How to Legally Sell Homemade Cosmetics in Canada — No License, But...
Thinking of selling that whipped body butter or turmeric face cream you’ve perfected in your kitchen?
You're not alone. Canada's handmade beauty scene is booming but so is the confusion around what's actually legal.
Let’s clear up one of the biggest myths:
💡 You don’t need a license to sell cosmetics in Canada. But you do need to notify Health Canada before your product hits the market.
✅ What You Actually Need
If you're making a cosmetic product in Canada (yes, even at home) and selling it online, in markets, or in stores, here’s what you’re required to do:
Classify your product properly.
– Is it a cosmetic, a drug, or a Natural Health Product (NHP)?
– The wrong claim (like “treats eczema” or “heals acne”) can push you into a stricter category that requires pre-market approval.Submit a Cosmetic Notification Form (CNF).
– This form tells Health Canada what’s in your product, how it’s used, and where it's sold.
– There’s no fee, no wait for approval—but it is mandatory under the Food and Drugs Act.Make sure your label meets federal requirements.
– That means bilingual product names, INCI ingredient lists, proper net quantity, and dealer info.
⚠️ If you skip the CNF or use misleading claims, you’re not “flying under the radar”—you’re just non-compliant.
🧠 Why This Matters
Besides protecting your brand from shutdowns or pulled products, compliance builds trust with retailers and customers.
Starting small doesn’t mean starting sloppy.
Start smart. Start right.
🛠️ Need Help?
Curated & Regulated helps handmade beauty brands:
Understand what category their product falls into
Prepare and review their CNF submission
Spot risky claims that could trigger reclassification
Fix their labels before they land on shelves
✨ Let me help you take the guesswork out of compliance, so you can focus on formulating products you love. Click here to find out how !