EU vs. US vs. China Cosmetic Regulations: What OEM Brands Must Know Before Exporting

As a skincare expert, I know how confusing global rules can be. Did you know the EU bans over 1,700 cosmetic ingredients, while the US bans only around 11? If you're thinking of exporting your OEM products, you need to understand these key differences to avoid costly mistakes.

OEM cosmetic brands must understand key regulatory differences before exporting: the EU has strict ingredient bans and labeling rules, the US focuses on safety and claims accuracy, and China requires product registration and testing. Meeting each region’s standards is vital for smooth market entry.

Want to know which ingredients are allowed where, how labeling laws differ & what documents you need for each market? Keep reading - I’ll break it down in simple terms so your brand stays compliant and ready to grow globally.

What Is Cosmetic Regulation & Why Should OEM Brands Care?

When I first started working with international skincare clients, I noticed a big problem that kept popping up - many brands didn’t fully understand what cosmetic regulation even means. They thought making a good product was enough. But skincare isn’t just about how it feels or looks, it’s also about meeting the legal rules in every market you want to sell in. These rules, known as cosmetic regulations, are different in every country, and they’re not just suggestions - they're requirements. If you don’t follow them, your product can be delayed, rejected, or even recalled. That’s a lot of stress (and money) lost over something that could’ve been avoided.

It gets even more confusing when each country has its own version of the “right way” to do things. For example, an ingredient that’s safe and approved in the US might be banned in the EU. Or a product that’s already selling well in China might still need extra documents to be accepted in Europe. Check the exporting cosmetics to china (Regulations update) here. This mismatch can frustrate brands, especially small or new ones trying to go global. I’ve seen amazing skincare products stuck in customs or removed from online stores just because the label was missing one tiny detail. It’s heartbreaking to see that happen, especially when you’ve worked hard on your formula and packaging.

That’s why working with a trusted OEM partner like Amarrie is so important. As a China-based manufacturer with years of global experience, Amarrie understands these regulations deeply. We help brands not just create quality skincare, but also stay compliant with market rules from the start. Whether you want to sell in Europe, the U.S., or Asia, we guide you through the paperwork, help adjust formulas when needed, and make sure your packaging meets every requirement. In simple words, we help you avoid surprises and delays, so your brand can grow smoothly across borders.

Why One Formula Doesn’t Fit All Markets?

I used to help brands design one skincare formula and send it everywhere. Then I learned that cosmetic rules in the EU, the US, and China really differ. An ingredient that’s fine in the U.S. might be banned in the EU. Or in China, new ingredients must go through a registration process even if they’re common elsewhere.

• EU bans many more ingredients and requires strict labeling (e.g., nano‑ingredients must be tagged clearly, allergens listed, claims proven)

• The US allows more flexibility, but color additives need FDA approval, and MoCRA now enforces product registration, facility listing, and mandatory recalls.

• In China, even a well‑known ingredient may need a new‑ingredient submission and safety/efficacy proof under CSAR.

Exporting into the EU, for example, may require a different preservative or excluding a fragrant compound that’s safe in China. Or the EU label must include a responsible person’s address and stability dates, details not always required in the US. Watch how to label your cosmetic products for the EU market here.

That’s why we tailor your formulation for each region. Our CEO reviews your formula, checks each market’s “no-go” list, and adjusts ingredients up front. She also prepares your label info and claims to match local laws. This way, your products move smoothly across borders and don’t get held up at customs or flagged by regulators.

Ingredient Rules: What’s Allowed and What’s Not

When I first looked into ingredient rules across markets, I realized how different they truly are. In the EU, many preservatives and bright colors are banned to high standards, even methylisothiazolinone in leave-on creams is mostly disallowed, and only tiny amounts can be used in rinse-off products. Explore the FDA's guide on color additives in cosmetics here. Retinol must stay under 0.3 % in creams, too, based on recent safety updates.

In the US, the FDA lets more ingredients slide through, but color additives are tightly controlled. Every shade must appear on the approved list, and some need batch certification. Using an unapproved pigment can lead to import detentions. The FDA follows a “prove harm before banning” mindset, unlike Europe’s more cautious approach.

In China, under CSAR rules, brands must register new ingredients before selling. High‑risk items like UV filters, preservatives, or whitening compounds need full registration and scientific evidence. General ingredients go into the existing inventory if they’re safe.

That’s why we review each formula carefully. Our CEO checks every ingredient against the EU’s banned list, the FDA’s approved colors, and China’s registration requirements. We adapt your formulation so it meets the strictest rules up front. This way, your product is safe for each market, free of delays, and ready for global launch.

Labeling Laws You Can’t Ignore

When I started helping brands expand globally, I quickly saw how different labeling rules are in each country. One label doesn’t work for every market. A product sold in the U.S. can’t have the exact same label in Europe or China. That’s where many brands go wrong, they assume one design fits all. But each region has its own must-haves, and even small details matter. Watch the secret to launching your private label beauty brand here. 

For example, in the EU, your product label must include a full list of ingredients, shelf life symbols, the function of the product, and the address of a responsible person based in the EU. These rules are made to protect customers, so they can see what they’re using and who to contact if needed. Everything must be written clearly and in the correct local language.

In the U.S., labels should include the ingredient list in the right order, any needed warnings, and contact details of a U.S.-based person or company. The U.S. also has clear rules about font sizes and label layout. Even tiny mistakes can lead to issues with customs or sellers like Amazon.

China also has its own rules. Labels must be written in simplified Chinese and include your product’s full name, what it does, how to use it, and details about the local agent or importer. Certain products may even need a registration number printed on the box. If anything is missing, your shipment can be delayed or stopped.

Our CEO guides our clients through all of this. We make sure your labels meet the rules of each country before your product is shipped. Our team double-checks the layout, wording, and required info so your products pass inspections easily and reach the market without problems. We care about your brand’s success and take every step to keep your business running smoothly across borders.

Safety Tests and Product Approval – What’s Required Where

When I first helped a brand enter multiple countries, the most confusing part was product testing and approval. Every market has its own way of checking safety. Some need paperwork only, while others ask for full test reports. What works in one place might not be enough somewhere else. That’s why knowing the rules before launching is so important.

In the European Union, products must follow strict safety checks before reaching the market. A qualified person needs to review the formula and write a Cosmetic Product Safety Report. This includes information about ingredients, their amounts, and possible risks. Without this report, your product cannot be sold in the EU. You also need to notify the product through the EU’s online portal before launch.

In the U.S., testing isn’t legally required before selling cosmetics, but it’s still expected. The FDA wants products to be safe and properly labeled. Learn which color additives are allowed in cosmetics by the FDA here. If someone gets a reaction, and there’s no proof that your product was tested, it could lead to problems. Many brands in the U.S. run basic tests like skin irritation or stability tests just to be safe and protect their image.

In China, the rules are more detailed, especially for products like sunscreens, whitening creams, or anything with strong claims. These are called "special cosmetics" and need government approval before sale. You must provide test results, ingredient data, and even package samples. We know this process well. We help our partners gather all the needed test reports, fill out documents properly, and get approval smoothly. Our team makes sure everything is ready so you can launch in each country with peace of mind.

EU vs. US vs. China Cosmetic Regulations

Every country has its own cosmetic rules, and that can make global selling a bit tricky. I often see brand owners getting confused, especially when one market allows something that another bans. To help clear things up, here’s a simple table that shows the key differences between the EU, US, and China when it comes to cosmetic regulations. 

Every country has its own way of checking products. That’s why you can’t use the same method or paperwork everywhere. At Amarrie, we guide brands through all of this from the start. We make sure your product is ready for any market, without surprises. 

We use plant-based ingredients in our skincare, always choosing what’s safe and gentle for the skin. The raw materials we use come from trusted, well-known suppliers across the world, names like IFF, BASF, Dow Corning, Lubrizol, Degussa, SEPPIC, and DSM. All ingredients are imported from top countries like Germany, France, Britain, and the US, known for high purity and safety standards. Our team checks everything carefully to avoid skin reactions, and thanks to this care, our customer satisfaction rate is 99%. We don’t just follow regulations, we go beyond them to make sure your products stand out for all the right reasons.

How to Stay Compliant Without Slowing Down Your Launch

When I first helped brands launch overseas, one thing was clear, following the rules can take time. But skipping steps to go faster often causes delays later. I’ve seen brands rush into a market without proper documents, only to face customs issues or be pulled off shelves. That’s why it's better to plan well from the start.

Each country has its own approval steps, and some of them take longer than others. For example, Europe needs safety reports and notifications. China may ask for product samples and detailed paperwork. If you wait until the last minute, it can slow everything down. Learn details on OEM agreements in China here. The key is to prepare everything early, labels, tests, and paperwork, so you’re not stuck waiting later.

Also, small things matter. Using the wrong word in a product claim, missing a warning label, or skipping a translation can lead to problems. These may seem like tiny issues, but they can delay shipping or even lead to recalls. Working with people who know the rules well helps you stay on track while focusing on your launch.

Our CEO handles this process smoothly. We check your formula, packaging, and documents before production starts. This way, everything is aligned with the rules of your target market. We don’t let paperwork slow you down, we help speed things up the right way. Our goal is to keep your launch fast, stress-free, and fully compliant from day one.

Conclusion

Understanding the rules in the EU, US, and China helps OEM brands avoid delays, fines, and product recalls. Following the above tips, you can enter new markets with confidence, protect your brand’s reputation, and grow faster. It’s all about being prepared and doing things the right way from the start.