Do candles need FDA approval?

Author: Eduardo Hill  |  Last update: Monday, January 19, 2026

Candles are typically classified as consumer products, which places them under the oversight of the CPSC. However, the FDA gets involved when the candle contains fragrances or other additives that could be considered cosmetic or therapeutic in nature.

Do you need FDA approval to sell candles?

The FDA regulates all drugs and cosmetics, including candles, under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. This act requires that all ingredients used in a cosmetic product or drug be safe for use by consumers under labeled or customary conditions of use, and that they be properly labeled.

What can you sell without FDA approval?

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.

Do fragrances need to be FDA approved?

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.

Can you sell candles without warning labels?

Candles are an unregulated industry, but by law all candles or wax products made that will be burned have to have a warning label in the US.

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How do I legally sell my homemade candles?

To comply with the regulations for running a candle business, you will need to:
  1. Choose a business name.
  2. Research potential trademark and copyright issues.
  3. Get business licenses or permits.
  4. Review the ASTM Standards for candle making.
  5. Label your candles properly.

Do I need insurance to sell homemade candles?

Why do candle makers need insurance? Candle makers could be held responsible for a fire, an allergic reaction to a scented candle, or other harm. Business insurance provides peace of mind with coverage for legal fees, medical bills, costly repairs, and auto accidents, so you can focus on your handcrafted products.

Is it illegal if not FDA approved?

FDA Approval is Required by Law

Federal law requires all new drugs in the U.S. be shown to be safe and effective for their intended use prior to marketing.

What requires FDA approval?

Products requiring FDA premarket approval:

Drugs and biologics are required to be proven safe and effective. According to the FDA, the product's benefits must outweigh any risks related to its intended use. Animal drugs and food additives in animal food, which includes pets, poultry, and livestock. Medical devices.

Is it okay to take something not FDA-approved?

Unapproved medication

There are still some medications that have never been approved by the FDA for any use. No one should take these drugs. If a medication has never been through the FDA approval process, we don't know enough about it to know if it is safe.

Can you sell products without listing ingredients?

If an ingredient used in the product conforms to a standard of identity or is a multi-ingredient product, its ingredients are required to be listed on the label.

Is nail polish FDA-approved?

Under the law, cosmetic products and ingredients, including nail products, do not need FDA approval before they go on the market, with the exception of most color additives.

Can I sell my homemade candles?

Insurance. Whether you sell your candles, wax melts or diffusers through your own website, through sites such as Ebay, Etsy or Amazon or even at a Summer fete, it's important to make sure that you have Craft insurance in place to cover your business against any unforeseen circumstances.

Are scented candles regulated?

The federal government, along with California and several other states, have established VOC regulations for consumer products such as candles and air fresheners. They limit the concentration of VOCs in these and many other consumer products.

Do I need an LLC to sell candles?

LLCs provide personal liability protection. This means your personal assets (e.g., car, house, bank account) are protected in the event your candle making business is sued or if it defaults on a debt. Candle making businesses need liability protection because of the risk associated with the product.

Can you sell products without FDA approval?

While not all products require pre-approval by the FDA, the FDA still has regulatory authority in the event of public safety concerns. The FDA has regulatory authority in the event of a public safety issue related to your product.

What 8 products does the FDA regulate?

The FDA regulates a wide range of products, including foods (except for aspects of some meat, poultry and egg products, which are regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture); human and veterinary drugs; vaccines and other biological products; medical devices intended for human use; radiation-emitting electronic ...

What does the FDA not cover?

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 claim does not require FDA approval?

FDA generally does not approve dietary supplement claims or other labeling before use. Under the FD&C Act, a firm is responsible for ensuring that the dietary supplements it manufactures or distributes are not adulterated, misbranded, or otherwise in violation of federal law.

How to get FDA approval?

Once researchers have conducted the appropriate testing and research, they may submit an application to gain FDA approval. The FDA will review the data provided and then decide whether to approve the drug for sale in the U.S. New Drug Approval – Researchers compile drug information and file a new drug application.

What is the difference between FDA approved and off-label use?

Unapproved use of an approved drug is often called “off-label” use. This term can mean that the drug is: Used for a disease or medical condition that it is not approved to treat, such as when a chemotherapy is approved to treat one type of cancer, but healthcare providers use it to treat a different type of cancer.

Can you sell candles as a hobby?

Yes, it is. Learning how to make candles to sell is a nice hobby that can turn into a profitable business. A candle making business is a low-investment, low-skill venture that can be done from the comfort of your own home.

Can I run a candle business from home?

Candle making is one of the best small businesses you can start. It has low startup costs, doesn't require much equipment, and can be done right from home.

Can you sell candles without labels?

Candles and wax melts must have a primary label on the outer packaging or the product itself. Most candles on the market also have a warning label. The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) dictates the information a company must include on a product's outer packaging and main label.

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