On May 29, 2026,  China’s National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) released eight testing methods to be incorporated into the corresponding chapters of the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition).

The following four methods are newly added testing methods:

  • Determination of Trivalent Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium in Cosmetics
  • Determination of Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl in Cosmetics
  • Determination of 1-Hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole Sulfate and Other 10 Ingredients in Cosmetics
  • Safety Evaluation of Long-term Using Tests of Cosmetics on Human Body

The following four methods are revised testing methods, replacing the original methods in the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition):

  • Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test
  • In Vitro Mammalian Cells Chromosome Aberration Test
  • 90-Day Oral Toxicity Test
  • 90-Day Dermal Toxicity Test

The above eight methods shall come into effect on March 1, 2027. Prior to the implementation of the above methods, the adoption of these methods for testing related to cosmetics registration and dossier filing is encouraged.

To accompany this update, China's National Institutes for Food and Drug Control (NIFDC) simultaneously released official supporting Q&As addressing the detailed specifications, revision background, and enterprise compliance requirements for the eight testing methods. 

Four Newly Added Testing Methods

1. Determination of Trivalent Chromium and Hexavalent Chromium in Cosmetics

This method specifies the determination of trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium in cosmetics by high-performance liquid chromatography–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS). This method is applicable to the determination of trivalent chromium and hexavalent chromium in cream and emulsion products, liquid (aqueous and oil-based) products, gel products, powder products, compressed products, and mud/mask products.

2. Determination of Ethyl Lauroyl Arginate HCl in Cosmetics

This method specifies the determination of ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl in cosmetics by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method is applicable to the determination of ethyl lauroyl arginate HCl in liquid (aqueous and oil-based) products, cream and emulsion products, powder products, and gel products.

3. Determination of 1-Hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole Sulfate and Other 10 Ingredients in Cosmetics

This method specifies the determination of 1-hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole sulfate and other 10 ingredients in cosmetics by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). This method is applicable to the determination of 1-hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole sulfate and other 10 ingredients in hair dye cosmetics. Cosmetic ingredients may exist in various forms, such as sulfates, hydrochlorides, etc. When multiple forms coexist, they shall be uniformly calculated in one form.

The 11 ingredients covered by this method include: 1-hydroxyethyl-4,5-diaminopyrazole sulfate, hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine sulfate, tetraaminopyrimidine sulfate, 1,3-bis-(2,4-diaminophenoxy)propane hydrochloride, HC Red No. 3, Disperse Black 9, 2-amino-6-chloro-4-nitrophenol, Basic Red 76 (CI 12245), hydroxypropyl bis(N-hydroxyethyl-p-phenylenediamine) hydrochloride, 2,6-dimethoxy-3,5-pyridinediamine hydrochloride, and 6-methoxy-2-methylamino-3-aminopyridine hydrochloride (HC Blue No. 7).

4. Safety Evaluation of Long-term Using Tests of Cosmetics on Human Body

This method specifies the objectives, subject requirements, and procedures for long-term human use testing. This method is applicable to the evaluation of adverse reactions on human skin caused by new skin-whitening and freckle-removing cosmetic ingredients.

Four Revised Testing Methods

5. Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test

This method specifies the basic principles, requirements, and procedures for the bacterial reverse mutation test. This method is applicable to the detection of gene mutations in cosmetic ingredients and products.

6. In Vitro Mammalian Cells Chromosome Aberration Test

This method specifies the basic principles, requirements, and procedures for the in vitro mammalian cell chromosome aberration test. This method is applicable to evaluating the mutagenicity of cosmetic ingredients and products.

7. 90-Day Oral Toxicity Test

This method specifies the basic principles, requirements, and procedures for the 90-day oral toxicity test in rodents. This method is applicable to evaluating the 90-day oral toxicity of cosmetic ingredients.

8. 90-Day Dermal Toxicity Test

This method specifies the basic principles, requirements, and procedures for the 90-day dermal toxicity test in animals. This method is applicable to evaluating the 90-day dermal toxicity of cosmetic ingredients.

CIRS Reminder

The update of these eight testing methods further improves China's cosmetic safety standards system, drives domestic testing technology toward alignment with advanced international standards, and continuously enhances the scientific and regulatory rigor of cosmetic safety oversight. The new regulations will officially take effect on March 1, 2027. Enterprises are advised to make full use of the transition period to complete compliance adaptations in an orderly manner.

It is recommended to comprehensively conduct product self-inspections, assess key items such as chromium components, novel preservatives, and hair dye ingredients, proactively prepare for long-term human use testing related to new skin-whitening and freckle-removing ingredients, and complete product verification and validation in accordance with the new standards to ensure stable compliance operations after the new regulations take effect.

CIRS Testing will continue to monitor changes to the Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics and promptly release the latest updates. 

About CIRS Testing

CIRS Testing, a wholly owned subsidiary of CIRS Group, is an international authoritative third-party testing institution. CIRS Testing is awarded as a state high-tech enterprise. With a mission to enable product compliance for clients and enhance quality for healthy life, CIRS Testing will help clients gain a competitive advantage in the global marketplace by ensuring product safety and quality, and enhancing brand competitiveness.

The CIRS Testing cosmetic team provides expert support to  ensure that cosmetic products meet stringent global cosmetic regulations and safety standards. 

We offer comprehensive, lifecycle-based solutions for personal care products, from early-stage cosmetic ingredient development, through to final product registration. Our services include:

With deep expertise in cosmetic regulatory compliance and safety evaluations, our team enables brands to bring products to market efficiently and with confidence.

Why Choose CIRS Testing?

Global Compliance & Accreditation: A CNAS/CMA accredited laboratory with deep regulatory expertise in NMPA (China), EU, US MoCRA, and ASEAN to ensure seamless global market access.

Bespoke Clinical Solutions: Tailored testing protocols to support your unique brand claims and R&D needs.

Scientific Authority: Strategic partnerships with leading teaching hospitals and board-certified dermatologists to provide medical-grade credibility and ethical human-subject trials.

Cutting-edge Instrumentation: Equipped with industry-leading diagnostic tools (e.g., VISIA, Primos, Handheld 3D Camera, Bio-probes) for precise measurement and high-resolution data visualization.

Global Network: Our global network of subsidiaries in the Netherlands, USA, UK, Japan, and Korea ensures localized support and seamless cross-border communication.

Operational Transparency: Full visibility into your projects with clear timelines, raw data accessibility, and rigorous, scientifically-sound reporting.

Efficiency & Value: Rapid technical feedback and cost-effective testing strategies without compromising on the premium quality of our scientific services.

Further Information

China NMPA