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 in China and globally in October 2025, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.
In October 2025, 17 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:
To learn more about these NCIs and their respective companies, check out the following episodes:
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🔘 Breaking: China Approved Two New Registered New Cosmetic Ingredients
On October 30, 2025, China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved two new registered cosmetic ingredients: one whitening agent and one colorant. These are the second and third ingredients approved under China's CSAR, following Beiersdorf's Thiamidol630 approved in November 2024. See previous news.
🔘 China Seeks Input on Six Draft Cosmetic Standards
On October 14,2025, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released 6 draft cosmetic standards for public consultation. These drafts include four test methods and two regulations, with the consultation period open until November 7, 2025. See previous news.
🔘 China Launches Pilot Program for Electronic Cosmetic Labels
On October 20, 2025, China NMPA announced a three-year pilot program for electronic cosmetic labels, marking a significant step toward the digital transformation of cosmetic labeling in China. The pilot will begin on February 1, 2026, and will be implemented in Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong, and Chongqing. The duty-free cosmetics pilot on Hainan Island, launched locally in September 2024, may also be carried out under the new NMPA requirements.See previous news.
🔘 China IECIC Updates: 3 New Cosmetic Ingredients Included & 49 Entries Revised
On October 20, 2025, China NMPA has carried out the second dynamic update of the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC), following the first update earlier this year, which set the precedent for regular adjustments to ensure ingredient safety and regulatory compliance. See previous news.
🔘 China to Speed Up Approval of High-Risk New Cosmetic Ingredients: 16 Substances Selected for Innovation Guidance
On October 20, 2025, China NIFDC launched the first batch of new cosmetic ingreidents (NCIs) for innovation guidance. The selected NCIs were chosen based on four key criteria: first-to-market, Chinese characteristics, domestic substitution, and green low-carbon development. This initiative aims to implement the Several Provisions on Supporting Cosmetic Ingredient Innovation and strengthen services for the innovation and application of new cosmetic ingredients. See previous news.
🔘 List of Non-Compliant Imported Cosmetics for September 2025
On October 23, 2025, the General Administration of Customs (GACC) published the List of Non-Compliant Imported Cosmetics for September 2025. Seven batches from Australia and one bactch from South Korea were rejected due to issues such as non-compliant labeling, discrepancies between cargo and certificates.
🔘 Indonesia BPOM Updates Cosmetic Ingredient Regulations
On October 3, 2025, Indonesia's National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) officially issued the Technical Requirements for Cosmetic Ingredients (Regulation No. 25 of 2025), providing a comprehensive update to the use and management of cosmetic ingredients. This regulation repeals the previous Regulation No. 23 of 2019 and Regulation No. 17 of 2022. It takes effect immediately upon issuance, with a 12-month transition period for compliance.
Official link:
https://jdih.pom.go.id/view/slide/1697/25/2025/312351bff07989769097660a56395065
🔘 California AB-60: Musk Ban in Cosmetics
On October 8, 2025, the California state government announced Assembly Bill 60, also known as the Musk Reduction Act, which further amends Section 108980 of the California Health and Safety Code.
Effective January 1, 2027, it will be prohibited for any person or entity, in the course of business, to manufacture, sell, deliver, possess, or otherwise distribute cosmetic products intentionally containing the following ingredients: musk ambrette (CAS 83-66-9), musk tibetene (CAS 145-39-1), musk moskene (CAS 116-66-5), or musk xylene (CAS 81-15-2).
Official link:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB60
🔘 California SB 236: Ban on Certain Hair Relaxer Ingredients
On October 11, 2025, the Governor of California signed Senate Bill 236, also known as the Combating Unsafe Relaxers (C.U.R.L.) Act. The law specifically targets chemical hair relaxer products used for straightening curly, coiled, or tightly curled hair, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, or distribution in California of products containing the following intentionally added ingredients:
Formaldehyde (CAS 50-00-0)
Isobutylparaben (CAS 4247-02-3)
Isopropylparaben (CAS 4191-73-5)
Cyclohexylamine (CAS 108-91-8)
Cyclotetrasiloxane (CAS 556-67-2)
Diethanolamine perfluorooctane sulfonate (CAS 70225-14-8)
Dibutyl phthalate (CAS 84-74-2)
Diethylhexyl phthalate (CAS 117-81-7)
Lily aldehyde (CAS 80-54-6)
The legislation aims to protect consumer health by reducing potential chemical risks in hair care products.
Official link:
https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260SB236
🔘 Thailand Proposes Updates to Cosmetic Ingredient Restrictions
On October 15, 2025, Thailand's Ministry of Public Health announced four draft amendments to the country's cosmetic substance regulations. The updates aim to revise the prohibited and restricted substances list under the Thai Cosmetic Act, aligning with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive and Thailand’s domestic requirements. Key changes include updated restrictions for salicylic acid and cinnamal, additional information on three currently prohibited substances, and the inclusion of 24 new substances to the prohibited list.
Official link:
https://law.go.th/listeningDetail?survey_id=NTk2OURHQV9MQVdfRlJPTlRFTkQ=
🔘 UK Proposes Ban on 4-MBC and 16 CMR Substances in Cosmetics
On October 31, 2025, the United Kingdom notified the World Trade Organization of a draft regulation, the Cosmetics (Restriction of Chemicals) Regulations 2026. The draft proposes to prohibit 17 chemical substances, including 3-(4-Methylbenzylidene)-d1 camphor/Enzacamene (4-MBC), and to tighten labeling requirements for formaldehyde-releasing preservatives. Additionally, the draft would ban 16 substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic to reproduction (CMR) to further protect consumer health. Public comments are open until December 30, 2025, and the regulation is expected to take effect in January 2026.
Official Source:
https://eping.wto.org/en/Search?&viewData=G%2FTBT%2FN%2FGBR%2F107
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.
