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 November 2025, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.
In November 2025, 15 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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🔘 China Publishes Draft Cosmetic Standards on Preservatives and Hair Dyes
On November 17, 2025, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) has released 3 draft cosmetic standards for public consultation. The public consultation period will remain open until December 12, 2025. The drafts include newly added prohibited ingredients, as well as updates to maximum limits and usage restrictions for permitted preservatives and hair dyes. See previous news.
🔘 China Finalizes 24 Cosmetics Reform Measures to Advance Beauty Industry
On November 17, 2025, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) officially released the final version of the Opinions on Deepening Cosmetics Regulatory Reform and Promoting High-Quality Development of the Industry, which introduced 24 reform measures across five key areas. These reforms bring substantial benefits to cosmetic companies, with notable advantages for overseas brands—particularly the measures aimed at promoting alternative methods to animal testing. See previous news.
🔘 Shanghai Launches Pilot Program for Electronic Cosmetic Labels
On November 18, 2025, the Shanghai Municipal Medical Products Administration announced a pilot program for electronic labels for cosmetics (including toothpaste). The initiative aims to modernize label management, improve consumer access to information, and support high-quality industry development.The program is implemented in accordance with China NMPA's notice on advancing electronic labeling issued in October 2025.
The pilot will run from February 1, 2026, for three years. Cosmetic registrants, notifiers, and domestic responsible persons based in Shanghai may apply to participate. Selected companies will be allowed to provide required Chinese label information through electronic labels, using either self-built or third-party systems.
Reference: https://yjj.sh.gov.cn/zx-hzp/20251118/fbb355b0537f4387b7f38f595ddbeae3.html
🔘 Hainan Introduces Measures to Boost Cosmetics Industry
On November 24, 2025, Hainan Province released the Measures to Support High-Quality Development of the Cosmetics Industry to leverage Free Trade Port policies and advance the local cosmetics sector. The measures focus on driving innovation in specialty raw materials, applying Free Trade Port policies, streamlining regulatory review and approval, promoting international brand development, fostering smart manufacturing clusters, attracting high-end talent, supporting investment and financing, and enhancing cross-departmental coordinated services.
Reference: https://amr.hainan.gov.cn/himpa/xxgk/zfwj/bmwj/202511/t20251124_3976114.html
🔘 Shanghai Launches Second Phase of Personalized Cosmetic Services Pilot
On November 28, 2025, the Shanghai MPA announced the launch of the second phase of its personalized cosmetic services pilot, conducted in accordance with China NMPA's notice on advancing personalized cosmetic services issued in September 2025.
This phase aims to deepen cosmetic regulatory reforms, explore practical models and effective oversight for personalized and diverse cosmetic services, meet evolving consumer demands, and support high-quality industry development. It builds on lessons learned from the first pilot, further promoting innovation and regulatory clarity in the sector.
Reference: https://yjj.sh.gov.cn/zx-hzp/20251127/c5cf3d2a43c146f697dc8ff2a3069efe.html
🔘 Taiwan Revises the List of Ingredient Restricted in Cosmetic Products
On November 6, 2025, Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare, Food and Drug Administration (TFDA), announced revisions to the List of Ingredient Restricted in Cosmetic Products, which will take effect on October 1, 2027. Products manufactured or imported before September 30, 2027, may continue to be sold within their shelf life.
The update includes the addition of 34 new ingredients, revisions to 74 existing restrictions, deletion of 1 ingredient, and adjustments to explanatory notes—highlighting, among other changes, limitations on the use of retinol.
Reference: https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/newsContent.aspx?cid=3&id=31285
🔘 Taiwan Issues Testing Method for Sudan Dyes in Cosmetics
On November 24, 2025, TFDA released a testing method (RA03D015.001) for Sudan dyes in cosmetics. The method applies to Sudan I (CI 12055), Sudan II (CI 12140), Sudan III (CI 26100), and Sudan IV (CI 26105). This is a recommended guidance for reference by domestic and overseas laboratories. Laboratories may adjust the method as needed, provided it is verified or validated before use.
Reference: https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/siteListContent.aspx?sid=1574&id=49913
🔘 China Customs Rejects 20 Batches of Cosmetic Imports in October 2025
On November 27, 2025, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) published the list of non-compliant cosmetic imports for October. A total of 20 batches were rejected, including 13 batches due to discrepancies between goods and certificates, and 7 batches due to both label non-compliance and documentation issues.
Reference: http://jckspj.customs.gov.cn/spj/xxfw39/fxyj47/4677516/6847953/index.html
🔘 EU SCCS Issues Final Opinion on Tea Tree Oil in Cosmetics
On November 14, 2025, the European Commission's Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) released its final scientific opinion on tea tree oil (TTO) for use in cosmetics (SCCS/1681/25). SCCS concluded that tea tree oil is safe as an anti-seborrheic and anti-microbial ingredient at the following maximum concentrations: 2.0% in shampoo, 1.0% in shower gel, 1.0% in face wash, and 0.1% in face cream.
The SCCS emphasizes that this opinion applies only to TTO conforming to ISO 4730:2017 in dermally applied products for adults, and not in aerosol or spray formats. TTO is considered a moderate skin sensitizer, and its stability must be ensured in the final product.
Reference: SCCS - Scientific Opinion on Tea Tree Oil (CAS/EC No. 68647-73-4 /285-377-1)
🔘 EU SCCS Publishes Preliminary Opinions on BHA, Hair Dyes, CBD, and Mercury Compounds
In November, SCCS has released several preliminary opinions on cosmetic ingredients, open for public comment until January 2026:
Butylated Hydroxyanisole (BHA, CAS 25013-16-5): SCCS considers it safe in dermally applied leave-on and rinse-off products at concentrations up to 0.07%, excluding oral care and inhalation exposure products.
Basic Brown 16 (CAS 26381-41-9): SCCS considers it unsafe when used at 2% in non-oxidative hair dye formulations ; the available evidence indicates that Basic Brown 16 may have mutagenic potential.
Basic Blue 99 (CAS 68123-13-7): SCCS considers it unsafe when used at 1% in non-oxidative hair dye formulations. Evidence suggests that Basic Blue 99 may have genotoxic potential. Although the specific composition of batches causing some severe immediate-type allergic reactions is unclear, SCCS notes this as an indication of potential skin sensitization risk and classifies Basic Blue 99 as a skin sensitizer.
Cannabidiol (CBD): SCCS considers it safe at concentrations up to 0.19% in dermal and oral cosmetics; THC impurities are safe up to 0.0025%. This opinion excludes products leading to inhalation exposure.
Thiomersal and Phenylmercuric salts: SCCS considers these mercury compounds unsafe at currently permitted concentrations, highlighting additional risks from cumulative exposure from other sources.
🔘 UK SAG-CS Issues Final Opinion on Hexyl Salicylate in Cosmetics
In November 2025, the UK Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) published its final opinion (Opinion 19) on the use of hexyl salicylate (CAS 6259-76-3) in cosmetic products. According to the opinion, the maximum safe concentrations for products intended for adults and children aged 3 and above are:
Alcohol-based perfumes (spray and non-spray): 2%
Rinse-off products: 0.5%
Leave-on products: 0.3%
Oral care products: 0.001%
For products intended for children aged 0–3 years, the safe concentrations are:
Bath/shower products, hand wash, shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, face cream, hand cream, lipstick/lip balm, perfumes: 0.1%
Toothpaste: 0.001%
Reference: SAG-CS Opinion 19 – Hexyl Salicylate in Cosmetic Products
🔘 UK Proposes Revision of Cosmetic Ingredient List
On 27 November 2025, the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) notified to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) amendments to the Annexes of the UK Cosmetics Regulation. The draft regulation is open for comments until 26 January 2026. The proposed changes include:
Restricting the use of hexyl salicylate in cosmetic products.
Banning 13 substances classified under the EU CLP Regulation as Category 1B or 2 carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) chemicals.
Reference: WTO Notification G/TBT/N/GBR/108
🔘 South Korea Proposes Updates to Functional Cosmetics Compliance
On November 6, 2025, South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced proposed partial revisions to the Regulations on Functional Cosmetics Evaluation and Functional Cosmetics Standards and Testing Methods, opening them for public consultation. Key points include:
Amendments to the Review Regulations, including expanding the scope of product types exempt from supporting documentation and adjusting the list of approved functional ingredients.
Updates to the Standards and Test Methods, such as adding new efficacy ingredients and revising certain testing procedures.
Reference:
🔘 Thailand Proposes Draft Rules on Microneedle Cosmetics
On November 6, 2025, Thailand's FDA released draft regulations banning most microneedle cosmetics, while allowing certain dissolvable patches under 100 μm for face and body use. Permitted products would require cautionary labeling and usage restrictions for sensitive areas and consumers under 15. The move aims to strengthen consumer safety in this growing market.
Reference: https://law.go.th/listeningDetail?survey_id=NjA5NURHQV9MQVdfRlJPTlRFTkQ=
🔘 Indonesia Proposes HS Code List for Mandatory Halal Products
On November 6, 2025, Indonesia notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/IDN/160/Add.2) of a draft decree establishing Harmonized System (HS) codes for products requiring mandatory halal certification. The draft covers food and beverages, food additives, cosmetics, and natural medicines.
The HS code list is intended as a legally binding reference for importers and authorized representatives to: register foreign halal certificates, identify mandatory halal product categories for import, distribution, or sale in Indonesia, and apply for certification with BPJPH or recognized overseas halal authorities.
Reference: G/TBT/N/IDN/160/Add.2
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.
