On April 21, 2026, South Korea's National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS) released a draft revision of the "Guidelines for Analytical Methods for Cosmetic Usage Limit Ingredients (Citizen Guide)" through the Korea Cosmetic Association (KCIA) for public comment. The public comment period closed on April 24, 2026. The revision adds 18 new analytical methods and improves existing methods for triclosan and zinc pyrithione.

On April 20, 2026, the Korea Cosmetic Association (KCIA) issued Notice No. 4-161, forwarding document No. 2757 from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) Cosmetic Policy Division. The notice announces a legislative proposal initiated by Representative Baek Jong-heon to partially amend the Cosmetics Act, and invites public comments. The core objectives of the proposed amendment are to strengthen regulatory measures against the sale of "IP-infringing cosmetics" and to establish an export support mechanism. The KCIA feedback deadline is April 23, 2026.

On April 3, 2026, the Korean Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) announced that, in response to packaging material supply shortages, it would temporarily allow food, cosmetics, and other products to display required labeling information using sticker labels when using alternative packaging materials. This temporary measure takes effect on April 5 and will be valid for six months (may be terminated early or extended depending on actual supply conditions).

On April 2, 2026, the Korea Cosmetic Association (KCIA) issued an announcement stating that the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) partially amended the Enforcement Rule of the Cosmetics Act on March 31, 2026, aiming to further strengthen the safety supervision of directly purchased overseas cosmetics. The amended provisions have entered into force on April 2, 2026.

On March 25, 2026, the Korea Cosmetic Industry Association (KCIA) issued a notification regarding the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety's (MFDS) issuance of Notification No. 2026-16 to amend the "Regulation on Safety Standards, etc. for Cosmetics." The key amendments include the reorganization of hair dye ingredient lists, the addition of a new UV filter, and the revision of certain test methods. The amendments entered into effect on March 18, 2026.

On February 23, 2026, the Korea Cosmetics Association (KCIA) announced plans to amend the Cosmetics Act. Proposed by Assemblyman Kim Ki-woong, this amendment aims to regulate the accuracy of information in cosmetics labels and advertisements, ensuring that claims about the environmental characteristics or efficacy of cosmetics and their containers and packaging (such as biodegradability) comply with standards set by relevant international organizations or the Prime Minister's orders. The KCA is currently seeking public feedback, with the deadline for submissions set for February 27, 2026.

On January 12, 2026, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea announced a draft amendment to the Regulations on Safety Standards etc. for Cosmetic . Key revisions include the regulation of the hair dye ingredient list, the addition of a new UV filter, and the update of multiple safety test methods. The public consultation period for this draft amendment will remain open until February 6, 2026.

On June 6, 2025, CIRS Group officially launched the Global Cosmetic Ingredient Regulatory Database--Global CosIng. This database integrates regulatory information on cosmetic ingredients from major markets, including China (Taiwan included), the European Union, the United States, Canada, ASEAN countries, South Korea, and Japan. It is designed to provide enterprises with a one-stop, authoritative, and user-friendly platform for ingredient compliance inquiries, supporting cosmetic companies in global regulatory compliance and product development.

On September 2, 2025, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) of South Korea issued Announcement No. 2025-63 to revise the Cosmetic Safety Standards. This announcement will come into effect six months after its publication. However, the revised provisions concerning Cyclopentasiloxane in Annex 2 will take effect three years after the date of publication.

This article reviews and summarizes the latest international cosmetic regulatory developments in the first half of 2025, with a focus on the Asia market. It covers key updates from Taiwan, China, ASEAN member states and Korea. The aim is to help enterprises stay informed of regulatory changes, ensure compliant product launches, and enhance global market competitiveness.