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 In this section:

        Cosmetics Labeling

Cosmetics Labeling Claims

                        
                "Alcohol Free"
          "Cosmeceutical"
          "Cruelty Free"/"Not Tested on Animals"
          "Hypoallergenic" Cosmetics
          "Organic" Cosmetics Home
          Cosmetics
          Cosmetics Labeling
          Cosmetics Labeling ClaimsCosmetics Labeling Cosmetics Labeling Claims
  	
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    PrintThe law does not require cosmetic labeling to have FDA approval before cosmetic products go on the market, and FDA does not have a list of approved or accepted claims for cosmetics. However, there are limits that apply to cosmetic labeling claims.

Under the law, information on cosmetic labeling, including claims, must be truthful and not misleading. In addition, if a product is marketed with claims for purposes such as treating or preventing disease, or affecting the structure or function of the body—including the skin—it’s a drug according to the law, and it must meet the requirements for drugs, even if it affects the appearance.

Because FDA does not have the authority to approve claims before cosmetics go on the market, you may see cosmetics with claims that go beyond what the law permits. FDA monitors cosmetics on the market, and we can take action against companies that break the laws we enforce. For example, FDA has issued warning letters to cosmetic firms that have made unapproved drug claims for products marketed as cosmetics.

In addition, while FDA regulates cosmetic labeling claims, the Federal Trade Commission regulates advertising claims.

The following resources answer some common questions about claims and cosmetic labeling:

Label Claims

Alcohol Free
	Aromatherapy
	Consumer Update: Are Some Cosmetics Promising Too Much?
	"Cosmeceutical"
	Cruelty Free/Not Tested on Animals
	Hypoallergenic Cosmetics
	Is It a Cosmetic, a Drug, or Both? (Or Is It Soap?)
	"Organic" Cosmetics
	Thigh Creams (Cellulite Creams)
	Wrinkle Treatments and Other Anti-aging ProductsExpiration Dating

Shelf Life/Expiration DateRelated Regulatory and Enforcement Information

Warning Letters Address Drug Claims Made for Products Marketed as Cosmetics
	Warning Letters Highlight Differences Between Cosmetics and Medical Devices
	Country of Origin Marking: From U.S. Customs and Border Protection
	"Made in U.S.A.": From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission
	Are your "all natural" claims all accurate? From the U.S. Federal Trade Commission

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      11/21/2022
                  
                   
Regulated Product(s)
		 CosmeticsCosmetics Labeling Claims                
                          

                        "Alcohol Free"
          "Cosmeceutical"
          "Cruelty Free"/"Not Tested on Animals"
          "Hypoallergenic" Cosmetics
          "Organic" Cosmetics
 
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