Are deodorants regulated by the FDA?

Author: Prof. Kip Watsica  |  Last update: Monday, December 1, 2025

Cosmetics, including skin moisturizers, makeup, nail polish, shampoos, hair color, and deodorants, are predominantly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Who regulates deodorants?

In the United States, deodorants are classified and regulated as cosmetics by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are designed to eliminate odor.

What products does the FDA not regulate?

Fact #7: The FDA does not approve cosmetics.

The ingredients (except certain colors) and labeling of cosmetics, such as many perfumes, makeup, moisturizers, shampoos, hair dyes, face and body cleansers, and shaving preparations do not require FDA approval.

Does the FDA regulate fragrances?

Fragrance ingredients in cosmetics must meet the same requirement for safety as other cosmetic ingredients. The law does not require FDA approval before they go on the market, but they must be safe for consumers when they are used according to labeled directions, or as people customarily use them.

How do I know if a product is FDA regulated?

Look up the drug or biological product in Drugs @ FDA.

Most FDA-approved human drugs and therapeutic biological products are listed in Drugs @ FDA, a searchable database. The database allows you to search by drug name, active ingredient, or application (NDA, ANDA, or BLA) number.

Why I STOPPED Wearing Deodorant (You Won't Believe This!)

What are 4 types of products that the FDA regulates?

Products
  • Food.
  • Medical Devices.
  • Animal and Veterinary.
  • Cosmetics.
  • Tobacco Products.

What is the difference between FDA approved and FDA regulated?

The FDA regulates the sale of medical devices and monitors the safety of all regulated medical products. Before a medical device can be sold or marketed in the U.S., the FDA must approve or clear the device. The FDA clears the device for sale because it is substantially equivalent to already approved devices.

Does deodorant need FDA approval?

Some examples are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, makeup, shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, toothpastes, and deodorants. These products and their ingredients are not subject to FDA premarket approval, except color additives (other than coal tar hair dyes).

How are fragrances regulated?

For four decades, the IFRA Standards have set the boundaries for fragrance creation – ensuring that people can enjoy the art of perfumery with confidence. The IFRA Standards ban, limit or set criteria for the use of certain ingredients, based on scientific evidence and consumer insights.

Does the FDA regulate off label use?

The 1938 Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act gave the FDA the power to regulate promotional materials on medications. Two provisions from the FDA prohibit most promotion of off-label uses of medications by pharmaceutical manufacturers and marketers.

Does the FDA regulate lotion?

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.

Is Monster approved by the FDA?

To date, Monster energy drinks have been classified as a dietary supplement, which allows the manufacturer to avoid FDA regulation. The designation also allows the manufacturer to sell the energy drink without listing the ingredients or conforming to other food safety regulations.

What are 5 things the FDA regulates?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is responsible for protecting the public health by assuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, medical devices, our nation's food supply, cosmetics, and products that emit radiation.

What are the rules for deodorant?

The TSA allows aerosols in checked and carry-on luggage. For checked luggage, your aerosol deodorant must be in containers of 17 ounces or less, and the total quantity per passenger is limited to 68 ounces. For carry-ons, aerosols must be 3.4 ounces or less and placed in a clear quart-sized bag.

Is Lume deodorant FDA approved?

A: Even though Lume is in the cosmetic category and does not require FDA approval, Lume and its manufacturers are in compliance with FDA regulations for manufacturing.

Which is safer, deodorant or antiperspirant?

Contrary to popular belief, one isn't better for you than the other. If you don't like the feeling of underarm wetness or you sweat through clothes, then an antiperspirant may be your best bet. If sweat doesn't bother you as much, but body odor is out of the question, try an aluminum free deodorant.

Do I need a license to sell fragrances?

If you sell scents in the USA, you will need to follow the FDA regulations for cosmetics, including conforming to the labeling requirements. You may also have state regulations, such as the California Safe Cosmetics Program.

Is fragrance unregulated?

Despite releasing compounds like chloromethane and methylene into the air, fragrance remains unregulated. The continual contamination of our air, soil and water resources has even identified some fragrance chemicals as persistent organic pollutants (POPs).

Why aren't essential oils FDA approved?

Generally, the oils are not regulated by the FDA. The key factor that determines FDA regulation is whether the product is considered or advertised as a cosmetic or a drug.

Is deodorant regulated by TSA?

Checked Bags: Yes

The capacity of each container must not exceed 0.5 kg (18 ounces) or 500 ml (17 fluid ounces). See the FAA regulations for more information. Permitted aerosol release devices (button/nozzle) must be protected by caps or other suitable means to prevent accidental release.

What does the FDA not regulate?

The FDA does not regulate the practice of medicine, medical services, the price or availability of medical products and whether they are reimbursed by health insurance or Medicare.

What internal deodorant is FDA approved?

Devrom® (internal deodorant) is an effective and fast acting flatulence deodorizer. It is an easy and inexpensive remedy for stinky odor from intestinal gas. Devrom® is approved by the Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and considered safely and effective.

What are 4 things regulated by the FDA?

  • FDA is responsible for protecting public health by ensuring the safety, efficacy, and security of human and veterinary drugs, biological products, and medical devices. ...
  • FOODS, INCLUDING: ...
  • DRUGS, INCLUDING: ...
  • Regulate? ...
  • BIOLOGICS, INCLUDING: ...
  • MEDICAL DEVICES, INCLUDING: ...
  • TOBACCO PRODUCTS, INCLUDING: ...
  • COSMETICS, INCLUDING:

What products are regulated by the FDA?

Foods, including:
  • dietary supplements.
  • bottled water.
  • food additives.
  • infant formulas.
  • other food products (although the U.S. Department of Agriculture plays a lead role in regulating aspects of some meat, poultry, and egg products)

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