China issues new regulation on children’s cosmetics production

The State Food and Drug Administration (SFDA) in China has issued a new guideline to centralise the approval and production of children’s cosmetics in increasing safety rules for the market.

The agency said the new guideline states that cosmetics used by children of 12 years or younger need to fall into the category of children’s cosmetics and should be labelled clearly on the pack indicating cosmetics for children.

SFDA said in the new guideline it was also stated that children’s cosmetics should minimise certain varieties of ingredients.

"Producers should avoid using or use less resinoid, coloring agents, antiseptic and surface-active agents," SFDA said.

According to the new regulation, ingredients used in whitening, acne treatment or removal, hair removal, drying, deodorizing, hair waving and dying, or breast care are not suitable for children’s cosmetics.

Moreover, children cosmetics should contain ingredients, which are considered as safe from longer periods.

The guideline also stated that ingredients developed with genetic or nano technology will not be encouraged in children cosmetics.

The guideline, however, does not specify amounts of each ingredient.

Earlier to the new regulation China had no testing standards for baby’s or children’s cosmetics. As a result, the cosmetics for children are made with the similar technology and formulas used to produce the cosmetics for adults.