Malaysia restricts the use of three substances in cosmetics and bans one

On 6 July 2022 Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA) has restricted the use of three substances in cosmetics, banned one substance and allowed the use of three others under the guidelines of the country for Control of Cosmetic Products.

The Circular states that restrictions were put on the use of three chemical substances in cosmetics. It includes climbazole, dihydroxyacetone, and titanium dioxide and will take effect on 11 November 2023. Furthermore, Deoxyarbutin was banned and the ban will take effect on 11 May 2023. The Circular allows the use of the two preservatives climbazole and hydroxyethyl phenyl butanone. The update aligns with changes incorporated in the Asean Cosmetic Directive (ACD) during the 35th Asean Cosmetic Committee virtual meeting held on 25-27 May 2022. 

Restricted Substances:

• Climbazole:

IUPAC name: 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1(imidazole-1-yl)-3-3dimethylbutan-2-one

Used in: Rinse off anti-dandruff shampoo (maximum concentration 2 %), Rinse off anti-dandruff conditioner (maximum concentration 0.5 %) as a biocide

Amendment takes effect on: 11 November 2023

• Dihydroxyacetone:

IUPAC Name: 1,3-dihydroxy-2-propanone

Used in: Non-oxidative hair dye products (maximum concentration 6.5 %), self-tanning products (maximum concentration 10 %),

Dyeing eyelashes and eyebrows (Banned)

Amendment takes effect on: 11 November 2023

• Titanium Dioxide:

Used in: Sunscreen and UV blocking pigments, The use of the pigmentary form of the substance is restricted to 25 % in face products containing loose powder, and 1.4 % in hair aerosol spray products intended for use by general users. For products aimed at professional users, the limit is 1.1 %. Manufacturers cannot use the substance in other applications that may lead to lung exposure or inhalation.

Amendment takes effect on: 11 May 2024

Banned Substance:

• Deoxyarbutin, tetrahydropyranyloxy phenol:

IUPAC Name: 4-[(tetrahydro-2H-pyran-2-yl)oxy]phenol

Used in: Skin lightening agents used in cosmetics

Amendment takes effect on:  11 May 2023

Allowed use of Preservatives:

• Climbazole:

IUPAC Name: 1-(4-chlorophenoxy)-1(imidazole-1-yl)-3-3dimethylbutan-2-one

Used in: Hair lotions and face creams (maximum concentration 0.2%) and rinse-off shampoo and hair conditioner (maximum concentration 0.5 %).

Amendment takes effect on:  11 November 2023

• Hydroxyethylphenyl butanone:

IUPAC Name: 4-(3-ethoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)butan-2-one

Used in: Cosmetics (maximum concentration 0.7 %)

 All the companies which manufacture, sell, distribute, and import cosmetics must comply with all the requirements needed under the guidelines and should notify Malaysia’s National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA).