By Kelly Bonner, Associate Attorney at Duane Morris LLP
This monthly CosmeticsDesign column by attorney Kelly Bonner provides essential legal and regulatory updates for cosmetics and personal care product manufacturers and suppliers to help industry professionals stay informed and compliant.
The Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH) is launching a Foreign Halal Certificate Registration (RSHLN) platform, which is set to facilitate import and trade of halal products, including cosmetics,...
The widespread usage of terms such as ‘microbiome-friendly’ are "inaccurately representing the complexity of the microbiome”, says the chief executive of a microbiome testing company.
With the deadline for cosmetic facility registration and product listing requirements looming, here are our insights into common pitfalls to avoid and key steps to ensure compliance for industry stakeholders.
The latest sunscreen standards are set to bring greater consistency to the industry, ensuring more accurate testing and better protection for consumers in Australia and New Zealand, says one cosmetics scientist.
Indonesia’s Ministry of Religious Affairs’ Halal Product Assurance Organizing Body (BPJPH) has emphasised that non-halal certified products, including cosmetics, are mandated to clearly indicate so on packaging.
Industry body Cosmetics NZ says the cosmetics sector can expect minimal differences between New Zealand’s and the European Union’s (EU) per– and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) bans.
As the final story in our three-part series about regulations for the most misunderstood cosmetics and personal care ingredients, we focus on sodium lauryl sulfate, known as SLS. We explore why this ingredient was in the spotlight, and speak to regulatory...
Here we dissect the regulatory challenges set to shape the year ahead that will affect the Asia Pacific cosmetic industry, with expert insights from leading industry insiders.
From PPWR to MoCRA, EPR and deforestation laws, it’s been a regulations-heavy time for the cosmetics industry across the globe. We recap some of the most important regulatory updates in 2023 for companies that sell in the EU, UK and beyond...
It’s been a busy week for the US Food & Drug Administration, with the Agency publishing, issuing, launching, and releasing a raft of MoCRA-related updates.
A regulation expert is calling for heightened vigilance in the cosmetics industry after an Australian skin care brand was found to be engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct.
Updated deadlines, the announcement of a newly developed draft submission portal, and the release of several different draft guidance documents are just some of the developments that have occurred this year regarding MoCRA’s implementation of cosmetic...
UK government body the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) is investigating the British FMCG company following concerns around how it has been marketing certain products as environmentally friendly.
Indonesia's recent trade regulation calling for the separation of social media and e-commerce poses a significant challenge to the pursuit of an integrated social commerce journey, especially for SME brands in the beauty space and beyond.
In accordance with MoCRA, the FDA’s draft guidance document outlines recommendations to establish a new electronic submission system to replace the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) by the end of this year.
The introduction of the new Modernisation of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022 (MoCRA) could complicate entry into the US beauty market for Asian cosmetic companies, says a regulatory expert.
South Korea’s Ministry of Food and Drug Safety (MFDS) has announced a draft amendment to its cosmetic regulations to include Methoxypropylamino Cyclohexenylidene Ethoxyethylcyanoacetate (MCE) as an approved raw material for sunscreen products.
Thailand’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has responded to growing concerns on the use of “harmful chemicals” in cosmetics by drafting a proposal to ban 13 types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
K-beauty players are calling for a reform of South Korea’s functional cosmetics review and reporting system to foster innovation and make the domestic cosmetic industry more competitive on the global stage.
Companies that sold CBD-based cosmetics in Hong Kong are caught in a “revamp or shut down” dilemma following a ban issued by the authorities in February, in spite of growing awareness and consumer demand.
A Philippines-based environmental pressure group is taking its fights against adulterated and potentially harmful cosmetics across the region, after securing a number of notable victories in South East Asia.
A group of 35 beauty manufacturers, suppliers, industry associations and animal welfare groups have established a global collective to advance animal-free safety assessments in cosmetics worldwide.
Leading beauty and personal care title CosmeticsDesign has unveiled a fresh look across its three regional websites across the USA, Europe and Asia that aims to improve useability and navigation of its content.
The teeth whitening category continues to boom as consumers worldwide seek out brighter smiles, but differing regulatory frameworks and consumer expectations mean innovation must stay broad, says a Colgate-Palmolive exec.
Here we break down the hottest regulatory issues that will affect the cosmetics industry in APAC this year, with expert insights from leading industry insiders.
Korean firm Incospharm is hoping its plant oil-modified endocannabinoids will find favour with brands that are struggling to gain regulatory approval for products containing cannabis-derived ingredients.
Unilever-owned international beauty brand Dove is making a final push to inspire more European consumers to align on protecting the EU’s ban on animal testing in cosmetics.
Fragrance is vital in many industries, including personal care, and the Fragrance Creators Association is working to improve its impact and public understanding.
Greater investments in biotechnology will help truly advance beauty innovation, satisfying consumer needs and addressing planetary woes, says the founder of Mibelle Biochemistry.
Interest in natural and organic cosmetics continues to rise amidst a wider green beauty boom, but with little regulation around these two terms, certification schemes have taken on fresh importance - for industry and consumers alike.
Confusion and misinformation regarding the marine safety of sunscreens can ultimately hinder cosmetic formulators’ ability to develop safe and effective UV protection.
Establishing and encouraging EU-local partnerships as the European Commission pushes ahead with its green and digital agendas will be critical in ensuring the fragrance industry remains resilient and continues to thrive, says the president of the International...
Scientists say people in China should not wear facial sheet masks for more than 20 minutes at a time, claiming that their insights provide the first ‘realistic risk assessment’ of such products among the local population.
Many CBD products are not actually legal under FDA regulation, but they are sweeping the US market anyways. CosmeticsDesign spoke with lawyer Tommy Tobin, associate at Perkins Coie LLP, about where CBD stands legally in the US.
Watchdog group Consumer NZ says sunscreens should be regulated as therapeutic products after three products failed testing for the second year in a row.
China’s food and drug regulator has declared make-up to be unsuitable for children under the age of three and warns parents against cosmetic products that are presented as toys.
China’s measures to regulate the children’s cosmetics market are expected to be tightened further as the demand continues to swell and safety concerns surface.
China’s food and drug regulator has published a series of alerts cautioning consumers against claims relating to stem cells, acid peels, eyelash growth and ‘edible’ cosmetics.
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) have adopted a resolution vote calling on the European Commission to establish an EU-wide action plan to actively phase out animal experiments – a move that adds weight to the cosmetics industry’s fight to protect...
The Body Shop and Dove combining their scale and size brings a collective power to push forward calls to protect the EU’s existing animal testing ban on cosmetics, company executives say.
In-depth insight from Cosmetics Europe Annual Conference (CEAC) 2021
The European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability will lead industry towards a cleaner, toxic-free environment via innovation, prevention and consolidation of existing legal frameworks, with funding set to be released under the EU's Horizon programme,...
The European Commission’s Scientific Committee for Consumer Safety (SCCS) has issued scientific advice to lower the threshold for warning labels on cosmetics containing formaldehyde releasing substances to better protect sensitised consumers.
The European Commission’s Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability will lay important foundations for achieving European Green Deal goals, but it must consider the specificities of individual industries and value chains, say beauty and personal care industry...
![The widespread usage of terms such as ‘microbiome-friendly’ are “inaccurately representing the complexity of the microbiome”. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/formulation-science/microbiome-friendly-terms-at-risk-of-misleading-consumers-sequential-ceo/17596831-1-eng-GB/Microbiome-friendly-terms-at-risk-of-misleading-consumers-Sequential-CEO.jpg)
![The latest Australia/New Zealand sunscreen standards are set to bring greater consistency to the industry. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/updated-au-nz-sunscreen-standards-will-bring-more-consistency-to-industry/17462863-1-eng-GB/Updated-AU-NZ-sunscreen-standards-will-bring-more-consistency-to-industry.jpg)
![South Korea’s MFDS is reviewing the use of a machine that customises hair dyes for individuals. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/article/2024/02/07/bespoke-hair-colours-korea-mfds-mulls-over-customised-hair-dye-machines/17040569-1-eng-GB/Bespoke-hair-colours-Korea-MFDS-mulls-over-customised-hair-dye-machines.jpg)
![Cosmetics NZ says the cosmetics sector can expect minimal differences between New Zealand’s and the EU's PFAS bans. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/nz-bans-pfas-industry-can-expect-minimal-differences-with-eu-forever-chemicals-ban-cosmetics-nz/17140892-1-eng-GB/NZ-bans-PFAS-Industry-can-expect-minimal-differences-with-EU-forever-chemicals-ban-Cosmetics-NZ.jpg)
![The regulatory challenges set to shape the year ahead that will affect the Asia Pacific cosmetic industry[. Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/article/2024/01/03/apac-regulation-2024-major-cosmetics-regulatory-issues-on-the-agenda/17045711-1-eng-GB/APAC-regulation-2024-Major-cosmetics-regulatory-issues-on-the-agenda.jpg)
![A regulation expert is calling for heightened vigilance in the cosmetics industry after an Australian skin care brand was found to be engaged in misleading and deceptive conduct. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/biologi-case-highlights-urgent-need-for-more-stringent-enforcement-of-consumer-laws-regulation-expert/17008275-1-eng-GB/Biologi-case-highlights-urgent-need-for-more-stringent-enforcement-of-consumer-laws-regulation-expert.jpg)
![Indonesia's regulation calling for the separation of social media and e-commerce poses a significant challenge to the pursuit of an integrated social commerce journey. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/article/2023/10/09/indonesia-tiktok-shop-ban-new-social-commerce-regs-a-blow-for-seamless-buying-experiences/16817942-1-eng-GB/Indonesia-TikTok-Shop-ban-New-social-commerce-regs-a-blow-for-seamless-buying-experiences.jpg)
![MoCRA could complicate entry into the US beauty market for Asian cosmetic companies, says a regulatory expert. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/mocra-regulations-what-asia-s-beauty-firms-need-to-know-about-us-s-landmark-law/16601820-1-eng-GB/MoCRA-regulations-What-Asia-s-beauty-firms-need-to-know-about-US-s-landmark-law.jpg)
![K-beauty players are calling for a reform of South Korea’s functional cosmetics review and reporting system. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/why-k-beauty-industry-is-calling-to-abolish-unharmonised-functional-cosmetics-regulation/16195615-1-eng-GB/Why-K-beauty-industry-is-calling-to-abolish-unharmonised-functional-cosmetics-regulation.jpg)
![The International Collaboration on Cosmetics Safety (ICCS) aims to advance the adoption of animal-free safety assessments for cosmetics and personal care products and ingredients worldwide [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/02/08/animal-free-cosmetics-safety-testing-global-collective-international-collaboration-on-cosmetics-safety-iccs-launches/16154090-1-eng-GB/Animal-free-cosmetics-safety-testing-global-collective-International-Collaboration-on-Cosmetics-Safety-ICCS-launches.jpg)
![CosmeticsDesign has refreshed the look and function of its three leading global B2B publications [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2023/01/31/cosmeticsdesign-unveils-global-brand-refresh-across-usa-europe-and-asia-websites-in-2023/16131419-1-eng-GB/CosmeticsDesign-unveils-global-brand-refresh-across-USA-Europe-and-Asia-websites-in-2023.jpg)
![Colgate-Palmolive continues to carefully navigate restricted uses on certain ingredients and is working hard to cater to all lifestyles across budgets, expectations and uses [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign.com/headlines/market-trends/colgate-palmolive-exec-talks-future-trends-in-teeth-whitening-market-worldwide/16095653-1-eng-GB/Colgate-Palmolive-exec-talks-future-trends-in-teeth-whitening-market-worldwide.jpg)
![Malaysia study found 15.4% of whitening products surveyed were tainted with mercury. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/article/2022/10/24/presence-of-mercury-in-whitening-cosmetics-highlights-alarming-issue-of-cosmetic-safety-in-malaysia/15860012-1-eng-GB/Presence-of-mercury-in-whitening-cosmetics-highlights-alarming-issue-of-cosmetic-safety-in-Malaysia.jpg)
![The European Citizens' Initiative calling on the European Commission to protect and strengthen the existing EU animal testing ban on cosmetics closes on August 31, 2022 and Dove is calling for more EU consumers to sign [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/08/26/animal-testing-ban-cosmetics-eu-needs-protection-via-european-citizens-initiative-says-dove/15715020-1-eng-GB/Animal-testing-ban-cosmetics-EU-needs-protection-via-European-Citizens-Initiative-says-Dove.jpg)
![Biomimicry, for example, opens plentiful opportunities for beauty, so industry must continue to advance technologies and capabilities [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/05/16/biotech-beauty-must-be-a-priority-for-innovation-in-cosmetics-says-mibelle-biochemistry-founder/15418861-1-eng-GB/Biotech-beauty-must-be-a-priority-for-innovation-in-cosmetics-says-Mibelle-Biochemistry-founder.jpg)
![Industry and consumers have a plethora of certifications and standards that can be used for natural and organic cosmetics [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/04/07/natural-and-organic-cosmetic-certifications-and-standards-for-eu-beauty-industry/15313432-5-eng-GB/Natural-and-organic-cosmetic-certifications-and-standards-for-EU-beauty-industry.jpg)
![A study found that a majority of beauty and personal care products in the Philippines were not labelled in accordance with local cosmetic regulations. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/discrepancies-and-mislabelling-of-preservatives-found-in-cosmetic-products-in-the-philippines/15280474-1-eng-GB/Discrepancies-and-mislabelling-of-preservatives-found-in-cosmetic-products-in-the-Philippines.jpg)
![The fragrance industry will engage with the European Commission as policies and strategies are set out to achieve European Green Deal goals [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2022/02/14/european-green-deal-fragrance-industry-impact-and-future-policies-and-strategies/13238140-1-eng-GB/European-Green-Deal-fragrance-industry-impact-and-future-policies-and-strategies.jpg)
![Skin problems including irritancy and allergic contact dermatitis have been reported in China due to misuse of facial sheet masks. [GettyImages]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/don-t-wear-facial-sheet-masks-for-more-than-20-minutes-scientists/13222487-1-eng-GB/Don-t-wear-facial-sheet-masks-for-more-than-20-minutes-Scientists.jpg)
![Consumer NZ urge government to regulate sunscreen as therapeutic products. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/sunscreen-regulation-nz-consumer-nz-calls-for-sunscreens-to-be-regulated-as-therapeutic-products/13098904-1-eng-GB/Sunscreen-regulation-NZ-Consumer-NZ-calls-for-sunscreens-to-be-regulated-as-therapeutic-products.jpg)
![China's NMPA emphasise that make-up is unsuitable for children under three. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/china-children-s-cosmetics-regulators-emphasise-that-make-up-is-unsuitable-for-children-under-three/13103591-1-eng-GB/China-children-s-cosmetics-Regulators-emphasise-that-make-up-is-unsuitable-for-children-under-three.jpg)
![China’s measures to regulate the children’s cosmetics market are expected to be tightened further. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/china-s-regulations-of-children-s-cosmetics-will-become-more-stringent/13027218-1-eng-GB/China-s-regulations-of-children-s-cosmetics-will-become-more-stringent.jpg)
![China series of alerts cautioning consumers against several cosmetic claims. [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/regulation-safety/china-issues-warning-to-consumers-against-stem-cells-acid-peels-eyelash-growth-and-edible-cosmetics2/12979411-1-eng-GB/China-issues-warning-to-consumers-against-stem-cells-acid-peels-eyelash-growth-and-edible-cosmetics.jpg)
![MEPs have adopted a resolution vote that will add political pressure to the European Commission to respond, proving important for the cosmetic industry's fight to uphold its existing EU animal testing ban [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2021/09/16/european-parliament-adopts-resolution-vote-for-european-commission-action-to-end-eu-animal-testing/12827328-2-eng-GB/European-Parliament-adopts-resolution-vote-for-European-Commission-action-to-end-EU-animal-testing.jpg)
![The Body Shop and Dove want their partnership and work with animal protection groups to inspire other beauty brands to collaborate on the issue [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2021/09/06/dove-and-the-body-shop-talk-animal-testing-ban-eu-campaign-and-importance-of-collaboration/12798581-1-eng-GB/Dove-and-The-Body-Shop-talk-animal-testing-ban-EU-campaign-and-importance-of-collaboration.jpg)
![Innovation to develop new safe and sustainable chemicals will receive public EU funding via the region's Horizon programme but also other channels, including private investment [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/article/2021/07/02/european-green-deal-chemicals-strategy-for-sustainability-will-receive-horizon-funding-for-chemicals-innovation/12615522-1-eng-GB/European-Green-Deal-Chemicals-Strategy-for-Sustainability-will-receive-Horizon-funding-for-chemicals-innovation.jpg)
![Formaldehyde has been banned in EU cosmetics since 2019 but formaldehyde releasers were still widely used and have to carry warning labels when formaldehyde concentrations are found above 0.05% in the final product [Getty Images]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/news_teaser_medium/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-europe.com/headlines/regulation-safety/formaldehyde-releasers-in-cosmetics-must-have-lower-warning-label-threshold-says-european-commission-scientific-committee-for-consumer-safety/12527380-1-eng-GB/Formaldehyde-releasers-in-cosmetics-must-have-lower-warning-label-threshold-says-European-Commission-Scientific-Committee-for-Consumer-Safety.jpg)
![Recent product news from Essentials, Justhuman, Camino Rose, matsukiyo and more. [Camino Rose]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/wrbm_tiny/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/article/2024/09/06/product-profiles-latest-news-on-the-hottest-beauty-products-in-apac/17722207-1-eng-GB/Product-profiles-Latest-news-on-the-hottest-beauty-products-in-APAC.png)
![Justhuman has launched its first skin care product. [Justhuman]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/wrbm_tiny/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/brand-innovation/justhuman-expands-neurocosmetic-portfolio-with-first-skin-care-launch/17662516-1-eng-GB/Justhuman-expands-neurocosmetic-portfolio-with-first-skin-care-launch.jpg)
![Able C&C is strengthening its international presence by expanding its footprint in the Middle East. [Missha]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/wrbm_tiny/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/business-financial/able-c-c-furthers-global-acceleration-with-middle-east-expansion/17704777-1-eng-GB/Able-C-C-furthers-global-acceleration-with-Middle-East-expansion.jpg)
![Our round-up of the beauty brands in Asia Pacific, featuring news and updates from Kosé, Clinique, Coty and more. [Kose]](/var/wrbm_gb_food_pharma/storage/images/_aliases/wrbm_tiny/publications/cosmetics/cosmeticsdesign-asia.com/headlines/brand-innovation/kose-clinique-coty-and-more-in-our-brand-update/17705038-1-eng-GB/Kose-Clinique-Coty-and-more-in-our-brand-update.jpg)
