China Cosmetic Categories and Classification

Cosmetics in China are divided into Special Cosmetics and General Cosmetics. The state implements Registration Management for Special Cosmetics and Notification (Filing) Management for General Cosmetics.

• Special Cosmetics: Products used for hair dyeing, hair perming, spot-clearing/whitening, sun protection, anti-hair loss, and those claiming “New Efficacies.”
• General Cosmetics: All cosmetics other than special cosmetics.

Registrants and notifiers must classify and code products based on their efficacy claims, application areas, target users, product forms, and usage methods.

1. Efficacy Claim Classification

Code	Efficacy Category	Interpretation and Claim Guidelines
A	New Efficacy	Claims that do not fit into the existing categories below.
01	Hair Dyeing	To change hair color; original color cannot be restored immediately after washing.
02	Hair Perming	To change hair curl/straightness and maintain stability. (Temporary products are excluded).
03	Spot-clearing / Whitening	Helps reduce pigmentation for whitening effects; includes physical coverage or acne mark improvement.
04	Sun Protection	Protects skin/lips from UV damage. (For children, only limited to the skin).
05	Anti-hair loss	Helps improve or reduce hair loss. (Excludes hormone-based or hair growth stimulant products).
06	Anti-acne	Reduces acne/blackheads/whiteheads or aids skin recovery. (Excludes anti-inflammatory/antibacterial products).
07	Nourishing	Provides nourishment directly to the application area.
08	Repairing	Helps maintain the normal state of the application area. (Excludes products for scars or burns).
09	Cleaning	Removes dirt and attachments from the surface.
10	Makeup Removal	Removes color cosmetics and other cosmetic products.
11	Moisturizing	Enhances/supplements moisture or oil content; reduces water loss.
12	Grooming / Makeup	Temporarily beautifies or modifies appearance; reversible after cleaning. (Excludes artificial nails/lashes).
13	Fragrance	Contains aromatic ingredients to modify body odor or add scent.
14	Deodorant	Reduces or masks body odor. (Excludes products solely inhibiting microbial growth).
15	Anti-wrinkle	Helps slow down the appearance of wrinkles or make them less visible.
16	Firming	Helps maintain skin firmness and elasticity.
17	Soothing	Helps improve skin irritation or similar states.
18	Oil-control	Reduces sebum secretion or makes oiliness less obvious.
19	Exfoliating	Promotes the shedding of dead skin cells or skin renewal.
20	Refresh / Cooling	Keeps skin dry or enhances a cooling sensation. (Excludes products for pathological sweating).
21	Hair Care	Improves combability, prevents static, and enhances hair/beard shine.
22	Anti-breakage	Reduces hair breakage/split ends and enhances hair toughness.
23	Anti-dandruff	Slows down dandruff production or removes it from the scalp/hair.
24	Hair Color Care	Maintains hair color stability before or after dyeing. (Not for changing color).
25	Hair Removal	Reduces or removes body hair.
26	Shaving Aid	Softens hair and provides lubrication for shaving. (Excludes tools).

2. Application Area Classification

Code	Application Area	Specific Instructions
B	New Area	Areas not fitting into the rules below.
01	Hair	Note: Sunscreens cannot use this area; Hair dye/perm must use this area.
02	Body Hair	Excludes hair on the head and face.
03	Trunk	Excludes head, face, hands, and feet.
04	Head	Excludes the face.
05	Face	Excludes lips and eyes. (Hair removal products cannot use this area).
06	Eyes	Includes skin around eyes, lashes, and brows. (Hair removal products cannot use this area).
07	Lips	Note: Whitening and hair removal products cannot use this area.
08	Hands & Feet	Note: Deodorants cannot use this area.
09	Full Body Skin	Excludes lips and eyes.
10	Nails	Fingernails and toenails.

3. Target User Classification

Code	Target User	Description
C	New User	Including claims for pregnant or lactating women.
01	Infants (0-3 Years)	Claims limited to: Cleaning, Moisturizing, Hair care, Sunscreen, Soothing, Refreshing.
02	Children (3-12 Years)	Claims limited to: Cleaning, Makeup removal, Moisturizing, Grooming, Fragrance, Hair care, Sunscreen, Repairing, Soothing, Refreshing.
03	General Population	No restriction on users.

4. Product Form Classification

Code	Product Form	Examples / Description
01	Cream / Lotion	Creams, milks, lotions, fats, etc.
02	Liquid	Dews, waters, oils, bi-phase liquids, etc.
03	Gel	Gels, jellies, etc.
04	Powder	Loose powders, granules, etc.
05	Block	Pressed powders, large solid blocks, etc.
06	Mud	Mud-like solids.
07	Wax-based	Products using wax as the primary base.
08	Spray	Non-aerosol (without propellant).
09	Aerosol	Contains propellant.
10	Patch / Mask / Base Material	Sheets, masks, or products containing substrate materials.
11	Freeze-dried	Freeze-dried powders or tablets.
00	Other	Forms not listed above.

5. Usage Method Classification

Code	Usage Method
01	Rinse-off
02	Leave-on