Cosmetic Definitions
The definition of a cosmetic product is vital to a cosmetic product’s classification. Below are listed all the current definitions of a cosmetic product and which piece of legislation it is contained in. For the most up-to-date links to legislation, visit the regulatory reference zone.
| Region | Definition | Reference |
|---|---|---|
|
EU |
“Any 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” |
EU CPR |
|
USA |
“Any 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” |
FD&C Act |
|
Canada |
“Includes any substance or mixture of substances, manufactured, sold or represented for use in cleansing, improving or altering the complexion, skin, hair or teeth, and includes deodorants and perfumes” |
F&D Act |
|
Japan |
“Articles with mild action on the human body, which are intended to be applied to the human body through rubbing, sprinkling or other methods, aiming to clean, beautify and increase the attractiveness, alter the appearance or to keep the skin or hair in good condition” |
PMDL |
|
China |
“Daily chemical products intended to be applied on the external part of the human body (such as skin, hair, nails, lips, etc.) by spreading, spraying, or other similar ways for cleansing, protecting, beautifying, or grooming purposes” |
CSAR |
|
Brazil |
“Preparations made from natural or synthetic substances, for external use in various parts of the human body, skin, hair, nails, lips, external genitals, teeth and mucous membranes of the oral cavity, with the sole or principal purpose of cleaning, perfuming, altering and correcting bodily odors and/or protecting or keeping them in good condition” |
ANVISA |
|
GCC |
“Any substance or mixture made for the use and contact of the external organs and parts of the body (such as the skin, hair, nails, lips, teeth, genitals or the mucosa of oral cavity) for the purpose of cleaning or perfuming them, changing their appearance, or enhancing their smell, or protecting or keeping them in the best shape” |
GSO 1943/2016 |