The consultation reflects China’s continued efforts to modernise its cosmetic quality-control framework and harmonise laboratory procedures across the industry. Stakeholders have until 30 August 2026 to submit comments before the standards are finalised.
Updated microbiological testing for Pseudomonas aeruginosa
One of the draft standards focuses on improving the detection of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a microorganism that is routinely monitored as part of cosmetic microbiological safety assessments.
The proposed method introduces several technical revisions designed to increase the reliability and consistency of laboratory results. Among the most significant changes are a revised description of the organism’s identification characteristics, the inclusion of a positive quality-control strain, and updates to the culture media used during testing.
The draft also extends the recommended incubation period to allow the detection of strains that develop more slowly or display weaker pigmentation, reducing the risk of false-negative results. In addition, laboratories would be required to perform a purification step before biochemical identification, improving the accuracy of the analysis when mixed microbial populations are present.
Recognising advances in laboratory technology, the proposal also allows the use of validated biochemical identification kits and automated microbial identification systems.
New analytical method consolidates solvent testing
The second draft standard introduces a single analytical procedure for determining ethanol and 39 other compounds in cosmetic products using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS).
The method is intended for a wide range of product types, including creams, lotions, gels, liquids, powders and wax-based formulations. It combines and replaces two existing analytical methods currently included in China’s Safety and Technical Standards for Cosmetics (2015 Edition).
By merging the previous procedures into a single method, the proposal simplifies laboratory workflows while expanding analytical consistency. The revised approach also standardises the use of GC-MS for quantitative analysis and incorporates advanced mass spectrometry techniques for qualitative identification where appropriate.
According to the draft, the revised method covers a total of 40 target compounds after removing duplicate substances and excluding 1,4-dioxane, which is already addressed under a separate testing standard.
Strengthening China’s cosmetic testing framework
Unlike the microbiological proposal, no existing national or industry standard currently covers the determination of ethanol and the additional 39 compounds using this specific methodology. The new draft therefore represents the establishment of a dedicated analytical standard rather than an update to an existing one.
For the microbiological method, the NIFDC has drawn on established domestic and international references, including ISO standards and the United States Pharmacopeia, while adapting the procedure to China’s regulatory framework and laboratory practices.
Both draft methods have been developed with the objective of improving the consistency, reproducibility and technical quality of cosmetic testing across accredited laboratories.
Transition period planned after adoption
If approved, both standards are expected to be incorporated into China’s cosmetic testing framework with a nine-month implementation period. This transition would provide testing laboratories and manufacturers with time to update analytical procedures, validate methods and adjust internal quality systems before the requirements become fully applicable.
Companies that market cosmetics in China may need to evaluate existing laboratory protocols, validate revised analytical procedures and ensure that contract testing partners are prepared to adopt the new methodologies. Businesses also have an opportunity to submit technical comments before the consultation closes, helping to shape the final standards before they enter into force.
These proposed updates underline China’s ongoing commitment to strengthening cosmetic quality control through more robust, standardised testing methods that support product safety and regulatory compliance.
