Introduction
As regulatory reforms accelerate across China, the cosmetics industry is entering a new phase of heightened compliance scrutiny and structural transformation, with stricter safety standards, bans on certain special-use products, and electronic labeling pilots.
This outlook highlights key regulations expected to impact the cosmetics sector in 2026, helping enterprises anticipate risks and navigate an increasingly complex regulatory environment.
China’s NMPA Releases Reform Opinions to Modernize the Cosmetics Regulatory System
On 17 November 2025, China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released the Opinions on Deepening the Reform of Cosmetic Administration and Promoting the High-Quality Development of the Industry.
The document outlines a roadmap for modernizing China’s cosmetics regulatory system, aiming to balance high safety standards with innovation-driven growth.
The Opinions propose 24 reform measures across five key areas:
Strengthening support for cosmetics innovation
Improving the efficiency of cosmetic registration and filing procedures
Enhancing supervision of manufacturing and business operations
Reinforcing technical and scientific regulatory capacity
Aligning domestic regulations with international standards.
The Opinions are expected to serve as a policy anchor for upcoming regulations, technical guidelines, and implementing rules, with long-term implications for cosmetics and cosmetic ingredient industry in China.
Five Categories of Special-Use Cosmetics Banned from Market Entry as of January 1, 2026
From 1 January 2026, cosmetics previously classified as special-use cosmetics for the following purposes shall no longer be manufactured, imported, or sold in China:
Hair growth
Hair removal
Breast enhancement
Body slimming
Deodorization
Six Regions to Pilot Electronic Labeling for Cosmetics Starting February 1, 2026
On October 20, 2025, the China NMPA announced a three-year pilot program for electronic labeling of cosmetics, including toothpaste. The program will begin on February 1, 2026, and will be implemented in Beijing, Shanghai, Zhejiang, Shandong, Guangdong, and Chongqing province.
Technical Requirements for New Cosmetic Ingredient Registration and Filing to Be Optimized
On 24 September 2025, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) released the General Technical Guidelines for Notification and Registration Dossier of New Cosmetic Ingredients (Draft for Comments), aimed at optimizing the notification and registration process for new cosmetic ingredients.
Key proposed changes include:
Reclassification of certain medium-risk functional claims (e.g., anti-hair loss, anti-acne, anti-wrinkle, anti-dandruff, deodorization), with reduced toxicological data requirements in the notification process of such NCIs.
Conditional exemptions from certain toxicological tests for registration of NCIs with high-risk functions (e.g., preservatives, UV filters, colorants, hair dyes), provided sufficient scientific justification and supporting data are submitted.
New Regulations and Guidelines on New Cosmetic Ingredients in the Pipeline
China is accelerating the development of a dedicated regulatory framework for new cosmetic ingredients.
On December 11, 2025, the NIFDC released the Technical Guidelines for the Naming of Plant-Derived New Cosmetic Ingredients (Draft for Comments), the Technical Guidelines for the Naming of Fermentation-Derived New Cosmetic Ingredients (Draft for Comments), along with the accompanying drafting notes.
On December 24, 2025, the NMPA organized the Provisions for Management of New Cosmetic Ingredient Registration and Notification Dossiers (Draft Revision for Public Consultation). The public consultation period is open until January 25, 2026.
Conclusion
In 2026, China cosmetics regulations will continue to strengthen safety, transparency, and lifecycle management. Companies should adopt proactive compliance strategies. To navigate complex cosmetic regulatory environments and ensure smooth market entry and sustainable growth in China, please contact us at customer@reach24h.com.
