This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations in China and globally as of September 2025, covering industry news, newly issued regulations, relevant policy adjustments, and regulatory requirements. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.

Since the concept of New Approach Methodologies (NAMs) was introduced, various methods including in vitro approaches, Threshold of Toxicological Concern (TTC), and computational models have gained favor among toxicological assessment experts. With the increasing capabilities of computational models, key toxicological endpoints such as acute toxicity, skin/eye irritation, sensitization, chronic toxicity, genotoxicity, carcinogenicity, reproductive and developmental toxicity, and toxicokinetics can now be predicted using QSAR models.

On July 31, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released six Technical Guidelines, including the Technical Guidelines for the Study of Hair Dye Cosmetics (Trial) (Draft for Comments), to solicit public opinions. The following is a detailed interpretation of the Technical Guidelines for the Study of Hair Dye Cosmetics (Trial) (Draft for Comments) and the Technical Guidelines for the Study of Quality Control Standards for Hair Dye Cosmetics (Trial). This aims to assist enterprises in keeping up with regulatory and policy changes in a timely manner, ensuring smooth adaptation to regulatory developments.

On July 30, 2025, Brazil enacted a landmark regulation prohibiting the use of animals for testing cosmetics, personal care products, perfumes, and their ingredients.

On July 31, 2025, the National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released six draft Technical Guidelines for public consultation, including the Technical Guidelines for the Study of Hair Dye Cosmetics (Trial). In terms of perm hair cosmetics, according to the relevant guidelines, the definition and classification of them have been clarified.

A breakthrough study on the anti-photodamage effects of Gardenia Fructus Extracts, jointly conducted by Hangzhou CIRS KEXIN Biotech Co., Ltd. (CIRS Biotech) and Shanghai Junyu Biotechnology Co., Ltd. (Junyu Group), has been published in Cosmetics, an internationally renowned SCI-indexed journal. The breakthrough study provides scientific validation for the development of photoprotective ingredients and the establishment of its efficacy evaluation systems.

On June 30, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued scientific opinion(SCCS/1678/25) on Diethylamino Hydroxybenzoyl Hexyl Benzoate (DHHB) (CAS/EC No. 302776-68-7/443-860-6). Previously, on February 17, 2025, the SCCS published the scientific opinion on this substance which was open for comments. The scientific advice released this time is consistent with the assessment conclusions proposed during the comment phase and further confirms the maximum safe level and recommends the target maximal level of DnHexP as an impurity in DHHB.

On July 3, 2025, the Vietnam Ministry of Health issued Circular No. 34/2025/TT-BYT, proposing amendments to the cosmetic management regulations. The public consultation period is open until August 18, 2025.

On 6 June, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued scientific opinion(SCCS/1681/25) on Tea Tree Oil (CAS/EC No. 68647-73-4 /285-377-1). The deadline for comments is set for 18 August 2025.

On 30 June, 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued scientific opinion(SCCS/1671/24) on Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate (EHMC) (CAS No. 5466-77-3/83834-59-7, EC No. 226-775-7/629-661-9).