Is my product a cosmetic product?

Products that may be considered as cosmetic products

Below is a non-exhaustive illustrative list of products that could be considered as cosmetic products: 

• Creams, emulsions, lotions, gels and oils for the skin (hands, face, feet, etc)
• Facial masks; e.g. whitening facial mask, moisturizing facial mask
• Tinted bases (liquids, pastes, powders)
• Make-up powders, after-bath powders, hygiene powders etc
• Toilet soaps, deodorant soaps, etc
• Perfumes, toilet waters and eau de Cologne
• Bath and shower preparations (salts, foams, oils, gels, etc)
• Depilatories
• Deodorants and anti-perspirants
• Hair care products
  • Hair tints and bleaches
  • Products for waving, straightening or fixing
  • Setting products
  • Cleansing products (lotions, powders, shampoos)
  • Conditioning products (lotions, creams, oils)
  • Hairdressing products (lotions, lacquers, brilliantines)
• Shaving products (creams, foams, lotions, etc)
• Products for making-up and removing make-up from the face and the eyes
• Products intended for the application to the lips and around the eyes
• Products for care of the teeth and the mouth
• Products for nail care and make-up (manicure and pedicure products)
• Products for external intimate hygiene
• Sunbathing products
• Products for tanning without sun
• Skin whitening products
• Anti-wrinkle products
• Baby/Facial Wipes

Products that are not cosmetic products

The following products are not considered cosmetic products:

• Chinese proprietary medicines
• Homoeopathic medicines
• Health supplements
• Medical devices
• Medicated oil and balms
• Therapeutic products
• Topical antiseptics
• Traditional medicines
• Mosquito repellents (refer to the National Environment Agency for more information)

Examples of products that are not cosmetic products

Note: The list below is not exhaustive, and merely provides a list of examples of products that have previously been mistaken to be cosmetic products.

• Products intended for oral consumption, such as beauty dietary supplements and collagen drinks
• Products intended for pharmaceutical or medicinal purposes, such as anti-fungal cream and antiseptic cream
• Preparations such as cream and ointments for the treatment of eczema, acne and psoriasis
• Injectable substances, such as lip filler injection and tattoo ink
• Medical devices, such as bandages, contact lenses, plasters and orthodontic braces
• Aesthetic beauty devices and tools, such as hair curlers, electronic hair straighteners, make up brushes, manicure sets, razors and false eye lashes
• Insect repellents
• Medicated oils and balms, such as ointment for pain relief
• Massage oils for improving blood circulation and stress relief
• Essential oils for use in diffusers
• Lubricants
• Sanitary pads
• Diapers
• Hand sanitisers with antiseptic or anti microbial properties
• Toothbrushes
• Dental floss
• Household detergents, such as dish washing detergent and laundry detergent
• Raw materials used to make soaps, such as sodium hydroxide
• Temporary tattoos
• Products intended only for animals and pets, such as pet shampoo

Cosmetic product classification guide

Use our classification guide to determine whether your product can be considered a cosmetic product in Singapore.

If you are not certain if the product you are dealing with is a cosmetic product, you may submit your classification enquiry using the Health Products Classification Form.