What Is a Cosmetic Product? A Clear Definition from Health Canada
When building a skincare or haircare brand in Canada, one of the first and most critical questions to answer is: What exactly is a cosmetic product? Understanding this definition isn’t just about compliance—it shapes how you formulate, label, market, and sell your product.
💄 The Legal Definition of a Cosmetic in Canada
According to Health Canada’s Food and Drugs Act, a cosmetic is defined as:
“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.”
That means everything from lip balm and lotion to shampoo and beard oil may fall under the cosmetic category—as long as the product is used for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance without therapeutic claims.
🧴 Common Examples of Cosmetics
Here are examples of products that are typically considered cosmetics:
Moisturizers, body butters, and creams
Lipsticks, lip glosses, and balms
Hair gels, shampoos, and conditioners
Facial cleansers and toners
Perfumes, body sprays, and deodorants (non-antiperspirants)
Makeup products (foundations, mascaras, etc.)
These products must follow Cosmetic Regulations, which are a part of the Food and Drugs Act, and are overseen by Health Canada.
⚖️ What Is Not a Cosmetic?
A product is not a cosmetic if it claims to treat, prevent, or cure a medical condition. If you say your product can “heal acne,” “treat eczema,” or “stimulate hair growth,” it may be considered a drug or natural health product (NHP). That means a different set of rules applies, including pre-market approvals.
🧾 Why This Matters for Small Brands
As a small business, knowing whether your product is classified as a cosmetic helps you:
Stay compliant with Health Canada regulations
Use appropriate label language
Avoid triggering drug or NHP regulations
Understand which claims are allowed (and which aren’t)
✅ How I Help
At Curated & Regulated, I help emerging beauty brands navigate these distinctions. Whether you’re unsure if your product qualifies as a cosmetic or want to ensure your packaging meets legal standards, I offer tailored support to help you start smart by starting right.