Different types of cosmetics are regulated differently in Kenya, notably by the Kenyan Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacy and Poisons Board (PPB). A draft Guideline for Regulation of Cosmetic Products (Rev, No. 0 dated June 2024) was released in 2024 for public comment. The document, released by the PPB had an effective date of 2022 and a review date of 2026 included. CTFA submitted detailed input on the draft Guideline and engaged with international and local stakeholders.

In the draft PPB Guideline, cosmetics were defined as any substance or preparation or device intended to be applied to the human body by means of rubbing, pouring, steaming, sprinkling, spraying on or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for the purpose of cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair, teeth or mucous membranes of the oral cavity without affecting the body’s structure or function.

CTFA also provided input on the draft KEBS “Framework for the placement of cosmetics and related products into the Kenyan market” in June 2025 that has been engaged on further.

A further definition of that used in the regulation of cosmetics is: substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odours.

CTFA along with Cosmetics Europe; the Personal Care Products Council; KEBSCouncil; KEBS; PPB; and the Kenyan local cosmetics industry, was invited to attend an October 2025 a Kenya Association of Manufacturers’ Workshop in October 2025 to discuss the future regulation of cosmetics in Kenya. CTFA presented on the Association; South Africa’s self-regulatory approach; and views on how cosmetics were currently being regulated and identified policy challenges.

Although CTFA and other international and local stakeholders await a final outcome that is still under discussion internally amongst the  regulators, an updated draft Guideline was released by PPB and KEBS on which comment was provided.

Clearly the regulatory framework for cosmetics is in flux in Kenya, although the continued regulation of cosmetics through standards and other mechanisms is very likely.