Regulatory Updates Powered by Good Face: February 2026 Edition
Regulatory Updates Powered by Good Face: February 2026 Edition
We're excited to share the February 2026 edition of our Regulatory Recap, powered by Good Face.
Our system has been updated with the most recent regulatory developments across key markets - including new ministerial conditions and toxic substance prohibitions in Canada, updated ingredient lists across ASEAN and Philippines, significant CMR-related amendments to the European Union Cosmetics Regulation with immediate effect from May 2026, and updates to the Australian Industrial Chemicals Inventory. Keep reading to explore these updates in detail.
Canadian Environmental Protection Act (CEPA)
Under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999, two regulatory updates were published in January 2026. A new Ministerial Condition was issued on January 17, 2026, for Amides, tall-oil fatty, N-[3-(dimethylamino)propyl], establishing strict controls on manufacture, use, and handling of this substance.
Canada also published the Prohibition of Certain Toxic Substances Regulations, 2025, which will replace the 2012 version on June 30, 2026. The regulations introduce expanded bans on flame retardants Dechlorane Plus (DP) and decabromodiphenyl ethane (DBDPE), and impose stricter controls on PFOS, PFOA, LC-PFCAs, HBCD, and PBDEs. Time-limited exemptions have been established for essential industries such as aerospace, automotive, and electronics manufacturing.
The full ministerial condition can be found here and the full prohibition regulation can be found here.
European Union Cosmetic Ingredients Regulation
Commission Regulation (EU) 2026/78 was published in January 2026, amending the EU Cosmetics Regulation as regards the use in cosmetic products of certain substances classified as carcinogenic, mutagenic, or toxic for reproduction (CMR). The regulation entered into force in January 2026 and applies from May 1, 2026, with no adaptation period or distinction between placing products on the market and making them available.
This amendment, known as Omnibus Act VIII, aligns the Cosmetics Regulation with the 21st Adaptation to Technical Progress (ATP) to the CLP Regulation. The regulation introduces several significant changes across Annexes II, III, IV, and V, including new prohibitions for substances such as silver nanoparticles below certain particle sizes, specific solvents, and hair dye intermediates. The regulation also updates concentration limits for o-Phenylphenol and its derivatives, establishing maximum concentrations of 0.2% (as phenol) for rinse-off products and 0.15% (as phenol) for leave-on products, along with additional restrictions prohibiting use in applications that may lead to inhalation exposure and in oral products.
The full legislative text of the Regulation is available here.
ASEAN Cosmetic Directive
The ASEAN Cosmetic Directive was updated to Version 2025-2, released on December 12, 2025, following decisions made at the 40th ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body meeting. This update introduces significant amendments across multiple annexes affecting cosmetic ingredient compliance throughout the ASEAN region.
Annex II now includes two new prohibited substances: 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor (previously listed as a permitted UV filter) and Miconazole. Additionally, the "Except Cambodia" comment was removed from entry 1721 for Trimethylolpropane Triacrylate, meaning this substance is now prohibited in Cambodia as well. Annex III was expanded with two new restricted ingredients: Genistein and Daidzein, both subject to specific concentration limits and conditions of use. Notably, Annex VII was revised with the deletion of entry 18 for 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor, which is no longer allowed as a UV filter due to concerns about endocrine disruption effects on thyroid and estrogen systems.
The full directive and updated annexes can be found here.
Philippines Cosmetic Regulation
The Philippines updated its cosmetic regulations to align with ASEAN Cosmetic Directive Version 2025-2, released on December 12, 2025. These amendments mirror the changes adopted across ASEAN member states to maintain harmonized cosmetic ingredient requirements throughout the region.
The Philippine updates include the same key changes as the ASEAN Directive: the removal of the "Except Cambodia" comment from entry 1721 in Annex II for 2-ethyl-2-[(1-oxoallyl)oxy]methyl-1,3-propanediyl diacrylate, the addition of two new prohibited substances (4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor and Miconazole) to Annex II, the addition of two new restricted ingredients (Genistein and Daidzein) to Annex III, and the deletion of entry 18 from Annex VII, removing 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor from the list of permitted UV filters.
More information can be found here.
Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC)
The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AICIS) published multiple notifications updating the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals in January 2026. These updates include variations to existing listings following the revocation of confidential business information (CBI) approvals and the addition of new chemicals that have been issued assessment certificates for five years.
On January 9, 2026, two chemicals had their inventory listing terms varied following CBI approval revocation: 1,3-Benzenedicarboxylic acid polymer (CAS 1236307-83-7) and Formaldehyde polymers with phenol derivatives (CAS 3103256-19-2). On January 19, 2026, four new chemicals were added to the Inventory five years after the issue of their assessment certificates, including specific polymers and Carbon nanotubes (CAS 308068-56-6). Additionally, on January 19, 2026, one chemical had its listing terms varied due to CBI revocation: Decanedioic acid reaction products with 1-octadecanamine, barium salts (CAS 403656-23-5). These updates reflect ongoing chemical assessment and transparency requirements under the Industrial Chemicals Act 2019.