Skip to main content
          Skip to FDA Search
          Skip to in this section menu
          Skip to footer links


U.S. flagAn official website of the United States government

					Here’s how you know
          			Dot gov**The .gov means it’s official.**Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you're on a federal government site.
							      SSL**The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. 
			U.S. Food and Drug Administration
				
        Search
            Menu
							
						Search FDA
									
									Submit search 
		Featured
							Contact FDA
	                FDA Guidance Documents
	                Recalls, Market Withdrawals and Safety Alerts
	                Press Announcements
	                Warning Letters
	                Advisory Committees
	                En Español

					Products
            Food
							Drugs
							Medical Devices
							Radiation-Emitting Products
							Vaccines, Blood, and Biologics
							Animal and Veterinary
							Cosmetics
							Tobacco ProductsTopics
            About FDA
							Combination Products
							Regulatory Information
							Safety
							Emergency Preparedness
							International Programs
							News and Events
							Training and Continuing Education
							Inspections and Compliance
							Science and ResearchInformation For
            Consumers
	            Patients
	            Industry
	            Health Professionals
	            Federal, State and Local Officials 
 In this section:

        Cosmetics

Cosmetics Science & Research

                        
                


                Cosmetics Nanotechnology
          Cosmetics Research Projects
          Product Testing of Cosmetics Home
          Cosmetics
          Cosmetics Science & ResearchCosmetics Cosmetics Science & Research
  	
        Share
    Post
    Linkedin

    Email
    PrintFDA scientists conduct cosmetic safety research and stay abreast of research by scientists elsewhere, because any action FDA takes on cosmetic safety must be based on reliable information.

Under U.S. law, cosmetic products and ingredients do not need FDA approval before they go on the market. The one exception is color additives (other than coloring materials used in coal-tar hair dyes), which must be approved for their intended use. Companies and individuals who market cosmetics have a legal responsibility to ensure the safety of their products. In order to take action for safety reasons against a cosmetic on the market, we need reliable information showing that it is unsafe when consumers use it according to the directions in the labeling or in the customary or expected way.

In this section, you will find:

Product Testing: At-a-glance information on cosmetic testing, for consumers and industry
	Microbiological Safety and Cosmetics: Information for consumers and industry, with links to more resources
	Nanotechnology: Links to information and resources for consumers and industry
	Research Projects: An overview of FDA research related to cosmetic safetyResources on FDA Science & Research Related to Cosmetics

Alpha Hydroxy Acids: Guidance: Labeling for Cosmetics Containing Alpha Hydroxy Acids
	Color Additives: The Chemistry of Color Additives
	Lipstick and Lead: Questions and Answers
	FDA's Testing Method for Lead in Lipstick
	FDA's Testing of Cosmetics for Arsenic, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Lead, Mercury, and Nickel Content
	Nanotechnology: Guidance for Industry: Safety of Nanomaterials in Cosmetic Products
	Application of Nanotechnology to Cosmetics and Foods: Webinar
	Potential Contaminants
	Phthalates
	Talc in Cosmetics
	Tattoos and Permanent Makeup: Marketplace and ChemistryResources For You

Follow FDA Cosmetics on Twitter
	Get Email Updates

                                                                                  Content current as of:
      02/25/2022
                  
                   
Regulated Product(s)
		 CosmeticsCosmetics Science & Research                
                          

                        


                        Cosmetics Nanotechnology
          Cosmetics Research Projects
          Product Testing of Cosmetics
 
 Footer Links
    FDA Archive
          About FDA
          Accessibility
      Visitor Information
          Website Policies / Privacy
          No FEAR Act
          Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
      FOIA
          HHS.gov
          USA.gov
    Contact FDA
      Follow FDA on Facebook
      Follow FDA on X
      Follow FDA on Instagram
      Follow FDA on LinkedIn
      View FDA videos on YouTube
      Subscribe to FDA RSS feeds
    FDA Homepage
    Contact Number
      1-888-INFO-FDA (1-888-463-6332) Back toTop