3. Compositional Aspects

Cosmetics
Japan

This section provides the compositional requirements for the category and/or products in scope and information on permitted nutrients, ingredients, and additives.

3.1 Ingredients Requirements

The Standard for Cosmetics (Ministry of Health and Welfare Notification No.331 of 2000) [1] clarifies that cosmetics ingredients, including any impurities contained therein, shall not include anything that causes infection or that otherwise makes the use of cosmetics a potential hazard.

It also includes three types of lists:

1. Negative list - Prohibition on using certain ingredients other than preservatives, UV absorbers, and tar colors (Appendix 1) [1]
2. Limited ingredients (other than Preservatives, UV Absorbers, and Tar Colors in Cosmetics) - The amount of ingredients shall be under the maximum values from Appendix 2 [1]
3. Positive lists
   1. Preservatives - Do not exceed the maximum blended amount from Appendix 3 [1]
   2. UV Absorbers - Do not exceed the maximum blended amount from Appendix 4 [1]
   3. Permitted Tar Colors - The tar dyes that can be used are limited. See the Japanese legal color index colorants [2]. According to Article 3 of the Ministerial Ordinance for the Designation of Tar Colors That May Be Used in Medical Drugs, Etc. (Ministry of Health and Welfare Ordinance No.30 of 1966) [3]. Except Red No.219 and Yellow No.204 allowed only in cosmetics applied to hair and nails.

3.2 EU REACH Equivalent 

There is no EU REACH equivalent in Japan.

It is not necessary to comply with the REACH equivalent in Japan.

3.3 References

1. The Standard for Cosmetics (Ministry of Health and Welfare Notification No.331 of 2000)

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/content/000491512.pdf

2. Explanation of Legal Dyes and List of Legal Dyes

https://cosmetic-ingredients.org/colorants/certified-colors/ 

3. Ordinance on Tar Color Used in Pharmaceuticals

https://www.mhlw.go.jp/web/t_doc?dataId=81074000&dataType=0&pageNo=1