The global cosmetics regulatory environment continues to evolve. To help businesses stay updated with regulatory changes, ZMUni Compliance Center regularly releases a monthly recap of global cosmetics regulations. This article covers the regulatory developments related to cosmetics within China and internationally in February 2025, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredient, cosmetic safety assessment, labeling.
In February 2025, 9 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:
|
Ingredient Name in CN |
Notification No. |
Notifier |
|
棕榈酰七肽-101 |
202500011 |
上海瑞思美泰生化技术有限公司 |
|
雪莲花（Saussurea involucrata）愈伤组织粉 |
202500012 |
广州青囊生物科技有限公司 |
|
酵母菌/松茸（TRICHOLOMA MATSUTAKE）发酵产物滤液 |
202500013 |
稀物集（广州）生物科技有限公司 |
|
二羟基苯乙醇 Dihydroxyphenylethanol |
202500014 |
徐州合谷生命科技有限公司 |
|
金耳（NAEMATELIA AURANTIALBA）子实体提取物 |
202500015 |
深圳杉海创新技术有限公司 |
|
聚氨酯-102 |
202500016 |
Intercos S.p.A |
|
聚酯-43 |
202500017 |
Intercos S.p.A |
|
IPDI/二 C12-13 醇酒石酸酯/双-羟乙氧丙基聚二甲基硅氧烷共聚物 |
202500018 |
Intercos S.p.A |
|
白簕（ELEUTHEROCOCCUS TRIFOLIATUS）叶/茎提取物 |
202500019 |
广东完美生命健康科技研究院有限公司 |
The technical requirements for the 9 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the monitoring period.
On February 6, 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued Several Provisions on Supporting Cosmetic Ingredient Innovation, aiming to further encourage innovation in cosmetic ingredients and promote the high-quality development of the cosmetics industry. This regulation took effect immediately upon release. On the same day, the NMPA released a policy interpretation on Several Provisions on Supporting Cosmetic Ingredient Innovation. See previous report.
On February 9, 2025, China's National Institute for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released an updated version of the Ingredient Usage Information for Marketed Products, further expanding the information and action sites for marketed products and optimizing reference usage principles to provide valuable support for companies conducting safety assessments. See previous report.
On February 19, 2025, China NIFDC released a notice seeking public input on the Information on the Use of Some Ingredients Included in the Index of International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data (Draft for Comments). See previous report.
From February 27 to 28, the 2025 National Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Conference was held in Changsha, Hunan. This Conference reviewed the progress made in 2024, assessed the current landscape, and outlined key priorities for 2025.
On February 9, 2025, China NIFDC released a Q&A on the Ingredients Used in Marketed Cosmetic Products (February 2025 Edition). The Q&A provides detailed explanations on updates to the ingredient information, usage guidelines, and how to correctly use the ingredient data.
On February 17, 2025,the Beijing Medical Products Administration issued "FAQs on the Registration of General Cosmetics" (Vol. 42). This edition highlights key points for the self-review of safety assessments for products in special circumstances. These include aerosol cosmetics, products that are used in combination with two or more products, products used with devices or tools, and children's cosmetics.
On February 27, 2025, Guangzhou Medical Products Administration issued the 7th "FAQs on the Notification of Domestic Toothpaste." This provides detailed guidance on submitting product inspection reports for various toothpaste notification scenarios, including product renaming, changes, or the addition of new production sites. Additionally, it clarifies the required supporting materials for efficacy claims when filing toothpaste products.
On February 17, 2025, the European Union's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) issued a preliminary Scientific Advice on the safety of Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate - DHHB – S83, with the consultation deadline set for April 25, 2025. Due to health concerns related to DnHexP, the SCCS calculated the maximum safe level of this contaminant in sunscreen products containing DHHB to be 0.026% (260 ppm). This applies when DHHB is used at concentrations up to 10% in cosmetics, where the presence of the unavoidable impurity DnHexP is expected.
Saudi Arabia
On February 9, 2025, the Saudi Arabian Ministry of Health proposed regulatory guidelines for cosmetics containing nanomaterials, with the public consultation period ending on March 9, 2025. The main points include:
1) Objectives, scope, and definitions;
2) Specific regulations on the allowed uses of nanomaterials in cosmetics;
3) Requirements for manufacturers and importers of cosmetics containing nanomaterials;
4) Labeling regulations for cosmetics containing nanomaterials;
5) A list of nanomaterials prohibited in cosmetics, including polystyrene/acrylate copolymer and colloidal silver.
South Korea
On February 14, 2025, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) released a Q&A on the labeling of cosmetic outer packaging. This outlines the principles and examples for labeling based on amendments to the Cosmetics Act, emphasizing that it is for reference only and does not have legal force. It explains when information, such as that required by Article 10(1) of the Act, can be included on outer packaging, noting that transparent or partially transparent packaging allows consumers to view the required details without opening the product.
On February 21, 2025, South Korean MFDS issued Announcement No. 92 of 2025, proposing partial revision of the Regulations on the Designation and Change of Cosmetic Ingredient Standards. The public consultation period is open until March 13, 2025.
Indonesia
On February 17, 2025, the Indonesian National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) released new regulations on the labeling, promotion, and advertising of cosmetics. Key provisions include the mandatory labeling of 12 critical pieces of information such as product name, ingredients, and expiration date. The regulations also prohibit the use of medical terminology and images of healthcare professionals in advertisements. Additionally, BPOM has strengthened cosmetic oversight with monthly inspections and surprise checks, with non-compliant companies facing penalties such as product bans, removals from shelves, destruction, and public disclosure. Consumers are encouraged to report violations through official channels.
In February 2025, Health Canada revised the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist with the following updates:
1) One new prohibited ingredient added: Thioglycolic acid esters.
2) One new restricted ingredient added: Retinal.
3) Revised requirements for one prohibited ingredient: Mixed cresols and derivatives.
4) Revised requirements for three restricted ingredients: Peroxide and peroxide-generating compounds, Benzoyl peroxide, and Retinol and its esters.
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.
