Malaysia NPRA Updates Cosmetic Ingredient Lists Following ASEAN Cosmetic Directive Updates

On February 17, 2026, the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) under the Ministry of Health Malaysia issued “Circular No. 1/2026” announcing updates to ingredient listings in the Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia. The revisions align Malaysia’s cosmetic regulatory framework with the latest updates adopted under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) following decisions made during the 42nd ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) Meeting held in Jakarta on November 20–21, 2025.

The circular updates several cosmetic ingredient annexes, including the lists of prohibited substances, restricted substances, and permitted UV filters. The changes introduce defined transition periods for products already notified in Malaysia.

Changes to Malaysia’s Cosmetic Ingredient Annexes

Malaysia periodically revises its ingredient annexes following decisions adopted by the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee, ensuring national requirements remain aligned with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. This harmonized framework establishes common safety standards and ingredient controls for cosmetic products across ASEAN member states.

This recent update affects multiple annexes within Malaysia’s cosmetic regulatory framework and directly impacts formulation compliance for products marketed in the country.

Malaysia Adds New Prohibited Cosmetic Ingredients

The circular introduces revisions to Annex II – List of Prohibited Substances, which identifies ingredients that are not permitted for use in cosmetic products placed on the Malaysian market.

Two substances are specifically addressed:

• 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor has been added to the list of prohibited substances. Cosmetic products already notified and containing this ingredient may remain on the market until November  17 2028.
• Miconazole and Miconazole Nitrate are now prohibited in cosmetic products and are no longer allowed on the Malaysian market from the date of issuance of the circular.

These updates require cosmetic notification holders to review formulations and determine whether any notified products contain newly prohibited ingredients.

Malaysia Revises Restrictions for Genistein and Daidzein

The circular also updates Annex III – List of Restricted Substances, which permits certain ingredients only under defined conditions and concentration limits.

Two ingredients, Genistein and Daidzein, have been revised with updated maximum concentration limits.

Cosmetic products already notified but exceeding the newly established limits may remain on the market until November 17 2027. After this transition period, all products must comply with the updated concentration restrictions.

Manufacturers and notification holders should verify formulation levels to ensure compliance before the applicable deadline.

Malaysia Removes 4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor from UV Filter List

Changes have also been introduced to Annex VII – List of UV Filters Allowed in Cosmetic Products.

4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor has been removed from the list of permitted UV filters. Cosmetic products that were previously notified with this UV filter may continue to be marketed until November 17 2028, after which the ingredient must no longer be present in cosmetic formulations placed on the Malaysian market.

This transition period allows manufacturers time to reformulate products that rely on the ingredient for UV protection.

Compliance Considerations for Cosmetic Notification Holders

Companies marketing cosmetic products in Malaysia should take the following actions to ensure compliance with the updated annex requirements:

• Review product formulations against the updated annexes
• Identify affected products containing newly prohibited or restricted ingredients
• Plan reformulation or phase-out strategies within the allowed transition timelines
• Ensure continued compliance with the “Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984” and the Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia

Early planning is particularly important for products requiring reformulation or re-notification.

Regulatory Support for Market Access in Southeast Asia

Malaysia’s latest updates to cosmetic ingredient annexes reflect the continued evolution of ASEAN’s harmonized cosmetic regulatory framework. Changes to prohibited substances, ingredient restrictions, and permitted UV filters illustrate how national requirements adapt as ASEAN member states implement decisions adopted by the ASEAN Cosmetic Committee.

Against this backdrop, companies marketing cosmetics in Malaysia must remain attentive to regulatory developments and regularly review product formulations as ingredient lists evolve. Managing these changes can be particularly complex for manufacturers operating across multiple ASEAN markets, where regulatory updates may occur in parallel and compliance requirements differ by jurisdiction.

For companies seeking guidance on navigating cosmetic regulatory requirements in Malaysia and across Southeast Asia, get in touch with Cisema today. We provide end-to-end regulatory compliance support for manufacturers entering and operating in regulated markets across the region, including regulatory strategy, independent Authorized Representative and license holder services, product notification support, and market access preparation to help ensure compliance with local requirements.

Further Information

Readers seeking additional guidance on Malaysia cosmetic regulations can explore the following resources:

• Cisema cosmetic regulatory services in Malaysia
• Guide to cosmetic product registration in Malaysia

References

• National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). “Circular No. 1/2026 – Status Update on Cosmetic Ingredient Annexes”
• National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). “Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia.” Available via the NPRA guidance document: Guidelines for Control of Cosmetic Products in Malaysia
• Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). “ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD).” Available via the Health Sciences Authority regulatory resource page: ASEAN Cosmetic Directive
• Ministry of Health Malaysia. “Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984.” Available via the Ministry of Health Malaysia regulatory portal: Control of Drugs and Cosmetics Regulations 1984