China has implemented its first mandatory national cosmetics standard, set to take effect on January 1, 2028, replacing the existing hygienic standard for cosmetics established in 1987. The introduction of new comprehensive safety requirements marks a significant shift in industry standards—from basic hygiene to rigorous safety protocols—and elevates technical guidelines to enforceable national standards, according to the National Medical Products Administration.
The new microbial content control standards align with global practices and introduce a classification-based limit management system for microbial counts. For children’s cosmetics and products used around the eyes, eyelashes, and lips, a strict maximum of 100 colony-forming units per gram or milliliter will be enforced. For other cosmetic products, the limit is set at a maximum of 1,000 CFU. Although international standards often restrict microbial counts for products aimed at children under three years old, the revised Chinese standard expands protective measures to cover children up to age 12, as noted by industry representatives.
Additionally, products for children must comply not only with the new microbial standards but also meet the Regulations on the Supervision and Administration of Cosmetics for Children. These regulations impose more rigorous requirements regarding formulation, safety assessments, manufacturing, and labeling compared to standard cosmetics.
The new regulations also establish microbial limits that are consistent with international benchmarks, including limits for molds, yeasts, and specific bacteria like coliforms, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which must not be detected in cosmetic products.
Moreover, limits are set for certain hazardous substances. Heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, mercury, and cadmium—common in the environment—are regulated with strict maximum levels, generally between one and ten milligrams per kilogram, reflecting a scientific approach to trace safety. Companies manufacturing products with potential trace contaminants like methanol, dioxane, asbestos, and benzene will need to increase testing and control residue levels during production.
China’s cosmetics market has become the largest worldwide, with the industry growing 2.8% last year to reach approximately 1.1 trillion yuan (around USD 163 billion). The children’s segment alone is valued at about 35.8 billion yuan (USD 5.3 billion) and is projected to surpass 45 billion yuan (roughly USD 6.7 billion) by 2028. Over 6,000 cosmetic manufacturers operate across the country, reflecting the sector’s robust development.