What Is a Natural Health Product (NHP)? Understanding the Category That Goes Beyond Cosmetics
If you're formulating skincare, haircare, or wellness products in Canada, it’s essential to know when your product crosses the line from cosmetic to Natural Health Product (NHP)—because this shift comes with a new set of regulatory expectations.
Let’s break it down so you can confidently position your products for compliance and success.
🌿 What Is an NHP?
Under Canada’s Natural Health Products Regulations, a Natural Health Product is defined as:
“A substance or combination of substances that are manufactured, sold, or represented for use in: (a) the diagnosis, treatment, mitigation or prevention of a disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state; or (b) modifying organic functions in humans to maintain or promote health.”
In simpler terms: NHPs are products that make health-related or therapeutic claims.
They are regulated more strictly than cosmetics and require pre-market approval and a Natural Product Number (NPN) before they can be legally sold.
🌱 Examples of NHPs
Some common topical and ingestible NHPs include:
Acne treatments (e.g., creams containing benzoyl peroxide)
Dandruff shampoos with medicinal claims
Skin lightening products with hydroquinone
Anti-fungal treatments
Vitamin and mineral supplements
Herbal remedies (e.g., arnica, calendula creams)
Natural insect repellents
Even if your product looks like a cosmetic, if it claims to treat or prevent a condition, it will likely be regulated as an NHP.
🧾 Key Requirements for NHPs in Canada
If your product is classified as an NHP, you must:
Submit a product license application to Health Canada
Provide evidence of safety, efficacy, and quality
Obtain a Natural Product Number (NPN) or Homeopathic Medicine Number (DIN-HM)
Follow Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP)
Include specific labeling elements (e.g., recommended use, risk info)
⚠️ Cosmetic vs. NHP: Why This Distinction Matters
Here’s an example:
Cosmetic Claim: “Hydrates and softens skin”
NHP Claim: “Treats dry, cracked skin associated with eczema”
Same product, completely different regulatory pathways.
Understanding this distinction early helps prevent costly missteps and ensures your product is launched on solid ground.
💬 How I Can Support You
At Curated & Regulated, I don’t file NPN applications—but I can help you screen your ingredients, claims, and product intent so you know whether you're aligned with cosmetic or NHP regulations. If your product appears to border both, I’ll let you know, and you can make informed choices before investing time and money.
Remember: Clarity now saves compliance headaches later.
Let’s build smart. Let’s build compliant.
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