The CTFA Cosmetic Compendium
South African Regulatory Standard (View-Only)The authoritative regulatory repository for cosmetic formulation compliance across Southern Africa. Continually updated with SABS SANS standards, EU cosmetics alignments, and Department of Health directives.
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CTFA Cosmetic Compendium (July 2026 Consolidated Edition)
Complete consolidated CTFA Cosmetic Compendium covering South African regulatory principles, composition requirements, and ingredient schedules.
Upcoming CTFA Compendium Annex Update (13 August 2026 Revised)
Latest Compendium Annex amendment document incorporating updated ingredient restrictions and compliance transition directives.
Illustrative List by Category of Cosmetic Products
Definitive boundary classification categorizing cosmetic products, skin creams, lotions, hair care, perfumes, and bath preparations under South African and international standards.
Prohibited Substances in Cosmetic Formulations
Comprehensive schedule of over 1,600 prohibited chemical substances and compounds that must not form part of any cosmetic composition sold or manufactured in South Africa.
Restricted Substances with Specific Concentration Limits
Substances which cosmetic products must not contain except subject to the restrictions and conditions laid down (maximum authorized concentrations, field of application, and mandatory cautionary label warnings).
Colouring Agents Allowed for Use in Cosmetics
Official list of permitted colorants and Colour Index (CI) numbers allowed in cosmetics across skin contact fields (eye products, mucous membranes, rinse-off).
Preservatives Allowed in Cosmetic Formulations
Permitted preservative agents, maximum allowable concentrations, pH thresholds, and mandatory cautionary wording for leave-on and rinse-off cosmetic applications.
UV Filters Permitted in Cosmetic Formulations
Permitted chemical and mineral ultraviolet filters allowed in sunscreens, skincare, and daily photoprotection formulas under SANS 1557 and European alignment.
Symbols Used on Packaging and Containers
Official standardized graphic symbols, Period After Opening (PAO) open jar symbol, Best Before hourglass, reference to leaflet open hand symbol, and aerosol flammability markers.
Upcoming Compendium Annex Update & Allergen Labelling Directives
Critical update notice detailing recent amendments to restricted cosmetic substances, extended fragrance allergens, and revised INCI nomenclature guidelines.
Draft Regulations Relating to Labelling & Composition of Cosmetics (R.1469)
Government Notice R.1469 under the Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972, governing cosmetic labelling standards, claims substantiation, and ingredient declaration orders.
Compendium Structure & Standards
6 Core Operational PillarsPart I: Regulatory Framework
Foodstuffs, Cosmetics and Disinfectants Act 54 of 1972, draft regulations R.1469, and scope definitions.
Part II: Annexes & Ingredient Limits
Prohibited substances (Annex II), restricted substances with maximum concentrations (Annex III), and permitted filters.
Part III: Labelling & Metrics
INCI nomenclature rules, multilingual requirements, PAO guidelines, batch coding, and Legal Metrology tolerances.
Part IV: SABS Standards
Direct cross-references to SANS cosmetic microbiological limits, sunscreen test methods, and aerosol packaging.
Part V: Advertising Code
Advertising Regulatory Board (ARB) Section II Clause 4.2 guidelines on claims substantiation, endorsements, and trials.
Part VI: African Harmonization
BOMRA, KEBS, NAFDAC, and MCAZ regulatory compendia to facilitate intra-African distribution.