On 15 April 2024, Japan notified a new restriction on the ingredient Cysteamine HCl, used in cosmetics, particularly in texturising hair products. The measure is due to come into force at the end of June 2024.
2-Aminoethanethiol monohydrochloride (CAS No.156-57-0, EC No.205-858-1, INCI: Cysteamine HCl) is an ingredient listed in the CosIng with the following functions: Antioxidant, Hair waving or straightening agent, Reducing.
The substance is not currently regulated under European Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009.
Japan has just announced plans to include this substance in Annex 2-2 of its “Standards for Cosmetics” (the list of ingredients restricted according to types or intended purposes of cosmetics), as follows:
• Hair setting agent to be washed away used in only hair: Maximum amount (g) of ingredient per 100g : 8.63 g
• Other products: Prohibited
This measure is due to be adopted and come into force at the end of June 2024.
Sources
• Committee on Technical Barriers to Trade, Notification, G/TBT/N/JPN/806, World Trade Organization, 15 April 2024
• Draft amendment to the Standards for Cosmetics, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, Japan, 15 April 2024
