Thailand Updates Cosmetic Regulations: New Rules on Preservatives and Banned Ingredients

The Ministry of Public Health and the Cosmetics Committee of Thailand have introduced significant regulatory updates affecting the cosmetics industry. The latest announcements, published in the Royal Gazette in January 2025, mandate warning labels for cosmetics containing the preservative Climbazole and expand the list of substances prohibited in cosmetic formulations. These updates aim to enhance consumer safety and ensure compliance with international standards. Businesses involved in the manufacture, import, and sale of cosmetics must adhere to these new regulations within the specified transition period. 

Mandatory Labelling / Warnings for Cosmetics Containing Climbazole 

On January 31, 2025, the Cosmetics Committee published a announcement regarding the labelling of cosmetics containing preservatives (No. 5). This update, issued under the authority of the Cosmetics Act B.E. 2558, was decided during the 4/2567 Committee meeting held on August 26, 2024. 

Under this announcement, the warning label requirements for Climbazole (CAS Number: 38083-17-9) have been revised. Cosmetics containing this preservative must now include the following warning on their labels: 

“Contains Climbazole. Be careful not to get in your eyes. If irritation occurs, stop using the product and consult a doctor or pharmacist.” 

Manufacturers, importers, and contract manufacturers who have prepared labels prior to the enforcement date must comply with this new labelling requirement within 180 days of the effective date of the announcement. 

Expanded List of Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients 

In a separate announcement, the Ministry of Public Health introduced new restrictions on prohibited substances used in cosmetics. The regulation, published on January 31, 2025, under the authority of the Cosmetics Act B.E. 2015, were enacted following recommendations from the Cosmetics Committee at its 4/2024 meeting on August 26, 2024. 

This update expands the list of prohibited cosmetic ingredients by adding 56 newly prohibited substances. Manufacturers, importers, and contract manufacturers who have received notification certificates for cosmetics containing these newly prohibited ingredients must ensure compliance within 180 days of the effective date of this announcement. 

The expanded prohibited list can be accessed here 

Implementation and Compliance 

Both announcements are now in effect following their publication in the Royal Gazette. The Thai authorities have emphasized that non-compliance will lead to regulatory actions, reinforcing their commitment to consumer safety in the cosmetics industry. Industry stakeholders are urged to review their formulations and labelling practices to ensure alignment with these updated regulations.