2026 Global Cosmetic Regulatory Overview

Global cosmetic regulations continue to evolve in 2026, with increasing focus on ingredient safety, labeling transparency, and alternative testing methods. Compliance is becoming more integrated into the entire product lifecycle.

Asia

Mainland China

January 1, 2026
Five former special-use cosmetic categories — hair growth, hair removal, breast enhancement, body-building, and deodorant products — are prohibited from production, import, and sale.

February 1, 2026

  • Cosmetic electronic labeling (e-labeling) pilot launched in Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong, and Chongqing for three years.
  • The Cosmetics Registration and Filing Information Service Platform launched the e-label function.
  • The Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Live-streaming E-commerce entered into force.

March 1, 2026
The Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015) added or revised several testing methods, including tests for hard particles in toothpaste, diethylene glycol and ethylene glycol, fluoride (soluble, free, and total), the ARE-Nrf2 (LuSens) assay, and 43 elements including lithium.

March 1, 2026

The following new test methods under the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition), effective from March 1, 2026, include:

Bovine Corneal Opacity and Permeability (BCOP) Test Method

In Vitro Skin Sensitization – Kinetic Direct Peptide Reactivity Assay (kDPRA) Test Method

In Vitro Skin Absorption Test Method

Immunotoxicity Test Method

Oral Mucosal Irritation Test Method

April 1, 2026
Radiofrequency (RF) skin treatment devices must obtain a medical device registration certificate before manufacturing or sale.

June 19, 2026
The Technical Guidelines for Cosmetic Ingredient Function Claims (Trial) will take effect.

July 1, 2026
New and revised test methods will be implemented, including the Local Lymph Node Assay (BrdU-FCM), toxicokinetic test, human skin patch test, and human safety use test.

Taiwan (China)

Effective July 1, 2026

Key changes:

Revision of the Cosmetic Administrative Fee Charging Standards

Removal of fees related to inspection and registration of specific-use cosmetics

Adjustment of product notification and attribute inquiry fees

Mandatory implementation of PIF and GMP

All cosmetic manufacturing sites, except those producing handmade solid soap, must comply with Product Information File (PIF) and Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) requirements.

Revision of the List of Cosmetic Scope and Categories

“Teeth whitening” renamed to “tooth whitening agents”

Teeth-whitening toothpaste category removed

“Non-medicated toothpaste” renamed to “non-medicated toothpaste and tooth powder.”

South Korea

April 2, 2026
Amendment to the Cosmetics Act:

  • Clarifies the definition of overseas direct-purchase cosmetics
  • Strengthens risk information disclosure
  • Enhances regulatory supervision and inspections

Japan

October 1, 2026
Quasi-drugs must comply with the Standards for Quasi-drug Ingredients (2021).

ASEAN

Indonesia

    January 8, 2026
    Implementation of mandatory SKI Border testing for cosmetic import licenses.

    October 17, 2026
    Mandatory Halal certification must be completed for products including:

    • Food and beverages
    • Pharmaceuticals
    • Cosmetics
    • Chemicals
    • Consumer goods.

    Vietnam

      July 1, 2026
      Implementation of the Draft Decree on Cosmetic Management, covering:

      • Cosmetic definitions
      • Safety requirements
      • Product classification
      • Cosmetic notification system

      Europe

      France

      January 1, 2026

      France bans the production, import, export, and sale of cosmetics containing PFAS.

        UK

        Effective January 21, 2026

        • Transition period: products already placed on the market may be sold until July 21, 2026.

        EU Cosmetics Regulation Update

        • May 1, 2026

        15 CMR substances added to Annex II (prohibited substances).

        Updates to:

        Annex III – restricted substances

        Annex IV – colorants

        Annex V – preservatives

        • From 1 May 2025, cosmetics containing 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) shall not be placed on the EU market.
        • From 1 May 2026, cosmetics containing 4-methylbenzylidene camphor (4-MBC) shall not be sold on the EU market.
        • From 31 July 2026, an additional 57 fragrance allergens must be individually labelled. Products that do not meet the labelling requirements shall not be placed on the market, and shall not be sold from 31 July 2028.
        • As of 31 July 2026, where the formaldehyde content in a product exceeds 0.001% (10 ppm), the statement “releases formaldehyde” must be included on the label.
        • Cosmetics that do not comply with this requirement shall not be sold on the EU market.

        North America

        U.S.

        Effective January 1, 2026

        • Maine: Ban on the sale of cosmetics containing PFAS.
        • Washington: Restriction on eight cosmetic ingredients, including PFAS-related substances.
        • Vermont: Ban on the manufacture and sale of products containing PFAS.

        July 1, 2026
        Cosmetics containing PFAS must:

        • Include label disclosure, and Provide prior written notification to the state environmental authority.

        Canada

        April 12, 2026
        New fragrance allergen labeling requirements:

        • Rinse-off products: > 0.01%
        • Leave-on products: > 0.001%

        The allergens must be declared on both the product label and the notification form.

        Other regions

        New Zealand

        PFAS Control Timeline for Cosmetics

        • December 31, 2026: Ban on the import and manufacture of cosmetics containing PFAS.
        • December 31, 2027: Sales ban on cosmetics containing PFAS.
        • June 30, 2028: All remaining PFAS-containing cosmetics must be disposed of and removed from the market.