Five Draft Toxicological Test Methods from China NMPA
On 29th August 2025, China’s NMPA (National Medicinal Products Association) released a notice announcing the publication of five draft toxicological testing methods in the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics, all of which will be implemented from 1st March, 2026.
- Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) Assay
- Kinetic Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (kDPRA)
- In vitro test method for skin absorption
- Immunotoxicity testing
- Oral mucosal irritation testing
You may read the notice here.
China's NIFDC Publishes Draft Anti-Hair-Loss Guidelines
On 5th September 2025, China’s NIFDC (National Institutes for Food and Drug Control) published a notice on two draft guidelines for anti-hair-loss cosmetics, with comments being sought by the deadline of 20th September 2025.
You may read the notice here.
Spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions Released in USA
On 4th September 2025, the Second Trump Administration released the Spring 2025 Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions. Rules on GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), fragrance allergens, formaldehyde in hair products and asbestos testing methods for talc products are included. Fragrance allergen disclosure and asbestos testing are now expected in 2026.
You may read more here.
Washington Bans Formaldehyde-Releasers
On 28th August 2025, the Washington State Department of Ecology adopted a new rule: Chapter 173-339 WAC: Cosmetic Products Restrictions. This restricts the manufacture, sale and distribution of cosmetic products in Washington State containing intentionally added formaldehyde releasers. The Rule will take effect on 28th September 2025, and restrictions in rule are to take effect on 1st January 2027. Existing stock must be sold by 31st December 2027.
You may read the Rule here.
Updates to South Korea Cosmetics Regulation
On 2nd September 2025, South Korea’s MFDS (Ministry of Food and Drug Safety) announced amendments to the Regulation on Safety Standards, etc. for Cosmetics. One prohibited ingredient and one sunscreen ingredient were revised, while one sunscreen ingredient was removed from the ‘restricted use’ category. Five new ingredients were also added to the ‘restricted use’ category. The enforcement date for the new regulation is 2nd March 2026.
You may find the updated Regulation here.
