Global Cosmetics Regulatory Update – March 2026

Regulatory developments this month continue to emphasize ingredient safety, testing method advancements, labeling compliance, and post-market surveillance, alongside accelerating trends in digitalization and cross-border regulatory alignment.

China

  • 12 new cosmetic testing methods effective March 1, covering skin sensitization, absorption, eye irritation, immunotoxicity, etc. Non-animal alternatives are now officially recognized. Filing/registration dossiers must update testing methods accordingly.
  • New methods:
    • Toothpaste particle hardness
    • Diethylene glycol & ethylene glycol in toothpaste
    • Soluble/free/total fluoride in toothpaste
    • In vitro skin sensitization (ARE-Nrf2 LuSens & kDPRA)
    • BCOP eye test
    • In vitro skin absorption
    • Immunotoxicity
    • Oral mucosa irritation
  • Revised methods: Testing for 43 elements in cosmetics & toothpaste.
  • Ordinary cosmetic filings Q&A updated:
    • Ingredient use must match claimed functions
    • Stricter restrictions for new ingredients
    • Historical data can partly replace toxicology tests for toothpaste
  • New ingredient filings continue to rise, emphasizing safety and normalized industry filings.

EU

  • SCCS final opinions: Mercury compounds & three prostaglandin analogs deemed unsafe at current concentrations.
  • 15 new CMR substances banned from May 2026 – early formulation review recommended, especially for perfumes & hair dyes.
  • Fragrance allergen disclosure expanded (Regulation EU 2023/1545):
    • New products: comply by July 31, 2026
    • Existing products: comply by July 31, 2028
  • Cross-border e-commerce: Platforms now bear importer responsibility; non-compliance may result in fines up to 6% of revenue.

UK

  • SVHC high-concern substances under evaluation – companies should proactively screen raw materials.

USA

  • MoCRA registration system: Renewal every 2 years; product listing compliance required.
  • FDA launches unified Adverse Event Monitoring System (AEMS) for cosmetics.
  • Regulatory powers enhanced: Product recalls, registration suspension, stricter adverse event reporting.

South Korea

  • March 10: Cosmetics Day established; overseas direct-purchase monitoring effective April 2.
  • March 18: Safety standards updated – hair dye ingredient lists, sunscreen limits & testing indicators.

Vietnam

Draft Cosmetics Management Law under public consultation (comments until May 1, 2026). Effective July 1, 2026.

Highlights:

  • Full-process regulation (notification, production, import, labeling, sampling, recall)
  • Standardized PIF
  • Import notification mandatory before customs clearance

Summary:

Regulatory developments this month continue to emphasize ingredient safety, testing method advancements, labeling compliance, and post-market surveillance, alongside accelerating trends in digitalization and cross-border regulatory alignment.