China has introduced its first mandatory national safety standard for cosmetic products, regulating limits on microbes, heavy metals, and harmful substances. This initiative signifies a shift in cosmetics regulation from hygiene to safety. The new rules, aimed at enhancing product safety for children, will take effect on January 1, 2028.
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The standard, titled "Cosmetics – General Safety Requirements," will replace the 1987 Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics. Authorities stated that this new benchmark significantly upgrades previous hygiene measures to a comprehensive safety framework, thereby improving public health safeguards related to cosmetic use and supporting the industry's high-quality development, according to China Daily.
This change comes as China's cosmetic market continues to expand rapidly, with the number of production enterprises increasing from over 70 in 1980 to more than 6,000 by 2026. The market size surpassed ¥1.1 trillion (US$163 billion) in 2025, confirming China as the world's largest beauty consumer market.
The Standardization Administration of China (SAC) published the new regulations, which were organized and drafted by the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA). The regulations will streamline existing technical requirements and clarify terminologies regarding prohibited substances, restricted ingredients, UV filters, colorants, and packaging materials.
The NMPA's new framework for standard management includes the "one body, two wings" concept, where the main body consists of the new general safety requirements and other national standards, while the two wings consist of supporting safety and technical standards for cosmetics and relevant industry standards.
Under the new regulations, higher-risk cosmetics such as children’s products and items for sensitive areas (including around the eyes and lips) will face stricter safety requirements. The permitted aerobic microbial count in these products will be ten times stricter than for ordinary cosmetics. The standard sets limits on bacteria, mold, and yeast, prohibiting specific microorganisms known to pose health risks, including thermotolerant coliforms and staphylococcus aureus.
Additionally, requirements will enforce strict guidelines for heavy metals and other harmful substances, establishing maximum limits for mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium. A risk-based approach will be applied to other potentially harmful substances, including methanol and benzene, with manufacturers responsible for ensuring compliance with product limits.
The framework also aims to align with international standards, including aspects of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC No 1223/2009) and ISO standards for microbial requirements. During the transition period, existing cosmetics that were produced or imported prior to the enforcement date can continue to be sold until they reach the end of their use period.