Regulation & Safety

ECHA: ‘Coordinated effort’ at policy level required for alternatives to replace animal testing in EU

09-Dec-2020 By Kacey Culliney

A coordinated approach amongst European Union policy makers that considers research, method and validation is needed for non-animal alternative cosmetic testing to fully replace animal data, says the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA).

Beauty must ‘build those bridges’ with ECHA to spur acceptance of animal-free testing, says expert

26-Nov-2020 By Kacey Culliney

The cosmetics industry has heavily invested in advancing non-animal safety testing methods, now efforts must turn to driving regulatory acceptance of these next-generation alternatives, says the founder of animal-free testing lab XCellR8.

Beauty majors sign joint statement claiming EU animal testing ban is 'being undermined' by ECHA

10-Nov-2020 By Kacey Culliney

Procter & Gamble, Unilever, L’Oréal and Avon are among signatories of an open statement claiming the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) and its Board of Appeal is undermining the EU animal testing ban on cosmetics - a claim the agency refutes.

K-beauty personalisation laws: MFDS brings into force rules for customised cosmetics retailers

10-Nov-2020 By Amanda Lim

South Korea’s Ministry of Food & Drug Safety (MFDS) has enforced regulations stipulating the rules and requirements for customised cosmetics.

GMP in Indonesia: Regulator BPOM introduces ‘Gradual Fulfilment Certificate’ to enhance cosmetics manufacturing practices

28-Oct-2020 By Amanda Lim

Indonesian regulator the National Agency of Drug and Food Control (BPOM) has introduced a new Gradual Fulfilment Certificate for cosmetic companies to prove they will obtain Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) certification.

Fact-based skin care: Newly launched Kansoskin determined to win over consumers with ethical marketing

12-Oct-2020 By Amanda Lim

The founder of Singapore-based Kansoskin is aiming to change consumer perception of ‘safe’ cosmetic products by engaging in ethical and transparent marketing.

First steps: Aussie brand hopeful cruelty-free entry into China will lead to more opportunities

29-Sep-2020 By Amanda Lim

Australian natural beauty brand Subtle Energies is optimistic that with changing regulations it will be able to expand its business and tap into the emerging trends in China.

'One and the same': Beauty NPD must integrate EU cosmetic claims early on, says consultant

28-Sep-2020 By Kacey Culliney

Claims development must happen simultaneously with new product development to ensure beauty products stand up to scrutiny under EU law, says an expert cosmetic claims consultant.

Tapping Indonesia’s online potential: D2C ‘best strategy’ but firms must clear tricky hurdles

28-Sep-2020 By Amanda Lim

The Indonesian beauty market one of South East Asia’s biggest opportunities, but despite the low barriers to entry via cross-border e-commerce, cosmetic companies must take note of the market’s set of unique challenges.

Microplastics restriction: ECHA has a ‘very restricted and narrow view’ of our industry, says Cosmetics Europe chief

18-Sep-2020 By Kacey Culliney

The European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) has displayed a very narrow view of the cosmetics and personal care industry in its proposal to restrict microplastics, underestimating the true value and complexity of the sector, says the director-general...

China animal testing: Limitations remain for companies seeking exemption from animal tests

09-Sep-2020 By Amanda Lim

China’s has released a document detailing the animal testing exemptions for imported general use cosmetics, but experts say cosmetic companies will find themselves jumping through hoops to qualify for them

Mercury concern: Levels in hair samples three times higher among users of skin lightening cosmetics

31-Aug-2020 By Amanda Lim

The mercury concentration in hair samples of skin lightening cosmetic users has been found to be three times higher than those who don’t use such products.

Animal testing in China: Exemption 'undoubtedly the future' but practical challenges remain

31-Aug-2020 By Amanda Lim

China is making momentous strides to remove the barrier of animal testing for imported cosmetics, but experts believe foreign companies will still face hurdles even if exemptions are granted.

China policy: Regulator publishes two more drafts detailing safety assessment and classification for cosmetic products

18-Aug-2020 By Amanda Lim

China’s National Medical Products Administration has released two additional drafts detailing safety and classification requirements under the new Cosmetic Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR).

GALLERY: Top 10 most-read beauty and personal care news of July 2020

05-Aug-2020 By Amanda Lim

Our recap of the most read cosmetics stories of the month of July, featuring the latest in beauty innovation, trends and regulations.