Cosmetic product classification guide

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.