GB - Cosmetics Regulation Amended to add Methyl Salicylate
On 31st March 2025, the GB OPSS (Office for Product Safety and Standards) laid before parliament an amendment to ‘The Cosmetic Products Regulations’. Annex 3 is amended, adding Methyl Salicylate at various maximum concentrations depending on the use case. The amendment will enter into force on 30th September 2025.
You may read the amendment here, which specifies safe use limits for methyl salicylate.
EU - New SCCS Opinion on Hydroxyapatite (Nano)
On 3rd April 2025, the EU SCCS (Scientific Committee of Consumer Safety) updated its conclusions on Hydroxyapatite (nano). In 2024, the Cosmetics Regulation was amended to add Hydroxyapatite (nano) to Annex III, with maximum concentrations of 10% in toothpaste and 0.465% in mouthwash following a 2023 SCCS Opinion on the substance. Since this previous Opinion, stakeholders have submitted new data on higher safe use concentrations of Hydroxyapatite (nano) in oral care products. The SCCS Opinion of 3rd April 2025 concludes that Hydroxyapatite can be used safely up to concentrations of 29.5% in toothpaste and 10% in mouthwash.
You may find the Preliminary Opinion here, which is open for comments until 30th May.
EU - SCCS Final Opinion on Benzophenone-1
On 1st April 2025, SCCS published its Final Opinion on Benzophenone-1. The Opinion concluded that Benzophenone-1 is not safe when used as a light stabiliser in cosmetic products. The safety assessment covers genotoxicity and endocrine activity. An OECD TG 422 study (Combined Repeated Dose Toxicity with Reproduction/Developmental Toxicity screening test) submitted to ECHA as part of the substance’s REACH dossier was not assessed by the SCCS due to the remaining concerns over genotoxicity.
You may read the Final Opinion here.
Australia - AICIS Consults on Draft Evaluations for Eighteen Substances
On 2nd April 2025, AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme) opened a public consultation period until 29th May 2025 for the draft evaluations of eighteen substances, eight of which are used in personal care products.
You may read the draft evaluations and submit comments here.
China’s NIFDC Releases Draft Guidelines for Updating NCI Notification
On 27th March 2025, China’s NIFDC (National Institutes for Food and Drug Control) published ‘Technical Guidelines for Updating Registration Information of New Cosmetic Ingredients (Draft for Comments)’. Comments are open until 15th April 2025. This guide was created to standardise the update of registration information of new cosmetic raw materials and implement the NMPA’s (National Medicinal Products Administration) ‘Several Provisions on Supporting Innovation in Cosmetic Ingredients’.
The notice can be found here.
Taiwan FDA Proposes Amendments to Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients List
On 1st April 2025, the TFDA (Taiwan Food and Drug Administration) published a draft update to the List of Ingredients restricted in Cosmetic Products. The comment period will run until 2nd June 2025, with changes taking effect on 1st July 2026. Thirty-four ingredients are added, one is removed and seventy-four are revised.
You may read the Draft with the list of amended ingredients here.
Thai FDA Notifies WTO of Draft Regulations on Fluoridated Toothpaste
On 4th April 2025, the Thai FDA (Food and Drug Administration) notified the WTO (World Trade Organisation) of two draft regulations on fluoridated toothpaste. The drafts revise the warning statements and labelling requirements for such toothpastes.
The WTO notifications are below.
