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 globe in April 2025, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredient, cosmetic safety assessment, labeling, etc.
In April 2025, 16 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:
The technical requirements for the 16 new cosmetic ingredients mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the monitoring period.
Prior to this recap, ZMUni has continued to release passages introduce the NCI updates with its approval status and market applications, for more detailed information, check the following episodes:
China's NCI Approval Updates (April 22 to 28, 2025): Peptide-based Ingredients
China's NCI Approval Updates (April 1 to 10, 2025): More Plant-based Ingredients
On April 9, 2025, to strengthen the regulation of cosmetics and standardize the monitoring and evaluation of safety risks, China's National Medical Product Administration (NMPA) issued Administrative Measures on Cosmetic Safety Risk Monitoring and Evaluation, which will take effect on August 1, 2025. Under the Measures, safety risk monitoring and evaluation will focus on key factors that may impact the quality and safety of cosmetics, including:
1) Substances that are likely to be illegally added to cosmetics and may pose health risks;
2) Substances that may be particularly harmful to vulnerable groups, such as children;
3) Risk substances that may be introduced via raw materials or packaging, or generated during manufacturing, storage, or transportation;
4) Items related to the development or revision of cosmetic standards;
5) Other priority monitoring items identified as necessary.
On April 10, 2025, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released the Information on the Use of Some Ingredients Included in the Index of International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data, along with a corresponding Q&A. See previous report.
On April 27, 2025, to further implement the Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR) and the Administrative Measures on Cosmetics Labeling, promote healthy growth in international trade, and better protect consumers' right to know and choose, the China Association of Fragrance, Flavor and Cosmetic Industries (CAFFCI), in collaboration with the European Union Chamber of Commerce in China, carried out a standardized translation of Chinese and English names for selected fragrance ingredients based on relevant technical regulations. A technical review meeting was held to finalize the naming standards, resulting in the release of the reference list titled Chinese-English Name Mapping for Selected Fragrance Ingredients.
On April 30, 2025, China NMPA issued a new supplementary testing method: BJH 202501 Determination of Meprednisone in Cosmetics. This method outlines the qualitative and quantitative analysis of Meprednisone (CAS No.1247-42-3) in various categories of cosmetics, such as liquid (water, oil), cream and milk, gel, and wax-based products. See previous report.
On April 7, 2025, Taiwan, China notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of Amendment to the List of Ingredients Restricted in Cosmetic Products (Draft) (G/TBT/N/TPKM/559). The proposed changes include the addition of 34 new restricted substances, revisions to 74 existing ingredient entries, and the removal of boric acid from the table. The new provisions are scheduled to take effect on July 1, 2026.
On March 27, 2025,the Beijing Medical Products Administration issued "FAQs on the Notification of General Cosmetics" (Vol. 44), with a special focus on cosmetic safety assessment. This edition addresses key issues such as the differences between the Information on the Use of Some Ingredients Included in the Index of International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data and the version released in 2024, considerations for referencing the index, and relevant methods for conducting stability testing.
In April 2024, the Guangzhou Medical Products Administration issued the 77th to 79th editions of the "FAQs on the Notification of General Cosmetics." The topics covered include issues related to the submission of the annual cosmetic report, as well as answers to questions regarding the Information on the Use of Some Ingredients Included in the Index of International Cosmetic Safety Assessment Data, which was issued on April 9, 2025.
On April 29, 2025, China NIFDC released a set of five frequently asked questions and answers on technical reviews. The document addresses issues related to cosmetic safety assessments, testing methods, and the testing reports required for cosmetic registration and notification.
On April 18, 2025, the General Administration of Customs (GACC) released the list of non-compliant imported cosmetics during port inspections in March 2025, involving two batches of products. One batch, Moisturizing Lotion from UK, was intercepted by Haikou Customs for failing to meet the sensory inspection requirements specified in national food safety standards. The other batch, Cleansing Mask from US, was intercepted by Shenzhen Customs due to exceeding the arsenic limit in testing.
On 1 April 2025, the UK Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published an amendment to the Cosmetic Products (Restriction of Chemical Substances) Regulations 2025, updating Annex III to include the new restriction to methyl salicylate.
On April 1, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of European Union released the Request for a scientific Advice on the hair dye 'Basic blue 99 (C059)' (CAS No. 68123-13-7, EC No. 268-544-3). Specifically, it addresses the maximum allowable concentration of Basic Blue 99 in non-oxidative hair dye formulations, which is set at 1%. The consultation period for feedback is 9 months.
On April 1, 2025, SCCS of the European Union issued final opinion (SCCS/1672/24) on Benzophenone -1 (CAS No. 131-56-6). Having considered the data provided (including two new mutagenicity/genotoxicity studies submitted to ECHA as part of the REACH registration dossier), and the concerns relating to genotoxicity and potential endocrine disrupting properties, the SCCS considers Benzophenone-1 not safe when used as a light stabiliser in cosmetic products.
On 3 April, 2025, SCCS issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1677/25) on Hydroxyapatite (nano) (CAS No. 1306-06-5). The deadline for comments is set for 30 May, 2025.
On April 22, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1679/25) on Benzophenone-2 (BP-2) (CAS No. 131-55-5) and Benzophenone-5 (BP-5) (CAS No. 6628-37-1). The deadline for comments is set for June 17, 2025.
On April 16, 2025, the European Commission unveiled its annual report on Safety Gate. According to the report, "cosmetics" ranked first in the number of alerts, accounting for 36% of all notifications. Notably, 97% of the cosmetic products reported were found to contain BMHCA (lilial), a synthetic fragrance ingredient widely used in various cosmetics but banned from the EU market since March 2022. BMHCA has been linked to reproductive toxicity and may also cause skin sensitization.
On April 2, 2025, South Korea's National Assembly officially passed the Synthetic Biology Promotion Act, making it the first country in the world to enact legislation specifically dedicated to the field of synthetic biology. The law will come into effect in 2026, following cabinet approval and promulgation, after a one-year preparation period. To ensure smooth implementation, the South Korean government plans to simultaneously advance supplementary legislation, including enforcement decrees and relevant guidelines. See previous report.
On April 4, 2025, Thailand notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft regulation titled Cosmetic Labeling: Fluoridated Toothpaste (G/TBT/N/THA/773). The comment period for the draft is open until June 3, 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.
