of overseas direct-purchase cosmetics, with plans to significantly increase the number of tests. Key details include:

1. The number of tests for cosmetics sold on overseas online platforms will rise from 110 items in 2024 to 1,080 items in 2025, prioritizing color cosmetics and eye products that may contain harmful substances like heavy metals (lead, nickel, antimony).

2. For overseas direct-purchase cosmetics with suspected hazards, measures will include blocking sales websites and prohibiting customs clearance, with the test results being integrated and published.

3. The 2025 budget allocates 280 million KRW for the purchase and testing of cosmetics from overseas online platforms. Test results revealed that out of 40 color cosmetics, 9 were non-compliant, 32 out of 175 color cosmetics failed, 7 out of 97 eye cosmetics did not meet standards, and 2 out of 13 hand and foot nail cosmetics failed.

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.