Analysis Report on the Filing Status of New Cosmetic Ingredients in China – March 2026

To help stakeholders stay informed of the latest developments and gain insights into market trends, this article provides a systematic review and in-depth analysis of the cosmetic ingredient filings published by China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) in March 2026. The report mainly covers the number of new ingredient filings during the month, basic information about the filing enterprises, the regional distribution of domestic filers, ingredients that have been filed multiple times, and interpretations of selected ingredients. It aims to offer valuable data support and information references for the cosmetics industry.

I. Number of New Cosmetic Ingredient Filings in China-March 2026

According to data from the NMPA, a total of 15 new cosmetic ingredients were filed. As of now, the relevant technical specifications for these ingredients have not yet been disclosed, and none of them have entered the post-filing monitoring period. For detailed information, please refer to Table 1 below. 

Table 1

Note: The English names of the companies listed above are for reference only. Please refer to the official registered or commonly used names for formal use.

II. Overview of Enterprises Filing for New Cosmetic Ingredients

As shown in Figure 1, among the 15 cosmetic new ingredients that obtained filing numbers in March 2026, 13 were filed by domestic entities, accounting for 86.7%. Two were filed by overseas entities (one from the United States and one from Italy), representing 13.3%. The number of domestic filers significantly exceeds that of overseas filers.

Figure 1

III. Distribution of Domestic Enterprises Filing for New Cosmetic Ingredients by Province

According to the analysis of new ingredient filing data, a total of 13 new cosmetic ingredients were filed by domestic enterprises in China, involving 11 companies across the following 6 provincial-level regions: Shanghai, Guangdong, Tibet, Sichuan, Zhejiang, and Yunnan. 

As shown in Figure 2, among all domestic provinces and regions where the filing companies are located, Shanghai recorded the highest number of new cosmetic ingredient filings, with five, accounting for 33.3% of the total filings in March 2026.

Figure 2

IV. Frequently Filed New Cosmetic Ingredients

According to the statistics, among the 15 newly registered cosmetic ingredients mentioned above, Camellia Petelotii Flower Extract was filed three times at different times by different companies, and Lycium Ruthenicum Fruit Extract was filed twice.

V. Interpretation of Selected Ingredients

According to available information, saussurea laniceps, commonly known as the woolly-headed snow rabbit, is a perennial herbaceous plant belonging to the Asteraceae family and is endemic to China. This species grows in alpine stone fields at altitudes ranging from 3,200 to 5,280 meters, primarily distributed across Sichuan, Yunnan, and Tibet. Due to its slow growth and fragile habitat, it is classified as a nationally protected species of level II.

Acer truncatum, known as the money maple or yuanbao maple, is a deciduous tree in the Sapindaceae family, originally found in the Yuci District of Jinzhong City. It is distributed across several provinces, including Jilin, Liaoning, Inner Mongolia, Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, northern Jiangsu (north of Xuzhou), Henan, Shaanxi, and Gansu. Research indicates that the money maple has properties that dispel wind and dampness, and it can relieve lumbar and back pain. Additionally, it serves as an excellent ornamental tree and street tree, and it can be used as a building material, possessing significant industrial and economic value.

On July 6, 2022, Sichuan Lumingqiu Plateau Ecological Agriculture Technology Co., Ltd. filed Tibetan pig fat (国妆原备字20220015), which was canceled on December 16, 2025. The intended uses of Tibetan pig fat include skin protectant, emollient, moisturizer, solvent, and occlusive agent.

Camellia chekiangoleosa, known as Zhejiang red camellia, is a plant in the Theaceae family, found in the provinces of Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Zhejiang, and Anhui in China. This species is endemic to China and is valued for its ornamental, oil-producing, and medicinal properties, making it an important genetic resource for oil tea and camellia breeding.

Lycium ruthenicum, commonly referred to as black goji berry, is primarily distributed in the arid regions of northwest China, widely found in provinces such as Qinghai, Xinjiang, Tibet, Gansu, Ningxia, Shaanxi, and Inner Mongolia. Additionally, it is present in southeastern Europe, the Caucasus, parts of Central Asia, Mongolia, and countries in North Africa and Southern Europe along the Mediterranean coast. Research indicates that black goji berries are rich in nutrients such as carotene, thiamine, and riboflavin, and they also contain abundant minerals like calcium, phosphorus, iron, copper, and zinc. The water-soluble portion of its fruit is rich in active polysaccharides and anthocyanins.

Aronia melanocarpa, also known as black chokeberry, is a deciduous shrub in the Rosaceae family, native to North America. Studies show that its berries are rich in flavonoids, anthocyanins, and polyphenols. Extracts from black chokeberry have demonstrated efficacy in treating cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases, leading to its widespread application in the pharmaceutical and food industries in Europe and North America.

Anoectochilus roxburghii, commonly known as golden thread orchid or golden silk grass, is an orchidaceous plant widely used in traditional medicine and is regarded as a rare and precious herbal remedy, earning titles such as "King of Medicine," "Golden Herb," "Divine Medicine," and "Bird Ginseng." It is primarily distributed in southern China, including Guangdong, Fujian, and Zhejiang. Rich in active components such as anoectochilus glycosides, plant polysaccharides, and flavonoids, this herb exhibits significant antibacterial, soothing, moisturizing, restorative, antioxidant, and anti-aging properties. In 2021, it was included in the National Key Protected Wild Plants List, classified as a nationally protected species of level II in China.

Royal jelly is known as the "longevity factor", and its core active ingredient, royal jelly acid (10-HDA), possesses exceptional antioxidant and anti-aging potential. Royal jelly acid ceramide (OP) constructs a "Repair-Defend-Renew" repair matrix, significantly increasing the thickness and density of both the epidermis and dermis, allowing the skin to resist photoaging from within. (Source: Dikeman Biotechnology WeChat official account)

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum, also known as "Sanyeqing" or "Jinsidiao hulu", is a herbaceous vine in the family Vitaceae, genus Tetrastigma. It is distributed in Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Jiangxi, Fujian, Taiwan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hubei, Hunan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, and Tibet in China. It grows at altitudes of 300–1300 meters in thickets on slopes, valleys, and understory rock crevices by streams. Studies have shown that the whole plant of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum can be used medicinally, with effects such as activating blood circulation to disperse stasis, detoxifying, and resolving phlegm.

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