2026 ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) Annex Updates: Major Restrictions and Bans Enforced for Kojic Acid, Preservatives, and Other Ingredients
The ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD) is a regional agreement designed to harmonize technical requirements for cosmetic products across ASEAN member states, eliminating technical barriers to trade and facilitating free market circulation. The ASEAN Cosmetic Committee (ACC) and the ASEAN Cosmetic Scientific Body (ACSB) convene biannually to review and update regulatory standards. On June 30, 2026, official revisions were promulgated for Annex II (Prohibited Substances), Annex III (Restricted Substances), Annex IV (Allowed Colorants), and Annex VI (Allowed Preservatives). I. Annex II — Prohibited Substances List Key updates to the prohibited list involve newly added antifungal agents, tightened thresholds for hazardous impurities, and item adjustments: (Note: The four substances added above are antifungal ingredients commonly used in pharmaceuticals and are now explicitly banned from cosmetic formulations across ASEAN.) II. Annex III — Restricted Substances List Revisions to the restricted list directly alter maximum concentration limits for formulations, with significant restrictions placed on




