Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Institutional links
Consumer Product Safety
How We Regulate Cosmetics
- Health Canada regulates cosmetics under the
Food and Drugs Act and Cosmetic Regulations, to make sure they are safe to use and to reduce health risks to Canadians. - Cosmetics sold in Canada must be manufactured, prepared, preserved, packed and stored under sanitary conditions.
- Manufacturers cannot sell cosmetics that contain ingredients that may cause injury when the product is used normally, according to the directions on the label.
- Manufacturers must provide a list of the ingredients in a cosmetic product to Health Canada. This allows us to identify and prohibit a product if an ingredient presents a hazard to the health and safety of Canadians.
- All cosmetics must have their ingredients listed on the label. This lets consumers identify and avoid any cosmetics that contain ingredients that are of concern to them.
If a health and safety problem happens after a cosmetic product is on the market, Health Canada can investigate and take appropriate enforcement actions.
For More Information
Cosmetics and Personal Care
- What Is the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist?
This page explains what the Cosmetics Ingredient Hotlist is and how to use it. - Internet Myths and Rumours about Cosmetics
Learn how to tell truth from fiction when it comes to cosmetics. - Labelling the Ingredients in Cosmetics
An It's Your Health article about the importance of cosmetics labelling. - Food and Consumer Safety Action Plan
Learn what the federal government is doing to make the products you buy safer.
Read more about cosmetics products
- PPD in "Black Henna" Temporary Tattoos is Not Safe
- Lead in Traditional Kohl
- The Safe Use of Home Tooth Whitening Kits
- Tanning Products
- Eye Cosmetics
- Hair Dyes
