How to use an approved new cosmetic ingredient in China

After a new cosmetic ingredient has been registered or filed, it still cannot be added freely to any ordinary cosmetic. Use it only for the purpose, site, maximum level and product type stated in its registration or filing, and enter it under its registered or filed name. A three-year safety-monitoring period runs from the day the first cosmetic using that ingredient obtains registration or completes filing. During monitoring, cosmetics that use the ingredient generally submit a full safety-assessment report.

Published 11 November 2026 · Updated 11 November 2026

What the monitoring period requires

The new-ingredient registrant or filer must monitor safety and submit an annual report to the NMPA at least 30 working days before each monitoring year is complete. Product registrants or filers that use the ingredient should report use and safety information back to the ingredient registrant or filer. Children’s cosmetics must not use ingredients that are still in the monitoring period.

Toxicology and assessment

Announcement No. 70 of 2026 allows ordinary cosmetics that use a new ingredient, other than children’s cosmetics, to omit a toxicology test report when the manufacturer has a government-issued quality-system certificate and the safety assessment can fully confirm safety. That relief does not remove the safety assessment, and it does not extend to children’s products.

Cautions

Ingredients already listed in the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients are entered as existing ingredients. An approved new ingredient still carries extra duties until monitoring ends and any later inventory update takes effect. How an ingredient moves into the inventory after monitoring follows the rules and notices then in force.

Questions we are often asked

Can we use a monitored new ingredient in a baby lotion?

No. Children’s cosmetics must not use new ingredients that are still in the safety-monitoring period.

Do we still need the ingredient owner’s confirmation?

During the monitoring period, products that use the new ingredient should be linked and confirmed with the ingredient registrant or filer through the information service platform, as the Measures require.