The August 2026 global cosmetics regulatory update brings changes affecting product classification, ingredients, labeling, Halal compliance, sunscreen testing and chemical introduction requirements. Key deadlines include September 1 for Australia's updated AICIS guidelines, September 2 for South Korea's revised labeling rules, and September 9 for Indonesia's pre-shipment Halal conformity requirements. International cosmetic companies should review market-specific requirements rather than rely on a single global compliance approach.
Europe
United Kingdom: Safety Opinions on Seven Cosmetic Ingredients
On August 21, the UK's Scientific Advisory Group on Chemical Safety of Non-Food and Non-Medicinal Consumer Products (SAG-CS) published safety opinions on Triclocarban, Triclosan, Orthophenylphenol, Sodium Orthophenylphenate, Daidzein, Resorcinol and Silver. View the SAG-CS safety opinions.
These are scientific opinions, not immediate legal restrictions. Companies using these ingredients should monitor whether the opinions lead to future regulatory changes.
North America
Canada: Classification of Human-Derived Exosome Products
Health Canada's final notice clarifies how topical products containing human-derived exosomes, extracellular vesicles or cell-conditioned media are classified as cosmetics or drugs.
Classification depends on the finished product's claims, intended use, level of action and composition. Products involving therapeutic or pharmacological claims, systemic or percutaneous action, injection or microneedling may fall outside the cosmetic framework.
For detailed analysis, see REACH24H's Health Canada Exosome Regulation guide. Companies can also review the Health Canada final notice.
Asia
Indonesia: Pharmaceutical-Grade Requirements for Oral Care Ingredients
Indonesia's BPOM issued Decree of the Head of BPOM No. 366 of 2026 on July 27.
For certain dental and oral-care cosmetics, 14 specified raw materials, including glycerin, propylene glycol, sorbitol and polyethylene glycol, must meet applicable pharmaceutical-grade specifications under the Indonesian Cosmetic Codex or another recognized standard where appropriate.
Affected companies should verify supplier specifications and raw-material quality documentation.
Indonesia: Pre-Shipment Halal Checks from September 9
BPJPH Regulation No. 4 of 2026 takes effect on September 9, 2026.
Applicable imported Halal products, including cosmetics, must undergo conformity verification before shipment, with a shipment-specific Halal Product Assurance Report (LPPH) available before import declaration and customs clearance.
This is an additional shipment-level requirement and does not replace Halal certification.
For implementation details, see REACH24H's analysis of BPJPH Regulation No. 4/2026 or the Indonesia BPJPH Halal Certification Services. The regulation is also available through the official BPJPH legal database.
Indonesia: Two Halal Drafts Under Consultation
On August 28, BPJPH issued draft requirements covering:
the Halal Product Assurance System for genetically modified products, including cosmetics and ingredients; and
qualifications and responsibilities of Halal Supervisors.
Both consultations close on October 27, 2026. These remain draft requirements and should not yet be treated as mandatory.
South Korea: Labeling Changes for Leave-On Shampoos and Oxybenzone
South Korea's MFDS revised cosmetic precaution-labeling requirements on August 5.
The changes remove certain rinse-off warnings for qualifying leave-on shampoos and require an additional warning for products containing more than 2.4% Benzophenone-3 (Oxybenzone). The amendments took effect on September 2, 2026, with a six-month transition period for packaging labeling.
Affected companies should review Korean labels and packaging inventory. REACH24H's South Korea Cosmetics Regulatory Services provide support for product classification, functional cosmetics and market access.
South Korea: Accessibility and Sunscreen Testing Proposals
MFDS also proposed voluntary guidance on Braille and accessible information codes for cosmetic packaging.
Separately, proposed amendments would allow internationally recognized in vitro methods for SPF and PA testing and adjust related functional cosmetic dossier requirements. The consultation closes on September 18, 2026.
The sunscreen measures remain proposals and are not yet effective requirements.
Philippines: Draft Product Classification Guidelines
On August 18, the Philippines FDA proposed guidelines to clarify the classification of health products, including cosmetics.
The draft considers intended use, claims, application site and mode of action. Products affected by future reclassification could receive transition periods of up to five years. Comments are due by September 17, 2026.
Companies with borderline cosmetic products should assess potential reclassification risks. View the Philippines FDA draft.
Thailand: 5,000 ppm Fluoride Toothpaste Treated as a Dangerous Drug
Thailand has classified oral products containing 5,000 ppm fluoride as dangerous drugs, while toothpaste containing no more than 1,500 ppm fluoride remains regulated as a cosmetic.
Companies should confirm fluoride concentration before determining the applicable regulatory pathway.
Oceania
Australia: Updated AICIS Categorisation Guidelines
Australia's updated Industrial Chemicals Categorisation Guidelines took effect on September 1, 2026.
The revised guidelines update the high-hazard chemical list used to determine introduction categories under AICIS. Cosmetic ingredient importers and manufacturers should reassess relevant introductions where the changes may affect categorisation or the need for pre-introduction assessment.
View the 2026 AICIS Categorisation Guidelines update.
Impact & Actionable Advice
International cosmetic companies should prioritize:
Indonesia: prepare for pre-shipment Halal checks and verify oral-care ingredient specifications.
South Korea: update affected labels and monitor the proposed SPF/PA in vitro pathway.
Canada: assess exosome products based on claims, mode of action and intended use.
UK: monitor possible regulatory follow-up to SAG-CS safety opinions.
Philippines and Thailand: review product classification risks.
Australia: use the updated AICIS guidelines for relevant chemical introductions.
How REACH24H Can Help
REACH24H supports global cosmetic companies with:
product classification and market-access strategy;
ingredient and formula compliance;
cosmetic registration and notification;
labeling and claims review;
Indonesia Halal compliance;
sunscreen testing strategy; and
chemical compliance for cosmetic ingredients.
For broader Halal market-access support, see REACH24H's Global Halal Certification Consulting and Market Access Support.
Expanding cosmetics or ingredients into multiple markets? Contact REACH24H to assess market-specific requirements and build a practical global compliance strategy.
