Global Skin Care Ingredients Market Sees a New Chapter of Regulatory Developments
Recently, the global skincare ingredients market has ushered in a series of important regulatory developments, the introduction of these new regulations not only profoundly affect the production and R & D of the skincare industry, but also to further protect the rights and safety of consumers.
1. Europe: strengthening safety regulation, leading the green trend
The European Commission has taken another important step in cosmetics regulation. 2024, April 4, the European Union issued Regulation (EU) 2024/996, amending the Appendix to the Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009, which classifies 4-MBC as an ingredient for the production of skin care products. This revision listed 4-MBC as a prohibited ingredient and moved it out of the list of permitted sunscreens, while adding Vitamin A derivatives and alpha-arbutin to the list of restricted ingredients. This initiative aims to further reduce the use of potentially harmful substances in cosmetics and protect consumers from health risks.
In addition, the EU has strengthened market surveillance of cosmetic ingredients to ensure that products sold both online and offline comply with safety standards. In particular, for operators selling cosmetics online/distance, the EU General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR, (EU) 2023/988) will be mandatory by the end of 2024, which aims to strengthen product safety rules and protect consumer rights.
2. North America: Focus on Hazardous Substances, Promote Green Production
In North America, the U.S. states of New York and Washington have taken tough measures against hazardous chemical substances. New York State will ban the sale or distribution of feminine hygiene products containing potentially harmful chemicals such as perfluorinated and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) from January 2025, and prohibit upstream companies from selling products containing such chemicals. Washington State, on the other hand, passed the Toxic Free Cosmetic Act (TFCA), which, starting January 1, 2025, bans the manufacture, distribution, and sale of cosmetic products containing nine (types of) ingredients in the state.
The introduction of these regulations not only promotes green production, but also prompts cosmetic companies to actively seek more environmentally friendly and safer raw material alternatives.
3. Asia: follow the international pace, strengthen the construction of regulations
Asian countries are also following the international pace to strengthen the construction of cosmetic raw materials regulations. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) released the "Cosmetic Vaseline Specification" (IS 4887) the second revision of the draft, the melting point range, the standard limit of mercury and other revisions. Japan, on the other hand, has strengthened the management of PFOA-related substances by issuing a draft revision of the Chemical Substances Control Law for Review and Manufacture (CSCL), which aims to strengthen the management of the manufacture, import and use of related compounds.
Thailand and South Korea are also actively promoting the revision of cosmetic ingredient regulations. Thailand proposes to revise the list of cosmetic ingredients, covering banned ingredients, sunscreens and colorants, to align with cosmetic standards in the ASEAN Cosmetics Directive (ACD). South Korea, on the other hand, has amended its Cosmetics Act to strengthen the legal basis for cosmetic manufacturers to apply for exemptions or changes to banned ingredients.
4. Oceania: Strengthening Regulation to Protect Consumer Safety
Oceania is also strengthening the regulation of cosmetic ingredients. New Zealand has passed a revision of the Cosmetic Group Standard, expanding the scope of application, banning PFAS, and updating the list of ingredients. In Australia, a variety of new chemical substances have been added to the Australian Industrial Chemical Inventory (AIIC), further strengthening the regulation of chemical substances.
Regulatory developments in the global skincare ingredients market are leading the industry in a safer, greener and more sustainable direction. As regulations continue to improve and strengthen in various countries, cosmetic companies will need to pay more attention to the selection of raw materials and compliance in the production process to meet the growing safety and health needs of consumers. At the same time, this also brings new opportunities and challenges to the industry, driving innovation and upgrading of cosmetic ingredients.
Xi'an Hersoncare Bio-Tech Co., Ltd
