China Regulators lower Pb/As levels in cosmetics
This is a press release out of China from the Chemical Inspection and Regulation Service (CIRS). Should be helpful for cosmetic formulators who are creating products for that market.
The Hygienic Standards for Cosmetics issued by the Ministry of Health in 2007 is the most important cosmetic standard in China that sets detailed safety requirements on finished cosmetic products manufactured or sold in China. The Hygienic Standard for Cosmetics have banned over 1200 substances in cosmetics and restricted the use of 73 substances, 56 preservatives, 156 colorants, 28 sun block
agents and 93 dyes in cosmetics.
Compared to the old regulation, the new standard contains the following proposed changes:
- Hygienic Standards for Cosmetics will be renamed as Technical Safety Standard for Cosmetics
- Safety requirements on cosmetic ingredients will also be added
- More detailed requirements for special use cosmetics & cosmetics for special human groups will be added
- The max allowable amount of Pb and As in cosmetics will be reduced from 40mg/kg and 10mg/kg to 10mg/kg and 4mg/kg respectively
- Quantitative limits for 1,4-dioxane(30mg/kg) and asbestos(not detected) in cosmetics will be added
The new draft standard has also emphasized the importance of safety evaluation of cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients. According the standard, companies shall carry out safety evaluation of cosmetics and cosmetic ingredients (including risk substances) to ensure safe use.
The annexes of the new standard are also being revised and will be published for consultations later.
The annexes will include:
- Technical requirements on cosmetic ingredients;
- Banned & restricted substances;
- Testing & evaluation methods(Physio-chemical/microbial/toxicology/human safety/efficacy)
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