导航菜单
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 April 2026, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.
In April 2026, 22 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:
The technical requirements for the 22 NCIs mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.
More Insights:
China's NCI Issue 41: Expanding Botanical Pipeline and Growing Functional Anti-Aging Actives
China's NCI Issue 40: From Marine Peptides to Ceramides - A Week of Functional Innovation
China's NCI Issue 39: Featuring a Korean Microbiome-Derived Ferment
China's NCI Issue 38: 6 NCIs Spanning Peptides, Surfactants, and Botanicals
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🔘 China Issues Five Cosmetic Ingredient Standards Covering Biotech and Plant-Derived Ingredients
On April 7, 2026, China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released five new cosmetic industry standards, marking the first issuance of such standards by the NMPA Cosmetics Standardization Technical Committee since its establishment in 2024. The standards will come into effect on May 1, 2027. See previous news.
🔘 China NMPA Issues Fourth Dynamic Update to the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients
On April 13, 2026, China NMPA has carried out the fourth dynamic update of the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC). Saussurea involucrata callus powder has reached three-year safety monitoring period, following evaluation and confirmation, it has been included in List II of IECIC. See previous news.
🔘 China Issues Trial Technical Guidelines for Hair Dye, Perming, and Sunscreen Products
On April 15, China NMPA released six technical guidelines to further standardize the research and evaluation of hair dye, perming, and sunscreen products.These trial guidelines close a key regulatory gap by introducing category-specific standards for hair dye, perming, and sunscreen products. They aim to align industry practices, shift the focus from marketing-driven concepts to science-based development, and raise overall safety and quality standards. See previous news.
🔘 Shenzhen Issues Measures to Promote Synthetic Biology Innovation and High-Quality Development of the Bio-Manufacturing Industry
On April 16, 2026, Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, released the Several Measures to Promote Synthetic Biology Innovation and Lead the High-Quality Development of the Bio-Manufacturing Industry. In the cosmetics sector, the policy explicitly encourages enterprises to apply synthetic biology technologies for new product development. For "unveiling and leading" (“揭榜挂帅” in Chinese) projects focused on original and breakthrough technologies, individual projects may receive up to RMB 30 million in funding. For evaluation-based projects involving major technical systems, major engineering initiatives, major equipment, or strategic developments, funding can reach up to RMB 100 million per project.
Source: https://stic.sz.gov.cn/xxgk/tzgg/content/post_12740127.html
🔘 China Customs Releases List of Non-Compliant Cosmetics in March 2026
On April 21, 2026, China's General Administration of Customs (GACC) published information on non-compliant imported cosmetics in March 2026. A total of 12 batches of cosmetics were denied entry. Among them, 3 batches were found to be non-compliant due to the preservative "Propylparaben"; 9 batches were rejected due to packaging non-conformity.
Source: http://jckspj.customs.gov.cn/spj/2026-04/21/article_2026042109061145853.html
🔘 China Expands Cosmetics Regulatory Framework with 27 New Standards in 2026 Plan
On April 24, 2026, China NMPA issued the 2026 Cosmetics Standard Project Plan. A total of 27 cosmetics-related standard projects have been included in this year's plan, comprising one revision project and 26 newly established standards. See previous news.
🔘 China NIFDC Issues 2025 Annual Review Report on Cosmetics
On April 29, 2024, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released the 2025 Annual Review Report on Cosmetics. The Report summarizes the NIFDC's key efforts in 2025, including advancing review system reforms, supporting cosmetic ingredient innovation, improving the standards framework, and promoting the implementation of the cosmetic safety assessment system. It also analyzes registration and notification data for cosmetics and new cosmetic ingredients, providing an overview of recent developments in China's cosmetics industry. See previous news.
🔘 China Releases Draft Testing Standards for Cosmetic Whitening and Hair Loss Claims
On April 30, 2026, China NIFDC released two draft cosmetic standards for public consultation, including the Test Method for Efficacy Measurement of Skin Whitening Cosmetic Products and the Test Method for Efficacy Measurement of Anti-hair Loss Cosmetic Products. The public consultation period is open until June 5, 2026. See previous news.
🔘 South Korea Introduces Temporary Policy Allowing Sticker Labels for Cosmetics
In response to packaging material shortages caused by disruptions in global supply chains (including impacts from geopolitical tensions in the Middle East affecting raw material supply), South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) reviewed the issue through its "Active Administration Committee" and announced a temporary regulatory relief measure.
Effective from April 5, 2026, the six-month policy allows cosmetics, food products, and quasi-drugs to use adhesive sticker labels to display mandatory information (such as ingredients and expiration dates) when new packaging cannot be reprinted in time due to urgent material substitution.
This measure is intended to help industry maintain supply continuity while ensuring essential labeling requirements are still met in a flexible manner.
Source: Guidelines for Rapid Regulatory Support Related to the Middle East War
🔘 South Korea Releases Three New Guidelines on Animal Alternative Testing for Cosmetics
On April 8, 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea issued three updated guidelines on alternative methods to animal testing, further promoting the use of non-animal approaches in cosmetic safety assessment. The guidelines provide technical references for companies conducting safety evaluations based on in vitro models. The three guidelines include:
Guidelines for Animal Alternative Testing Methods for Skin Irritation in Cosmetics, etc. (Skin Irritation Testing Methods Using Human Skin Models)
Guidelines for Animal Alternative Testing Methods for Skin Corrosion in Cosmetics, etc. (Skin Corrosion Testing Method Using Human Skin Models)
Guidelines for Testing Methods for Eye Hazards (Severe Eye Damage and Eye Irritation) Using Human Corneal-like Epithelial Models)
Source: MFDS official notice lis
🔘 South Korea Proposes Revision to Cosmetic Labelling Rules, Covering Oxybenzone and Leave-On Products
On April 9, 2026, South Korea's MFDS issued Notice No. 2026-184, opening a public consultation on a draft revision to the Regulations on Precautions for Use of Cosmetics and Labeling of Allergenic Ingredients. The proposed update aims to further strengthen cosmetic labelling management and enhance consumer safety, introducing new compliance obligations for companies exporting to the Korean market. Key proposed changes include:
Refinement of exemption conditions for warning statements on leave-on hair products
Adjustment of the scope of products required to carry sunscreen-use warnings when formulated with AHA
Introduction of new warning labelling requirements for "benzophenone-3"
The public consultation period runs until June 8, 2026. If adopted, the amendments, except for those related to benzophenone-3, will take effect upon official publication. The new requirements will apply to all cosmetics manufactured or imported after the implementation date (based on customs declaration date).
Source: MFDS Announcement No. 2026-184
🔘 Japan Clarifies the Use of Triheptanoin in Cosmetics
On April 20, 2026, Japan's Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) issued a notification clarifying the regulatory requirements for cosmetics containing Triheptanoin, following the ingredient's recent approval for pharmaceutical use.
According to the notice, companies must ensure that Triheptanoin used in cosmetics serves only non-pharmacological purposes, such as skin conditioning. Businesses are also required to complete compliance reviews and adjust packaging and promotional claims within the designated transition period to align with the requirements of Japan's Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Act (PMD Act) regarding pharmaceutical ingredients used in cosmetics.
Source: https://www.mhlw.go.jp/hourei/doc/tsuchi/T260421I0040.pdf
🔘 Canada Implements Fragrance Allergen Labeling Requirements for Cosmetics
In April 2026, Health Canada officially launched the first phase of its fragrance allergen disclosure requirements for cosmetics. Effective April 12, 2026, both newly marketed and existing cosmetic products containing any of the first 24 regulated fragrance allergens must individually declare these substances on product labels and in the Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF) when present above 0.001% in leave-on products or 0.01% in rinse-off products. The new requirements mark a significant step toward enhanced ingredient transparency and closer alignment with international cosmetic labeling practices.
🔘 Virginia Enacts HB122 Expanding Cosmetics Safety Requirements
On April 13, 2026, Virginia officially enacted HB122, introducing the "Toxin-Free Cosmetics" provisions under the state's Humane and Toxin-Free Cosmetics Act. Effective July 1, 2026, the law prohibits the manufacture, sale, delivery, offer for sale, or use in consumer transactions of cosmetic products containing certain intentionally added substances, including formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers, mercury, dibutyl phthalate (DBP), DEHP, specific parabens, phenylenediamines, and multiple PFAS substances and their salts. The law provides exemptions for technically unavoidable trace impurities and retailers that do not manufacture or knowingly sell non-compliant products. Violations will be treated as prohibited practices under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
Source: https://lis.virginia.gov/bill-details/20261/HB122
🔘 Minnesota Extends PFAS Reporting Deadline, Cosmetics Companies Should Still Prepare for Compliance
On April 15, 2026, the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency announced that the reporting deadline under Amara's Law for products containing intentionally added PFAS has been extended from July 1, 2026, to September 15, 2026. Cosmetics companies with PFAS-containing products are still required to submit ingredient information through the PRISM system and pay the applicable fees. Importantly, Minnesota has already banned the sale of cosmetics with intentionally added PFAS since 2025. The extension only postpones the reporting deadline and does not affect the existing restrictions or the state's broader regulatory direction on PFAS. Companies are therefore encouraged to continue supply chain reviews and PFAS compliance checks without delay.
Source: https://www.pca.state.mn.us/air-water-land-climate/reporting-pfas-in-products
🔘 EU Amends REACH Annex XVII to Further Restrict 2,4-DNT
On April 21, 2026, the European Union officially adopted Regulation (EU) 2026/859, amending Annex XVII of the REACH Regulation to introduce new restrictions on 2,4-dinitrotoluene (2,4-DNT), a substance classified as carcinogenic. The amendment further strengthens controls on products containing hazardous substances placed on the EU market. Meanwhile, previously adopted EU requirements for formaldehyde and formaldehyde releasers are also approaching key compliance deadlines, with stricter concentration limits and labeling obligations set to apply. For cosmetics and consumer goods companies, 2026 marks an important transition period for inventory management, label updates, and supply chain compliance reviews to ensure continued market access in the EU.
Source: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/?uri=OJ%3AL_202600859
🔘 SCCS Releases Multiple Scientific Opinions on Cosmetic Ingredients
In April 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published five new scientific opinions covering several cosmetic ingredients, including two preliminary opinions open for public consultation and three final opinions.
Opinion on the safety of Acetophenone (CAS No. 98- 86-2, EC No. 202-708-7) Preliminary Opinion open for comments - Deadline for comments: 6 July 2026
Opinion on the safety of Heliotropin used in cosmetic products (CAS No. 120-57-0, EC No. 204-409-7) Preliminary Opinion open for comments - Deadline for comments: 15 June 2026
Scientific Advice on Cannabidiol (CBD) (CAS/EC No. 13956-29- 1/ 689-176-3) used in cosmetic products
Scientific Advice on Silver used in cosmetic products (CAS/EC No. 7440-22-4/231-131-3)
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.
