China Approves New Cosmetic Ingredient for Whitening Products

On November 4, 2024, the China National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) approved a new cosmetic ingredient, isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol (CAS No 1428450-95-6), submitted by Beiersdorf AG, Germany. This ingredient is chemically synthesized and has been tested for safety and efficacy. It can be used as a whitening agent in leave-on cosmetics, except in products that may cause inhalation exposure. This approval offers a new option for the development of whitening cosmetics in China. 

China’s Cosmetic Regulatory Framework for New Ingredients

Under China's cosmetic regulatory framework, all cosmetics sold in the country must use ingredients listed in the Inventory of Existing Cosmetic Ingredients in China (IECIC). Ingredients outside the IECIC are classified as new cosmetic ingredients. To promote innovation, the Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulation (CSAR), implemented in 2021, replaced the previous approval system with a dual-track system of registration and notification based on the risk level of the ingredient. 

New cosmetic ingredients with functions such as preservation, sun protection, coloring, hair dyeing or whitening must undergo a registration process. Other new ingredients are subject to notification. In all cases, new cosmetic ingredients must be registered or notified with the NMPA before being used in cosmetic products. 

Encouraging Innovation in Whitening Products

The approval of isobutylamido thiazolyl resorcinol demonstrates China's commitment to promoting innovation in the cosmetics industry while ensuring consumer safety. It is a significant step forward in expanding the options available for the development of spot removal and whitening products in compliance with China's stringent regulatory standards. 

For more information, please refer to the official announcement here.