Global Cosmetics Regulatory Update – February 2026

In February 2026, global cosmetics regulation continued to advance, with multiple countries issuing new policy updates related to ingredient safety assessments, testing method revisions, post-market surveillance systems, and regulatory digitalization.

China: Updates to Cosmetics Testing Methods and Standards

12 new testing methods (from March 1, 2026): Covering skin sensitization, dermal absorption, immunotoxicity, and BCOP tests, integrated into Cosmetics Safety Technical Specifications, affecting safety assessments and registration documents.

Public consultation: NIFDC invited comments on methods for trivalent/hexavalent chromium, 11 raw materials, and lauroyl arginine ethyl ester hydrochloride (deadline: Feb 24, 2026).

Malaysia: Updated Cosmetics Ingredient Control List

The National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) issued Notification No. 1 of 2026, revising the lists of prohibited, restricted, and permitted substances in cosmetics to align with the latest ASEAN Cosmetic Directive updates. Notably, 4-MBC has been added to the prohibited substances list, with a transitional period provided.

Spain: Proposed Accessible Cosmetics Labeling Policy

Spain proposed a draft regulation on accessible cosmetics labeling, recommending the inclusion of Braille, tactile markings, and QR codes on product labels to facilitate information access for visually impaired consumers. This proposal is still under discussion, and regulatory requirements have not yet been finalized.

United States: FDA PFAS Assessment Report

Under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA), the FDA released an assessment report on the use of PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in cosmetics. The report indicates that current data remain insufficient for a comprehensive safety evaluation and may prompt future data submission requirements or regulatory actions.

European Union: Ongoing Cosmetics Regulation Coordination

The EU is advancing legislative proposals such as the Chemicals Omnibus to harmonize the Classification, Labelling, and Packaging (CLP) Regulation with the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009). The goal is to prevent overly restrictive measures on certain cosmetic ingredients while maintaining consumer safety.

Chile: Proposed National Cosmetics Monitoring Technical Standard

On January 28, 2026, the Chilean Ministry of Health notified the WTO (G/TBT/N/CHL/781) of its intent to publish the National Cosmetics Monitoring Technical Standard. This standard aims to establish a post-market surveillance (Cosmetovigilance) system to strengthen adverse reaction monitoring and risk management. Public consultation closes on March 29, 2026.

EU: ECHA Supports Ethanol Approval for Biocides

In February 2026, the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) Biocidal Products Committee (BPC) issued an opinion supporting the approval of ethanol as an active substance for disinfectants, applicable to PT1, PT2, and PT4 product types. The committee concluded ethanol can be safely used for these purposes, though data remain insufficient to fully assess carcinogenicity or reproductive toxicity.

EU: SCCS Final Safety Assessments for Hair Dyes

The EU Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) published final safety assessments for Basic Brown 16 (C009) and Basic Blue 99 (C059), providing recommended safe use conditions. These opinions may serve as scientific guidance for future updates to the annexes of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC 1223/2009).

Malaysia: Electronic Regulatory Certificates Effective March 2026

The Malaysian authorities announced that, starting March 1, 2026, Certificates of Free Sale (CFS), Manufacturing Certificates, and Export Certificates will be issued electronically to promote regulatory digitalization and improve administrative efficiency. Applications approved before this date may still receive paper certificates.

Summary:

In February 2026, global cosmetics regulations advanced, with updates on ingredient safety, testing methods, and digitalized compliance. Companies should monitor changes to stay compliant