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 February 2026, with an emphasis on updates in cosmetic ingredients and cosmetic management, among other areas.
In February 2026, 17 new cosmetic ingredients were notified with the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). They include:
The technical requirements for the 17 NCIs mentioned above have not been disclosed, and they have not yet entered the safety monitoring period.
🔘 China Implements 12 New Cosmetic Testing Methods from March 1, 2026
Effective March 1, 2026, twelve newly issued cosmetic inspection and testing methods have officially come into force. Cosmetic registrants and notifiers are required to conduct product compliance submissions in accordance with the latest technical requirements.
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Issue Date |
Testing Method |
Implement Date |
|
May 7, 2025 |
Determination of Hard Particles in Toothpaste |
March 1, 2026 |
|
Determination of Diethylene Glycol and Glycol in Toothpaste |
March 1, 2026 |
|
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Determination of Soluble/Free Fluoride in Toothpastes |
March 1, 2026 |
|
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Determination of Total Fluoride in Toothpaste |
March 1, 2026 |
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In Chemico Skin Sensitisation The ARE-Nrf2 Luciferase LuSens Test |
March 1, 2026 |
|
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Determination of Li and 42 Kinds of Elements in Cosmetics |
March 1, 2026 |
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Determination of Li and 42 Kinds of Elements in Toothpaste |
March 1, 2026 |
|
|
August 29, 2025 |
Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) Assay |
March 1, 2026 |
|
In Chemico Skin Sensitisation: Kinetic Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (kDPRA) |
March 1, 2026 |
|
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Skin Absorption: In vitro Method |
March 1, 2026 |
|
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Immunotoxicity test |
March 1, 2026 |
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Oral mucous irritation test |
March 1, 2026 |
🔘 China Seeks Input on Six Cosmetic Microbiological Testing Standards
On February 6, China's National Institute for Food and Drug Control(NIFDC) issued a notice, seeking public comments on six cosmetic standards, all of which pertain to microbiological testing methods. See previous news.
🔘 Taiwan Updates Documentation Requirements for the Use of Human Cell-Derived Exosomes in Cosmetics
On February 2, 2026, the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) under the Ministry of Health and Welfare announced amendments to the required documentation for case-by-case applications involving the use of human cell-derived exosomes in cosmetics.
Specifically, revisions were made to the appendix under Item 2 of the "Required Documents for Case Review Applications for the Use of Human Cell-Derived Exosomes in Cosmetics." The updated requirements took effect on the date of publication.
Source: https://www.fda.gov.tw/TC/newsContent.aspx?cid=3&id=31413
🔘 Thailand Eases Sales Restrictions on Low-Risk Herbal Products
On February 3, 2026, the Thai Food and Drug Administration officially implemented the Ministry of Public Health Notification on the Criteria, Methods, and Conditions for General Sale Herbal Products B.E. 2569 (2026).
The updated regulation introduces a risk-based framework for herbal product sales. Low-risk herbal health products and herbal cosmetics that pass evidence-based safety assessments are now permitted to be distributed through broader retail channels, including modern trade outlets, convenience stores, and online platforms.
Previously, only products within specific approved efficacy categories were eligible for wider circulation. The new rules remove these limitations and allow qualified products with newly recognized health attributes to enter general sales channels. The reform is expected to reduce time-to-market and compliance costs while supporting the sustainable growth of Thailand's herbal industry.
Source: https://herbal.fda.moph.go.th/law-herbal/herbal3-62
🔘 UK Introducing New CMR Restrictions and Updated Limits for Hexyl Salicylate
On 9 February 2026, the UK formally adopted Statutory Instrument 2026 No.109, amending the retained UK Cosmetic Products Regulation to strengthen chemical restrictions by adding 13 classified CMR (carcinogenic, mutagenic and reproductive toxic) substances to the prohibited list and introducing updated concentration limits for hexyl salicylate. The amendment establishes new placement-on-market deadlines and transitional provisions, allowing limited sell-through for products already placed on the market. The measures apply to cosmetic products marketed in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland), requiring manufacturers and brands to review formulations, update safety assessments and ensure compliance with the revised Annex II/III restrictions within the specified transition periods.
Source: https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/109/made
🔘 SCCS Publishes Four Final Scientific Opinions on Cosmetic Ingredients
On 10 February 2026, the EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published three final scientific opinions concluding that several cosmetic ingredients are considered unsafe under current conditions of use.
The opinion evaluates prostaglandin-related substances used in cosmetic formulations, particularly in eyelash and hair growth products. SCCS concluded that the available data do not demonstrate safety under the proposed cosmetic uses, and therefore these substances cannot be considered safe under current conditions.
This opinion assesses the safety of Basic Blue 99 as a hair dye ingredient. Based on the submitted data and exposure assessment, SCCS concluded that safety concerns remain and the substance cannot be considered safe for use in hair dye products under the evaluated conditions.
SCCS evaluated the toxicological profile and consumer exposure scenario of Basic Brown 16. The final conclusion states that the substance raises safety concerns and is not considered safe for cosmetic use under the proposed conditions.
SCCS reaffirmed concerns regarding mercury-containing preservatives used in cosmetic formulations. The assessment supports the scientific position that these substances pose unacceptable safety risks for consumer products.
🔘 US FDA Updates Cosmetics Facility Registration System
On February 11, 2026, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration updated its Cosmetics Direct online submission portal and related informational materials to support cosmetic manufacturing facilities in preparing for biennial registration renewals under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA). The updates include an improved portal interface, enhanced user guidance, new features that display facility registration status and renewal deadlines, and updated instructions to make the biennial renewal and information maintenance process easier and more compliant for industry users. This requirement applies to all cosmetic manufacturing and processing facilities required to register with FDA.
🔘 Indonesia Proposes Mandatory Regulation on "Non-Halal" Labeling Across Consumer Products
On 12 February 2026, Indonesia notified the World Trade Organization (WTO) of a draft technical regulation (G/TBT/N/IDN/184) proposing standardized requirements for "non-halal" labeling in the Indonesian market. The draft would require products containing non-halal ingredients — including food, cosmetics, medicinal products, genetically modified products, and other consumer goods — to declare such status using a prescribed official labeling format. The proposal applies to all relevant products placed on the Indonesian market and provides a three-year transition period for existing labels to be brought into compliance. The draft is currently under public consultation, with comments due by 14 March 2026.
Source: https://members.wto.org/crnattachments/2026/TBT/IDN/26_00888_00_x.pdf
🔘 Korea–Brazil Sign Regulatory MoU to Strengthen Cooperation on Cosmetics and Health Products
On 23 February 2026, Brazil's National Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA) and South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand regulatory cooperation based on their existing 2014 framework. According to the official announcement published by the Brazilian government, the agreement strengthens technical exchange, regulatory coordination and information sharing in the field of health-related products, including cosmetics. The cooperation aims to enhance mutual understanding of regulatory systems and improve market access efficiency for products between the two countries by facilitating closer collaboration between authorities.
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.
