FAQs on Children's Cosmetics Compliance in China

China has issued several regulations and technical guidelines to implement strict management of children's cosmetics, aiming to safeguard the well-being of young consumers. For your reading, here are some common questions concerning children's cosmetic compliance.

Question 1: What is the definition of children's cosmetics in China?

Answer: Children's cosmetics in China refer to cosmetics for children aged 12 and under, which have the functions of cleansing, moisturizing, body refreshing, sunscreen, etc. Products labeled "applicable to the whole population," "suitable for the whole family," etc., or products implying the target users include children by trademarks, patterns, homophones, letters, Pinyin, numbers, symbols, packaging, etc., are subject to the management of children's cosmetics.

Question 2: How to manage children's cosmetics in Children?

Answer: In China, children's cosmetics generally follow the same management approach as cosmetics, where general cosmetics undergo filing while special cosmetics undergo registration. However, the National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) stipulated special requirements on formula design, ingredient use, safety assessment, labeling, and testing for children's cosmetics.

Question 3: What are the general principles of formula design for children's cosmetics?

Answer: The formula design of children's cosmetics should adhere to safety priorities, essential efficacy, and simplicity.

Question 4: What aspects require special attention in the formula design of children's cosmetics?

Answer: Ingredients aimed at functions of freckle-removing & whitening, anti-acne, depilation, deodorization, anti-dandruff, anti-hair loss, hair dyeing, hair perming, etc. are not permitted. If ingredients with potential effects similar to the above are used for other purposes, the necessity of their use and safety for children's cosmetics use should be assessed.

Children's cosmetics shall be assessed on the scientificity and necessity of the ingredients used, particularly fragrances, colorants, preservatives, surfactants, etc., considering aspects such as safety, stability, functionality, compatibility, and children's physiological characteristics.

Question 5: What are the requirements for labeling for children's cosmetics?

Answer: The necessary labeling information for children and adult cosmetics is the same, but children's cosmetics should additionally adhere to the following requirements:

1. Children's cosmetics must display the children's cosmetics logo “Little Golden Shield” (“小金盾” in Chinese) published by the NMPA;
2. Use guiding phrases such as Caution or Warning and display the warning language such as Used under adult supervision on the visible surface of the sales packaging;
3. Terms such as Food-grade or Edible or any food-related patterns shall not be used on the label;
4. The “Little Golden Shield” logo should be proportionally displayed on the upper left side of the main display surface of the sales packaging, making it clear and easily recognizable.

To explore further, read the original article:

https://www.zmuni.com/en/news/export-compliance-toothpaste-in-china/