China’s New Mandatory Cosmetics Safety Standard Effective 2028
China will implement new mandatory national safety standards for cosmetics on January 1, 2028. These rules, issued by the State Administration for Market Regulation, target microbial and heavy metal limits, with significantly stricter requirements for children's products.
New National Standard Takes Effect in 2028
China will implement new mandatory national safety standards for cosmetics, effective January 1, 2028. The National Medical Products Administration formulated these comprehensive standards, which the State Administration for Market Regulation issued. These new regulations will replace the older hygiene standards for cosmetics that were originally published in 1987.
Authorities informed China Daily that the primary goal of this update is to establish a thorough safety benchmark for all cosmetic products manufactured and sold within China. This initiative forms part of broader efforts to enhance safety oversight across the rapidly expanding Chinese cosmetics industry.
Stricter Limits on Microbes and Heavy Metals
The new standards introduce stringent limits on various substances, including microbes, heavy metals, and other potentially harmful components. Specifically, they will regulate the permissible amounts of bacteria, mold, and yeast in cosmetic formulations.
The regulations also explicitly prohibit the presence of several microorganisms known to pose serious health risks, such as thermotolerant coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Furthermore, maximum limits are set for eight specific harmful heavy metals, including lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium.
For raw materials that might contain residues like methanol, asbestos, or benzene, manufacturers must implement strict controls on residue levels and increase their testing frequency.
Enhanced Rules for Children's Cosmetics Amid Market Growth
A key aspect of the new standard involves significantly stricter requirements for children's cosmetics, with limits approximately ten times more stringent than for general products. These enhanced rules apply to cleansers, moisturizers, powders, and sunscreens designed for children up to 12 years of age.
They also cover specific products used around the eyes, on eyelashes, and on the mouth and lips. The National Medical Products Administration reported that China's cosmetics market reached over 1.1 trillion yuan ($163 billion) in 2025, representing a 2.8 percent increase from the previous year. This growth follows a sharp rise in manufacturers, from around 70 in 1980 to more than 6,000 in 2026.
Implications for Asian Beauty Businesses
This regulatory update carries significant implications for beauty businesses operating in or targeting China. Asian brands and manufacturers must now critically assess their product portfolios and supply chain compliance well before the January 2028 deadline.
The heightened scrutiny, particularly for children's cosmetic lines, necessitates re-evaluation of formulations, raw material sourcing, and testing protocols. Companies failing to meet these new national standards risk market access restrictions and potential penalties within China, a market that continues to demonstrate substantial expansion and consumer demand.
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