Special Cosmetics Registration Application Key Points: Compliance Paths for 9 High-Risk Products, 2026 Latest Edition

Recently I've often been asked: "I want to make a sunscreen/hair dye/freckle-removal product. I heard it's a special cosmetic. What exactly do I need to do?"

Special cosmetics cannot be handled by ordinary filing. After the implementation of the "Cosmetics Supervision and Administration Regulations" in 2021, special cosmetics adopt a registration system (approved by the National Medical Products Administration), while ordinary cosmetics adopt a filing system (filed with provincial drug administration). The regulatory paths for these two products are completely different, and the time cost and money cost are also far apart.

This article explains the key points of registration application for 9 types of special cosmetics, so brand owners know which pitfalls to avoid, how much money to spend, and how long it takes.