Global Cosmetics Regulatory Update – August 2026
Bycheermax
APAC
China Publishes Two Testing Methods for Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients
On August 3, 2026, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) issued Announcement No. 72, introducing two supplementary testing methods for cosmetics. The methods are used to detect Diclofenac Sodium and Urotropine (Methenamine), respectively.
China Proposes Updates to Cosmetics Regulations
On August 6, 2026, China’s NIFDC released nine draft cosmetics standards for public consultation, covering prohibited ingredients, Kojic Acid restrictions, formaldehyde labelling, hair dyes, and safety testing methods.
China Publishes First Mandatory National Cosmetic Standard
On August 6, 2026, China published its first mandatory national standard specifically for cosmetics, GB 7916-2026, Safety Technical Specification for Cosmetics, which will take effect on January 1, 2028.
It will replace GB 7916-1987, Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics.
China Adds Four Cosmetic Ingredients to the IECIC
On August 19, 2026, China’s NIFDC completed the fifth dynamic adjustment of the IECIC, adding four ingredients including NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) and Bakuchiol.
The ingredients completed the required three-year safety monitoring period and were officially added to Part II of the IECIC.
China Publishes New Cosmetic Product Standard
On August 24, 2026, China’s NMPA published YY/T 10006-2026, General Technical Requirements for Cosmetic Product Standards, effective January 1, 2027.
The standard establishes a unified framework covering product classification and basic technical requirements.
China Publishes Guidelines on Cosmetic Adverse Reactions
On August 27, 2026, China’s National Center for Adverse Drug Reaction Monitoring issued guidelines on self-inspection reports for cosmetic adverse reactions.
The guidelines standardize reporting requirements for cosmetic registrants, notification holders, and domestic responsible persons.
China Releases Two Draft Cosmetic Microbiological Standards
On August 31, 2026, China released the fifth batch of 2026 cosmetic standards for public consultation.
The batch includes two national standards covering microbiological testing media and diluents and general requirements for cosmetic microbiological testing.
South Korea Updates Cosmetic Labelling Requirements
On August 5, 2026, South Korea’s MFDS amended requirements for cosmetic precautionary and allergen labelling.
The amendment introduces new precautionary labelling requirements for cosmetics containing Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone), effective September 2, 2026. Existing packaging may continue to be used for six months after the effective date.
South Korea Proposes Accessible Cosmetic Labelling Guidelines
On August 6, 2026, South Korea’s MFDS drafted guidelines on Braille and accessible cosmetic labelling, covering Braille, voice information, and sign-language video codes.
The guidelines aim to improve safe use and access to cosmetic information for consumers with visual or hearing impairments. Public consultation ended on August 31, 2026.
South Korea Proposes Changes to Sunscreen Review Requirements
On August 19, 2026, South Korea’s MFDS proposed amendments to review requirements for functional sunscreens.
The proposal would allow internationally recognized in vitro test data to support SPF and PA ratings and narrow exemptions from efficacy data submission. Public consultation is open until September 18, 2026.
South Korea Proposes In Vitro Data for SPF and PA Claims
On August 19, 2026, South Korea’s MFDS proposed amendments to allow internationally recognized in vitro test data to substantiate SPF and PA claims for sunscreen products, in addition to existing in vivo data.
The proposal aims to align with international testing methods and is open for public consultation until September 18, 2026.
South Korea Passes Cosmetics Industry Promotion Act
On August 20, 2026, South Korea’s National Assembly passed the Cosmetics Industry Promotion and Support Act, establishing a legal framework to support R&D, ingredients, packaging, manufacturing, distribution, and overseas expansion.
The Act also introduces support for innovative cosmetics companies, AI and digital transformation, and talent development. It is expected to take effect one year after promulgation.
South Korea Revises Guidelines for Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients
On August 28, 2026, South Korea’s MFDS revised its Guidelines for the Analysis of Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients, providing updated testing methods and technical guidance for quality control.
The guidelines are non-binding technical guidance and do not introduce new legal requirements.
South Korea Publishes Alternative Testing Guidelines
In August 2026, South Korea’s MFDS published two guidelines on alternative testing methods for cosmetics, covering skin sensitization and eye irritation/corrosion.
The guidelines introduce h-CLAT and STE tests to promote non-animal safety testing. They are technical guidance documents and not legally binding.
Thailand Proposes Voluntary Digital Labelling for Cosmetics
On August 21, 2026, the Thai FDA proposed introducing voluntary digital labelling for cosmetics to reduce information required on physical labels.
Products using digital labelling would still need to display seven key items on the physical label. Public consultation is open until September 19, 2026.
Thailand FDA Updates Cosmetic Advertising Claim Guidance
On August 25, 2026, the Thai FDA updated its examples of improper cosmetic advertising claims, including claims that may mislead consumers or exceed the permitted purposes of cosmetics.
Examples include claims involving household cleaning, pets, supernatural effects, or fortune-related benefits. The document is guidance only and not legally binding.
Thailand Classifies 5,000 ppm Fluoride Products as Dangerous Drugs
On August 18, 2026, Thailand’s MOPH classified oral products containing 5,000 ppm fluoride as dangerous drugs, effective August 19, 2026.
Fluoride toothpaste containing up to 1,500 ppm remains regulated as a cosmetic, while products containing 5,000 ppm are subject to pharmaceutical regulations.
Indonesia Proposes Halal Guidelines for Genetically Modified Products
On August 28, 2026, Indonesia’s BPJPH notified the WTO of draft guidelines on halal assurance for genetically modified products.
The draft covers raw material sources, manufacturing processes, and halal compliance, and would apply to products subject to mandatory halal certification, including cosmetics.
Indonesia Proposes Requirements for Halal Supervisors
On August 28, 2026, Indonesia’s BPJPH notified the WTO of draft requirements for halal supervisors, covering their qualifications, responsibilities, and management.
The requirements would apply to products subject to mandatory halal certification, including cosmetics.
Philippines Proposes Health Product Classification Guidelines
On August 18, 2026, the Philippines FDA released draft guidelines on the classification and listing of health products, covering food, drugs, cosmetics, and medical devices.
The draft proposes classification based on factors such as intended use/claims, formulation, route of administration, and labelling, and introduces a self-assessment tool. Public comments are open until September 17, 2026.
EU
UK Publishes Seven Cosmetic Ingredient Safety Assessments
In August 2026, the UK’s SAG-CS published seven safety assessments for cosmetic ingredients, including Triclosan, Triclocarban, Daidzein, Resorcinol, and Silver.
The assessments confirmed safe use within specified product types and concentration limits, including 0.02% for Daidzein and up to 0.3% for micronized Silver.
EU PPWR Comes into Force
As of August 12, 2026, the EU Packaging and Packaging Waste Regulation (PPWR), Regulation (EU) 2025/40, became applicable.
The regulation introduces new requirements for packaging sustainability, recyclability, recycled content, and labelling, affecting cosmetics and their packaging sold in the EU.