Who is the main regulator of cosmetics in the United States?

Author: Shayna Hickle  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 18, 2025

The two most important laws pertaining to cosmetics marketed in the United States are the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) . FDA regulates cosmetics under the authority of these laws.

Who regulates cosmetics in the USA?

In the United States, the cosmetics industry is regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), which has broad regulatory authority under the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act.

How do I complain about cosmetics to the FDA?

If you are a consumer or health professional who wants to report a complaint or adverse event (such as an illness, allergic reaction, rash, irritation, scarring, or hair loss) related to a cosmetic product, you can: Complete and submit an electronic MedWatch Online Voluntary Reporting Form.

Does the FDA have jurisdiction over cosmetics?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has the authority, generally under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FFDCA), to regulate cosmetic products and their ingredients. In this context, the agency's primary regulatory responsibilities include ensuring that cosmetics are not adulterated or misbranded.

Who is the leader in cosmetics?

Industry leaders

As of 2023, the French cosmetics company L'Oréal was the leading beauty manufacturer in the world, generating revenues of over 44 billion U.S. dollars that year. The company owns the leading personal care brand worldwide, L'Oréal Paris, valued at nearly 48 billion U.S. dollars in 2023.

US vs EU - Cosmetics and skincare regulations 2022

Who oversees cosmetics?

Overview. Cosmetics are FDA-regulated; however, FDA has limited jurisdiction over cosmetics products, and they are not FDA-approved. Products considered cosmetics also can intersect with other product categories under the scope of FDA, such as drugs.

Who is the global leader in cosmetics?

L'Oréal, world leader in beauty : makeup, cosmetics, haircare, perfume.

What is the cosmetic Act USA?

This Act defines cosmetics as "articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body ... for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance." Under the Act, the FDA does not approve cosmetic products, but the Act prohibits ...

What are 4 types of products that the FDA regulates?

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

What makeup brand is the cleanest?

  • Merit Beauty. Cruelty free. ...
  • 100% Pure. American made. Cruelty free. ...
  • RMS Beauty. Cruelty free. Eco friendly packaging. ...
  • Kosas. Cruelty free. Eco friendly packaging. ...
  • Alima Pure. 1% for the planet. Cruelty free. ...
  • Saie. 1% for the planet. Climate neutral. ...
  • Cheekbone Beauty. 1% for the planet. BIPOC Owned. ...
  • Axiology. American made. Cruelty free.

How do I contact the FDA for cosmetics?

If you wish to speak directly to a person about your complaint or adverse event, please call the Food and Cosmetic Information Center at 1-888-SAFEFOOD (1-888-723-3366) Monday - Friday 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM ET – Closed Thursdays from 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM ET and Federal holidays.

Can you sell products that are not FDA approved?

Legal Compliance: Selling products that aren't FDA-compliant could result in legal fines, bans, or even criminal charges if the violation is severe. It's all the more reason to abide by the rules.

How do I report someone in the beauty industry?

Consumers must approach the salon, barbershop or independent contractor before using ADR. However, if the hair or beauty salon, barbershop or independent contractor has not responded to the consumer within eight weeks of them raising a complaint, the consumer may then escalate the complaint to Hair & Beauty Mediation.

What state agencies regulate the beauty industry?

BEAUTY AT ITS BEST

Cosmetologists are licensed and regulated in California by the Board of Barbering and Cosmetology. The Board works to ensure that cosmetologists follow State law and infection control standards.

What products do not need 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.

Who certifies cosmetics?

The Drugs Controller General (India) functions as the Central Licensing Authority who grants the Import Registration Certificate and regulates the import of cosmetics into India vide Gazette notification G.S.R 763(E) under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

Does the FDA regulate cosmetics?

Yes. FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). Under MoCRA, which expanded FDA's authority under the FD&C Act law, cosmetics must not be adulterated or misbranded.

What does the USDA regulate?

USDA is responsible for regulating meat and poultry, processed egg products, and catfish, whereas the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees food safety for fresh eggs and almost all other foods.

What does 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 is Article 15 of the cosmetics Regulation?

Article 15 of the Cosmetics Regulation 1223/2009 contains provisions on the use of CMR in cosmetic products. As a general principle, substances classified as CMR substances of category 1A, 1B, or 2 under Part 3 of Annex VI to Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 are banned for use in cosmetic products.

What are the two important laws pertaining to cosmetics?

The two most important laws pertaining to cosmetics marketed in the United States are the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act) and the Fair Packaging and Labeling Act (FPLA) . FDA regulates cosmetics under the authority of these laws.

Is Ashley Shine FDA approved?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns the public from purchasing and using the unauthorized cosmetic product, AS ASHLEY SHINE BOLD MATTE LIPSTICK (3). The abovementioned product was verified by FDA through postmarketing surveillance and shows no valid Certificate of Product Notification (CPN) as of 02 May 2023.

Who is the No 1 makeup in the world?

Most Popular Makeup Brands
  • 1) Maybelline. Maybelline, a true titan in the cosmetics industry, has earned its spot as a favourite among Makeup lovers. ...
  • 2) L'oreal. ...
  • 3) MAC Cosmetics. ...
  • 4) Estee Lauder. ...
  • 5) Fenty Beauty. ...
  • 6) NARS Cosmetics. ...
  • 7) Dior. ...
  • 8) Bare Minerals.

Who runs Clinique?

Clinique – The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

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