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                Cosmetic Products

Cosmetic Products

                        Aromatherapy
          Cosmetic Tanning Products
          Disposable Wipes
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          Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos & Permanent Makeup Home
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          Wrinkle Treatments and Other Anti-aging ProductsCosmetic Products Wrinkle Treatments and Other Anti-aging Products
  
  	
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Some products are marketed with claims that they will make people look younger. But are these products cosmetics? It depends.

Products intended to make people more attractive are generally cosmetics. For example, moisturizing is a cosmetic claim. So, if a product is intended to make lines and wrinkles less noticeable, simply by moisturizing the skin, it’s a cosmetic. Similarly, makeup or “primers” intended to make the signs of aging less noticeable just by hiding them are also cosmetics.
	But, products intended to affect the structure or function of the body, such as the skin, are drugs, or sometimes medical devices, even if they affect the appearance. So, if a product is intended, for example, to remove wrinkles or increase the skin’s production of collagen, it’s a drug or a medical device.Under the law, cosmetics must be safe when consumers use them according to product labeling, or the way in which the products are customarily used. But the law does not require cosmetics to be approved by FDA before they go on the market. Drugs, however, must have FDA approval for both safety and effectiveness before they go on the market. Similarly, medical devices must go through FDA’s clearance process.

FDA is concerned about drug claims made for products marketed as cosmetics, such as skin care products with anti-wrinkle or anti-aging claims that involve supposed effects on the structure or function of the skin.

Where to learn more:

**Consumer Updates**

Are Some Cosmetics Promising Too Much?Regulation and Enforcement

Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?): To learn about the legal differences between cosmetics and drugs
	"Cosmeceutical": To learn about this marketing term Warning Letters Address Drug Claims for Products Marketed as Cosmetics: For examples of anti-aging claims that are considered drug claims
	Warning Letters Highlight Differences Between Cosmetics and Medical Devices
	Federal Trade Commission Action on L’Oréal Anti-aging Claims for Génifique and Youth CodeProducts and Ingredients

Alpha Hydroxy Acids and Beta Hydroxy Acids (AHAs and BHAs) and Cosmetics: To learn how products may be cosmetics if they contain these ingredients at low concentrations, or drugs if the concentrations are higher
	Mercury Poisoning Linked to Skin Products: Consumer Update
	Soaps and Lotions: For information on skin care productsOutside of FDA

Federal Trade Commission: The government agency that regulates advertising claims

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      02/25/2022
              
              
Regulated Product(s)
		 CosmeticsCosmetic Products

          
                        Aromatherapy
          Cosmetic Tanning Products
          Disposable Wipes
          Hair Products
          Makeup
          Nail Care Products
          Soaps & Lotions
          Tattoos, Temporary Tattoos & Permanent Makeup
 
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