On February 11, 2026, the European Union officially published new regulations regarding detergents and surfactants (EU) 2026/405, aimed at fully replacing the previous regulations (EC) No 648/2004, which have been in effect for nearly twenty years. The new regulations establish minimum requirements for the biodegradability of surfactants, impose restrictions on the content of phosphates and other phosphate compounds in household laundry detergents and household automatic dishwasher detergents, and introduce the Digital Product Passport (DPP) along with new labeling rules, including provisions related to allergenic fragrances. Companies exporting detergents or surfactants to the EU will need to comply with these regulations.

On 10 February 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued final opinion (SCCS/1686/25) on the safety of Thiomersal (CAS No 54-64-8) and Phenylmercuric salts (CAS No 62-38-4, 94-43-9) as preservatives in cosmetic products.

This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations as of January 2026, including domestic China industry news, newly issued regulations, updates to relevant standards and policies, and regulatory requirements, as well as global regulatory trends in the cosmetics sector. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.

On January 10, 2026, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued the final opinion on hair dye Basic Brown 16 (C009) (CAS No. 26381-41-9) (SCCS/1684/25) and Basic Blue 99 (C059) (CAS No. 68123-13-7)(SCCS/1683/25). This final opinion aligns with the scientific opinion published on November 17, 2025.

This article compiles and summarizes the latest developments in cosmetics regulations as of December 2025, including domestic China industry news, newly issued regulations, updates to relevant standards and policies, and regulatory requirements, as well as global regulatory trends in the cosmetics sector. It aims to assist enterprises in ensuring compliance and keeping up with global cosmetics regulatory trends.

On January 13, 2026, the European Commission published Regulation (EU) 2026/78, introducing amendments and updates to the requirements for the use of carcinogenic, mutagenic, or reprotoxic (CMR) substances in cosmetics. The regulation modifies Annexes II, III, IV, and V of the EU Cosmetics Regulation (EC) No 1223/2009.

On 18 December 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1687/25) open for comments on Silver (CAS No 7440-22-4) used in cosmetic products. The deadline for comments is set for 23 February, 2026.

France will implement a comprehensive ban on the manufacture, import, export, and sale of cosmetics containing PFAS, effective January 1, 2026. France's PFAS ban underscores its leadership in proactive environmental legislation. As the EU considers bloc-wide PFAS restrictions, France’s pioneering move may accelerate chemical regulation reforms across Europe. With the first bans taking effect in 2026, the global chemical industry faces transformative challenges in developing safer alternatives and adapting to evolving regulatory landscapes.

On 19 November 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1686/25) open for comments on the safety of Thiomersal (CAS No 54-64-8) and Phenylmercuric salts (CAS No 62-38-4, 94-43-9) as preservatives in cosmetic products. The deadline for comments is set for 21 January, 2026.

On 19 November 2025, the Scientific Committee on Consumer Safety (SCCS) of the European Union issued preliminary opinion (SCCS/1685/25) open for comments on Cannabidiol (CBD) (CAS No. 13956-29- 1). The deadline for comments is set for 21 January, 2026.