Japan cosmetic ingredient regulations
The Standards for Cosmetics include prohibited and restricted ingredient appendices.
- Regulator
- Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare
- Source language
- Japanese; official English translation available
- Coverage version
- MHLW Standards for Cosmetics official English source and Japanese amendments checked for the imported snapshot
Official ingredient records
117 matching recordsHalocarban
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Halocarban
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): ○ 0.30 0.30
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 22 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Halogenated salicylanilide
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Halogenated salicylanilide
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 19 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Hexachlorophen
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Hexachlorophen
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 27 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Hinokitiol
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Hinokitiol
CAS 499-44-5 · EC 207-880-7
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): ○ 0.10 0.050
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 23 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Homomenthyl salicylate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Homomenthyl salicylate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 10
Source:Appendix 4 section 1, entry 1 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Hormones and those derivatives except estradiol, estrone and ethinylestradiol
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Hormones and those derivatives except estradiol, estrone and ethinylestradiol
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 3 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Hydrogen peroxide
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Hydrogen peroxide
CAS 7722-84-1 · EC 231-765-0
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 7 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Hydroquinone monobenzylether
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Hydroquinone monobenzylether
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 18 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Hydroxymethoxybenzophenone sulfonate and its trihydrate 10(*3) 10(*3) 0.10(*3) Sodium hydroxymethoxybenzophenone sulfonate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Hydroxymethoxybenzophenone sulfonate and its trihydrate 10(*3) 10(*3) 0.10(*3) Sodium hydroxymethoxybenzophenone sulfonate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 10 10 1.0
Source:Appendix 4 section 2, entry 23 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Inorganic fluorine compounds
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Inorganic fluorine compounds
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 24 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate(*6)
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Iodopropynyl butylcarbamate(*6)
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 0.02 0.02 0.02
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 26 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Isopropyl p-methoxycinnamate and diisopropyl cinnamate ester mixture(*2)
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Isopropyl p-methoxycinnamate and diisopropyl cinnamate ester mixture(*2)
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 10 10
Source:Appendix 4 section 2, entry 19 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Isopropylmethylphenol
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Isopropylmethylphenol
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): ○ 0.10 0.10
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 3 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Jujube Extract (*2)
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Jujube Extract (*2)
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): ○ ○ 5.0
Source:Appendix 2 section 3, entry 1 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Local anesthetics such as procaine
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Local anesthetics such as procaine
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 26 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Mercury and its compounds
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Mercury and its compounds
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 13 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Methyl alcohol
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Methyl alcohol
CAS 67-56-1 · EC 200-659-6
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 30 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Methyl isothiazolinone
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Methyl isothiazolinone
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 0.01 0.01
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 28 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Methyl-2, 5-diisopropylcinnamate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Methyl-2, 5-diisopropylcinnamate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 10 10
Source:Appendix 4 section 2, entry 3 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silyl isopentyl trimethoxycinnamonate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Methylbis(trimethylsiloxy)silyl isopentyl trimethoxycinnamonate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 7.5 7.5 2.5
Source:Appendix 4 section 2, entry 15 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Methylchloro isothiazolinone and methyl isothiazolinone solution(*3)
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Methylchloro isothiazolinone and methyl isothiazolinone solution(*3)
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 0.10
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 29 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Methylene chloride
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Methylene chloride
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 5 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
N,N”-Methylenebis[N’-(3-hydroxymethyl-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)urea]
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: N,N”-Methylenebis[N’-(3-hydroxymethyl-2,5-dioxo-4-imidazolidinyl)urea]
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 0.30
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 30 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Nitrofuran type compounds
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Nitrofuran type compounds
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 17 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Octyl salicylate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Octyl salicylate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 10 10 5.0
Source:Appendix 4 section 2, entry 2 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Pantothenyl ethylether benzoate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Pantothenyl ethylether benzoate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): ○ 0.30 0.30
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 2 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Phenol
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Phenol
CAS 108-95-2 · EC 203-632-7
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 0.10
Source:Appendix 3 section 1, entry 14 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Phenoxyethanol
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Phenoxyethanol
CAS 122-99-6 · EC 204-589-7
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 1.0
Source:Appendix 3 section 1, entry 13 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Phenyl salicylate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Phenyl salicylate
CAS 118-55-8 · EC 204-259-2
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 1.0 g
Source:Appendix 2 section 1, entry 3 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Phenylbenzimidazole sulfonic acid
CAS 27503-81-7 · EC 248-502-0
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 3.0 3.0
Source:Appendix 4 section 2, entry 24 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Photosensitizing dyes
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Photosensitizing dyes
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 0.0020 as total
Source:Appendix 3 section 1, entry 4 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Pilocalpine
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Pilocalpine
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 22 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Piroctone olamine
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Piroctone olamine
CAS 68890-66-4 · EC 272-574-2
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 0.05 0.05
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 25 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Polyaminopropyl biguanide
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Polyaminopropyl biguanide
CAS 32289-58-0 [1]/27083-27-8 [2]/28757-47-3 [3]/ 133029-32-0 [4] · EC 608-723-9 [1]/608-042-7 [2]/923-111-4 [3]/- [4]
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 0.1 0.1 0.1
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 27 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Polyoxyethylene laurylether (8-10E.O.)
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Polyoxyethylene laurylether (8-10E.O.)
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 2.0 g
Source:Appendix 2 section 1, entry 4 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Pregnanediol
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Pregnanediol
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 25 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Progrenolone acetate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Progrenolone acetate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 11 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Pyrogallol
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Pyrogallol
CAS 87-66-1
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 23 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Resorcin
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Resorcin
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 0.10
Source:Appendix 3 section 1, entry 16 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Salicylate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Salicylate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 1.0 as total
Source:Appendix 3 section 1, entry 8 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Salicylic acid
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Salicylic acid
CAS 69-72-7 · EC 200-712-3
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 0.20
Source:Appendix 3 section 1, entry 7 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Selenium compounds
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Selenium compounds
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 16 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Silver-Copper Zeolite(*5)
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Silver-Copper Zeolite(*5)
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 0.5 0.5
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 10 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Sodium dihydroxydimethoxybenzophenone disulfonate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Sodium dihydroxydimethoxybenzophenone disulfonate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 10 10
Source:Appendix 4 section 2, entry 7 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Sodium lauryldiaminoethylglycine
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Sodium lauryldiaminoethylglycine
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 0.030
Source:Appendix 3 section 1, entry 15 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Sodium o-phenylphenate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Sodium o-phenylphenate
CAS 132-27-4 · EC 205-055-6
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Published three-column use matrix (rinse-off / leave-on / mucosal; blank means prohibited, ○ means no upper limit): 0.15 0.15
Source:Appendix 3 section 2, entry 9 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Sodium perborate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Sodium perborate
CAS 15120-21-5 / 7632-04-4 / 11138-47-9 · EC 239-172-9 / 231-556-4 / 234-390-0
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 9 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Sorbic acid and sorbate
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Sorbic acid and sorbate
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this ingredient with the stated limit or use matrix.
Conditions: Maximum amount per 100 g: 0.50 as total
Source:Appendix 3 section 1, entry 9 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Strontium compounds
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Strontium compounds
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 14 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Sulfamide and its derivatives
Japan Standards for Cosmetics: Sulfamide and its derivatives
The provisional English translation of the MHLW Standards for Cosmetics lists this material in Appendix 1.
Conditions: Prohibited material
Source:Appendix 1, entry 15 · version MHLW Notification No. 331 provisional translation, retrieved 2026-08-30 · source checked 2026-08-30
Market coverage contract
Complete Standards appendices dataset- Included scope
- Prohibited ingredients, restricted ingredients and permitted preservative/UV/colourant appendices present in the official standard source.
- If no match is found
- The Japanese text and subsequent notices are canonical; no local match is not a product-compliance conclusion.
Complete verification checklist
- Search Japanese/English identity and CAS where present.
- Apply category and maximum-amount conditions.
- Check later MHLW notices against the Japanese source.
- Verify marketing licence, notification, labelling and quasi-drug classification.
Official sources and legal role
Japan MHLW Standards for Cosmetics
Prohibited and restricted ingredient appendices with concentration and use conditions
Legal meaning: Official MHLW standard; validate later Japanese updates before presenting current status
Available language: English translation; Japanese source remains canonical
What this market page can answer
Source and authority
Identify the official material and the regulator responsible for it: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Language and scope
See whether usable English or bilingual material exists and what the mapped source actually covers. Current source language: Japanese; official English translation available.
Evidence status
Browse ingredient-level records imported from official sources. Each row states whether it passed deterministic source checks or human editorial review.
How to verify an ingredient for this market
- Search the ingredient by INCI name, CAS number or EC number and record the exact identity.
- Open each official source above and check the current version, product scope, concentration limits and required warnings.
- Confirm effective dates and whether an English text is official, reviewed or only contextual.
- Treat a missing local match as unknown, never as permission or a safety conclusion.