Regulatory focus: Top 10 stories on cosmetic regulation and safety in 2024
Our most-read stories on beauty and personal care regulation updates in Asia Pacific in 2024.
Regulation & safety
AI from Gen A to Z: The forces reshaping beauty and personal care
AI-driven innovation and Gen Z and Alpha’s influence are pushing beauty brands to rethink personalization, privacy, and marketing strategies, says Michelle Cooke, an attorney at ArentFox Schiff.
Legal Lens: The regulations and risks surrounding “clean beauty”
Can ‘clean beauty’ claims withstand legal scrutiny? This month in the Legal Lens, attorney Kelly Bonner explores the evolving regulatory landscape, litigation risks, and what beauty brands need to know to avoid misleading consumers in the booming $11.6...
NAD endorses Drunk Elephant safety claims but urges influencer disclosures changes
The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs found Drunk Elephant’s safety claims for kids and tweens were supported, but urged the brand to ensure influencer posts are 'clear and conspicuous' in disclosing material connections.
Korea agency calls out Aliexpress, Temu, Shein for safety concerns over essential oils, pet care
An investigation by the Korea Consumer Agency (KCA) on essential oils and pet care products bought on three Chinese online platforms revealed a number that the organisation says failed domestic safety standards.
The war on counterfeit cosmetics special: part I
From causing cancer to funding terrorism and attracting drug dealers, the global problem with counterfeit beauty products stretches way beyond copyright breach and financial losses...
Preparing for MoCRA's 2025 cGMP deadline: What cosmetic manufacturers and suppliers need to know
The deadline for FDA's publication of the final rule around cGMP regulations under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) is still over a year away, but cosmetics manufacturers are advised to prepare now because "cosmetic product facility...
Legal Lens: Navigating cosmetics & personal care regulations
This monthly CosmeticsDesign column by attorney Kelly Bonner provides essential legal and regulatory updates for cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers and suppliers to help industry professionals stay informed and compliant.
Vietnam looks to formalise regulations for halal products and drive industry growth
Vietnam’s Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) drafts a document proposing the development of regulations and standards for halal products and services.
Wudhu-friendly beauty: Misconception about halal products complicates ablution for Muslim consumers
Muslim consumers often struggle with finding wudhu-friendly makeup due to the misconception that all halal products meet the requirements for ritual cleansing.
Halal imports into Indonesia primed for acceleration with the launch of foreign halal certificate registration platform
The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH) is launching a Foreign Halal Certificate Registration (RSHLN) platform, which is set to facilitate import and trade of halal products, including cosmetics, in...
Losing its meaning? ‘Microbiome-friendly’ terms at risk of misleading consumers – Sequential CEO
The widespread usage of terms such as ‘microbiome-friendly’ are "inaccurately representing the complexity of the microbiome”, says the chief executive of a microbiome testing company.
Could more cosmetics be formulated from insects in the future?
This startup is betting on it...
Easing entry: Korea to strengthen support for local cosmetics companies in obtaining halal certification
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) will enhance its halal certification support project to facilitate local companies’ entry into the “continuously growing” halal cosmetics market.
Will the EU Cosmetics Products Regulation revision ever happen?
According to European Union officials, the long-awaited Cosmetics Products Regulation (CPR) may not be revised until 2025 or even beyond, due to internal disagreements.
NAD releases claim determinations for P&G brand Native in response to SC Johnson challenge
Procter & Gamble's Native brand will comply with NAD's recommendations following the organization's findings that some of the brand's advertising claims were misleading while others were substantiated.
Countdown to compliance: Navigating upcoming cosmetic facility registration & product listing deadline
With the deadline for cosmetic facility registration and product listing requirements looming, here are our insights into common pitfalls to avoid and key steps to ensure compliance for industry stakeholders.
“Speak up now!” Could hazard-based EU regulations hold back beauty innovation?
As ever-changing EU regulations impact businesses that produce beauty and personal care ingredients and formulations, how will this affect the industry now and in the future?
UK retailers file a £1bn damages 'landmark' claim against Amazon
A £1bn damages claim has been filed against Amazon by the British Independent Retailers Association (BIRA) on behalf of retailers at the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) in London.
Updated AU/NZ sunscreen standards will bring more consistency to industry
The latest sunscreen standards are set to bring greater consistency to the industry, ensuring more accurate testing and better protection for consumers in Australia and New Zealand, says one cosmetics scientist.
New EU REACH updates further restrict use of silicones in cosmetics
Here’s what cosmetics manufacturers need to know about the latest REACH updates on the use of D5 and D6 silicones…
How companies can seize opportunities in Japan’s ‘rapidly growing’ CBD market amid safety and efficacy concerns
Recent law amendments have opened doors for accelerating growth of the cannabidiol (CBD) market in Japan, but companies need to first overcome challenges in quality control and consumer education, says an analyst.
Scentses + Co seeks to build trust in perfume subscription while eyeing SEA expansion
Malaysia’s Scentses + Co says that it is armed with authorisation letters to provide assurance of product authenticity and quality, as it seeks to regain consumer trust following past scandals involving other perfume subscription firms.
Clear distinction: Indonesia calls attention to non-halal product information labelling regulation
Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH) has emphasised that non-halal certified products, including cosmetics, are mandated to clearly indicate so on packaging.
Navigating environmental regulations for cosmetics
As more beauty and personal care companies make the transition to become greener, sustainability has been a key theme at this year’s InCosmetics Global show. We asked the experts how companies can facilitate this transition, wherever they are in their...
What’s happening at InCosmetics Global 2024?
We’ve rounded up some of the highlights to look out for at InCosmetics Global 2024…
Analytical laboratory Valisure submits Citizen’s Application to FDA requesting ‘a recall and suspension of sale of products containing benzoyl peroxide’
In its application to the FDA, Valisure noted its independent testing results revealed ‘that high levels of gaseous benzene could be generated from a BPO containing product and emanate into a consumer environment such as a hot car or bathroom during a...
‘We are optimistic’: Beiersdorf closing in on China’s approval for brightening ingredient
Beiersdorf’s chief executive is “optimistic” about getting China’s regulatory approval for its hero ingredient W630, which will allow it to launch a wider range of products in the lucrative market.
Barrier grief: Brands need to be more specific about skin barrier claims – expert
A skin barrier expert has expressed concerns over the lack of clarification on barrier-enhancing claims in the cosmetic industry, emphasising the need for greater specificity on such a complex system.
Bespoke hair colours? Korean regulators mull over customised hair dye machines
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) is reviewing the use of a machine that customises hair dyes for individuals.
NZ bans PFAS: Industry can expect minimal differences with EU ‘forever chemicals’ ban – Cosmetics NZ
Industry body Cosmetics NZ says the cosmetics sector can expect minimal differences between New Zealand’s and the European Union’s (EU) per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bans.
Exploring EU regulations: SLS in cosmetics
As the final story in our three-part series about regulations for the most misunderstood cosmetics and personal care ingredients, we focus on sodium lauryl sulfate, known as SLS. We explore why this ingredient was in the spotlight, and speak to...
Chanel, Estée Lauder & more form TRASCE alliance for better supply chain traceability
A consortium of 15 cosmetics companies have joined together to create the TRaceability Alliance for Sustainable CosmEtics (TRASCE), to enhance traceability in major ingredient and packaging supply chains across the beauty and personal care industry.
What does the next-generation beauty consumer want?
Find out by signing up for our Beauty Forward 2024 global summit. Get exclusive insights from leading beauty scientists and execs from the comfort of your desk or armchair.
Need-to-know: The major cosmetics regulatory issues on the agenda in 2024
Here we dissect the regulatory challenges set to shape the year ahead that will affect the Asia Pacific cosmetic industry, with expert insights from leading industry insiders.
Cosmetic regulations round-up: 2023
From PPWR to MoCRA, EPR and deforestation laws, it’s been a regulations-heavy time for the cosmetics industry across the globe. We recap some of the most important regulatory updates in 2023 for companies that sell in the EU, UK and beyond...
FDA launches Cosmetics Direct portal & updates on MoCRA implementation
It’s been a busy week for the US Food & Drug Administration, with the Agency publishing, issuing, launching, and releasing a raft of MoCRA-related updates.
Lessons from a scandal: Biologi case highlights urgent need for more stringent enforcement of consumer laws – regulation expert
A regulation expert is calling for heightened vigilance in the cosmetics industry after an Australian skin care brand was found to be engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct.
2023 Regulatory Roundup: MoCRA
Updated deadlines, the announcement of a newly developed draft submission portal, and the release of several different draft guidance documents are just some of the developments that have occurred this year regarding MoCRA’s implementation of cosmetic...
Unilever: “surprised” to be investigated for greenwashing claims
UK government body the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the British FMCG company following concerns around how it has been marketing certain products as environmentally friendly.
China focus: Latest developments in China’s booming beauty market
We round up the most recent developments in the exciting Chinese beauty market, including MINISO fragrances, La Prairie’s Douyin debut, China’s new toothpaste regulations, Perfect Diary’s fine line-reducing lipstick, and more.
China’s new toothpaste regulations raise barrier, increase costs and time to market – analyst
Toothpaste products in China will be regulated under a new set of measures starting from December 1, which a regulatory analyst says is a more rigorous approach that has raised entry thresholds and brought about various challenges for companies.
Back to square one: Indonesia’s social commerce ban a blow for ‘seamless’ buying experiences
Indonesia's recent trade regulation calling for the separation of social media and e-commerce poses a significant challenge to the pursuit of an integrated social commerce journey, especially for SME brands in the beauty space and beyond.
Sage & Ylang’s relaunched acne care range offers an opportunity for microbiome education
The founder of a microbiome-centric skin care brand hopes to use its repositioned acne care treatments to educate consumers about the skin microbiome, which she fears has become ‘watered-down and meaningless.’
“Sustainability is a journey and the most important thing is to get started.” Cosmetics Europe Deputy Director General
We spoke to Emma Trogen, Deputy Director General at Cosmetics Europe, about sustainability issues and the upcoming Sustainable Cosmetics Summit.
Emerging potential: Korea aims to boost K-beauty export to Vietnam by streamlining regulations
The South Korean government says it will work with local regulators to support and expand cosmetic exports to the Vietnamese market.
‘We’ve got this’: Challenge against tea tree oil regulation is ‘under control’ – ATTIA President
The Australian Tea Tree Industry Association (ATTIA) has attempted to assure the cosmetics industry that it is doing its best to challenge the proposed classification of tea tree oil as a reproductive toxin.
The latest update on the EU ‘greenwashing ban’
The European Parliament and European Council have reached a provisional agreement on new rules to ban misleading marketing and provide clearer product information.
Labelling and advertising violations most common cosmetics-related crackdowns in Korea – new data
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has released findings from its analysis of administrative action taken against cosmetics companies, which indicated that labelling and advertising violations accounted for 75% of cases.
“Competing companies must work together in a pre-competitive space.” Co-chair of the Sustainability Beauty Coalition
To celebrate Organic September, we spoke to Director General for NATRUE and new co-chair of the Sustainability Beauty Coalition, Dr Mark Smith, about what’s on the agenda, trends in upcycling and sustainable packaging.