Cosmetics Regulatory Updates: What Global Changes in August 2025 Should Industry Watch?

August 2025 Global Cosmetics Regulatory Update

Overview:

August 2025 brought significant changes in global cosmetics regulatory requirements. Key developments occurred across Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania, affecting compliance, labeling, ingredient use, and market access. Industry stakeholders should closely monitor these updates to ensure regulatory alignment and avoid enforcement risks.

I. Europe

1. EU Clarifies TPO Ban Implementation

On August 7, 2025, the European Commission provided guidance on the implementation of the TPO ban. TPO, or Trimethylbenzoyl Diphenylphosphine Oxide, is a commonly used photoinitiator.

As of September 1, 2025, following amendments to the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No. 1223/2009, TPO is prohibited in cosmetics. Products containing TPO cannot be placed on the EU market, and any existing stock already in circulation must cease distribution. This update is a key development in European cosmetics regulatory requirements.

II. North America

1. Canada Updates Cosmetic Ingredients Hotlist

In August 2025, Health Canada revised its Hotlist, updating cannabis-related entries to align with the Cannabis Exemption (Food and Drugs Act) Regulations and the Industrial Hemp Regulations.

2. Classification of Human-Derived Exosome Products

On August 14, 2025, Health Canada launched a public consultation on whether topical products containing human-derived exosomes, extracellular vesicles, or cell culture media should be regulated as drugs or cosmetics. Comments are open until October 28, 2025.

3. US FDA Approves Natural Food Colorants

Effective June 26, 2025, the FDA added three natural colorants-Galdieria extract blue, Butterfly pea flower extract, and Calcium phosphate-to 21 CFR Part 73, exempt from certification.

4. California Proposes NSRL Values

On August 22, 2025, California OEHHA announced proposed NSRLs under Proposition 65 for 1-bromopropane (54 μg/day) and diethanolamine (6.4 μg/day), open for comments until October 6, 2025.

5. FDA Refuses 48 Cosmetic Shipments

In July 2025, the FDA refused entry for 48 cosmetic shipments from 13 countries, primarily due to mislabeling, unauthorized colorants, or improper new drug applications. This highlights ongoing compliance challenges in North American cosmetics regulatory enforcement.

III. Asia

1. South Korea Abolishes Natural & Organic Certification

On August 1, 2025, MFDS eliminated the government-run natural and organic cosmetics certification system, aligning with global standards like COSMOS. On August 14, the revised Cosmetic Labeling Guidelines introduced new labeling and claim standards without requiring government certification.

2. Crackdown on Misleading Advertising

MFDS launched a campaign on August 6, 2025, against misleading cosmetic advertising, finding 83 violations, including claims implying cosmetics are drugs or functional products.

3. UAE Drafts Comprehensive Cosmetic Framework

On August 13, 2025, the UAE MoIAT notified the WTO of a draft regulation covering certification, labeling, ingredients, testing, and enforcement. Public comments are open until October 12, 2025.

4. Malaysia Launches My HALAL INGREDIENTS

On August 15, 2025, JAKIM launched a digital platform to streamline halal ingredient certification, reducing paperwork and accelerating compliance. This is part of Malaysia's digital transformation under the MADANI framework, impacting regional cosmetics regulatory practices.

IV. Oceania

1. TGA Follow-Up on CHOICE SPF Sunscreen Report

CHOICE reported in June 2025 that some sunscreens in Australia did not meet claimed SPF values. TGA's follow-up statements on August 19, 2025, emphasized ongoing investigation and data review, reflecting Australia's commitment to robust cosmetics regulatory oversight.

Summary:

August 2025 underscores that global cosmetics regulatory landscapes are evolving rapidly. Companies must stay informed of changes in Europe, North America, Asia, and Oceania to maintain compliance, ensure market access, and mitigate regulatory risks.