Saudi Food and Drug Authority Clarifies the Use of Triclosan in Cosmetic Products

Saudi Arabia | Cosmetic Regulations | Regulatory Update

The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) issued an important regulatory clarification regarding the use of Triclosan in cosmetic and personal care products, confirming that the ingredient could be used in cosmetic formulations subject to compliance with specified safety requirements and concentration limits.

The clarification was published under SFDA Circular No. 35833, dated 10 January 2019 (04/05/1440 AH), marking a significant change from the Authority's earlier restrictions on Triclosan.

Background: Previous Restrictions on Triclosan

Triclosan is an antimicrobial ingredient historically used in various cosmetic and personal care products for its antibacterial properties.

Under an earlier SFDA circular (No. 7484, dated 27/03/1433 AH), the use of Triclosan was prohibited in cosmetic products manufactured locally or imported into Saudi Arabia, with the exception of toothpaste.

This restriction affected cosmetic manufacturers, importers, distributors and other businesses involved in supplying personal care products to the Saudi market.

Regulatory Change: Triclosan No Longer Classified as a Prohibited Substance

Following the adoption of the Safety Requirements for Cosmetics and Personal Care Products Regulation (SFDA.CO/GSO 1943:2016), the SFDA reviewed the regulatory classification of substances used in cosmetic formulations.

The regulation was approved by the SFDA Board of Directors during its fifteenth meeting on 26 November 2017.

As part of this regulatory framework, Triclosan was no longer included in the list of prohibited substances.

To clarify the implications for the cosmetics industry, the SFDA issued Circular No. 35833 in January 2019, formally confirming that Triclosan could be incorporated into cosmetic products in accordance with the applicable regulatory requirements.

What Did the SFDA Circular Confirm?

The circular established two key regulatory requirements:

1. Triclosan Permitted in Cosmetic Products

The SFDA confirmed that adding Triclosan to cosmetic products was permitted from the date of the circular, reversing the earlier general prohibition.

2. Compliance with Concentration Limits Remains Mandatory

Although Triclosan was no longer classified as a prohibited ingredient, manufacturers and importers were required to comply with the permitted concentrations, product categories and applicable restrictions under SFDA.CO/GSO 1943:2016.

Importantly, the circular itself did not specify the maximum permitted concentration of Triclosan for individual cosmetic products. These requirements must be established by consulting the applicable regulatory standard.

What Does This Mean for Cosmetic Manufacturers and Importers?

The regulatory clarification was particularly relevant to businesses manufacturing, importing or distributing cosmetic and personal care products in Saudi Arabia.

It established that Triclosan was not subject to a blanket prohibition under the referenced regulation. However, permission to use the ingredient did not mean it could be included in all cosmetic products or at unrestricted concentrations.

Businesses were still responsible for ensuring that their formulations complied with the relevant safety requirements, ingredient restrictions and other applicable regulatory obligations.

This distinction is important because an ingredient being permitted for cosmetic use does not automatically mean that every product containing it is compliant.

Why Is This Regulatory Clarification Important?

The January 2019 circular provided greater clarity for the cosmetics industry by distinguishing between prohibited ingredients and ingredients permitted under specific conditions.

For manufacturers and importers, understanding this distinction is essential when evaluating ingredient suitability, developing formulations and assessing regulatory compliance for products intended for the Saudi Arabian market.

The circular also demonstrates the importance of monitoring changes to cosmetic regulations, as ingredient restrictions may be revised following updates to applicable standards.

Conclusion

SFDA Circular No. 35833, issued in January 2019, confirmed a change in Saudi Arabia's regulatory treatment of Triclosan in cosmetic products.

Previously prohibited in cosmetics other than toothpaste, Triclosan was subsequently removed from the prohibited substances list under SFDA.CO/GSO 1943:2016.

The circular therefore permitted its use in cosmetic products, provided manufacturers and importers complied with the applicable concentration limits and regulatory requirements.

Regulatory Notice: This article explains the position established by the SFDA circular issued in January 2019. It should not be interpreted as confirmation of the current regulatory status of Triclosan in Saudi Arabia as of October 2026. Manufacturers, importers and regulatory professionals should consult the latest SFDA requirements and applicable amendments before making product compliance decisions.