Information for Industry and Professionals

Health Canada works closely with industry and professionals to regulate and promote the safe use of cosmetics and personal care products that are made for distribution and for retail in Canada.

The basis for the regulatory authority for the Cosmetics Program comes from the  Food and Drugs Act and  Cosmetic Regulations. Cosmetics are 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." This definition also includes animal grooming products, cosmetics used by professional esthetic services, as well as bulk institutional products (e.g. handsoap in school restrooms).

Related Resources

• Applicable Acts and Regulations
• Consultations
• Guidance Document: Cyanoacrylate-Based Adhesives used in the Application of Eyelash Extensions 
• Guidelines and Policies
• Guidelines for Cosmetics Manufacturers, Importers, Distributors, and Retailers
• Guide to Cosmetic Ingredient Labelling
• Information for Industry: Acetonitrile
• Information for Industry: Cosmetics Intended for Use on Animals
• Information for Industry : Ingredient Labelling of Cosmetics with Small, Ornamental, Non-Existent or Odd Packaging
• Information for Industry: Tattoo Ink
• List of Prohibited and Restricted Cosmetic Ingredients (The Cosmetic Ingredient "Hotlist")
  • Proposed Changes to the Cosmetic Ingredient Hotlist
  • Cosmetic Ingredient List - September 2009
    • Past changes to the Cosmetic Ingredient "Hotlist"
    • Section A-C
    • Section D-L
    • Section M-P
    • Section Q-Z
• Mandatory Ingredient Labelling for Cosmetics in Canada - November 2006
• Requirements for the Sale of Cosmetics in Canada - Notification is a mandatory requirement for cosmetic products in Canada.
  • General information on the sale of cosmetics
  • Cosmetic Notification Form
  • Guide for Completing Cosmetic Notification Forms

For more information on cosmetic ingredient reviews and other aspects of cosmetics, these Web sites may provide useful information:

•   Direct Sellers Association of Canada
•   Allied Beauty Association
•   Food & Consumer Products of Canada
• International Cooperation on Cosmetic Regulation
  • Outcome of the Meeting held September 9 - 11, 2009, Tokyo, Japan 
  • Outcome of the July 30-August 1, 2008 Meeting, Rockville, Maryland
  • Outcome of September 26-28, 2007 Meeting, Brussels
• Canadian Cosmetic, Toiletry and Fragrance Association
• European Commission
• United States Food and Drug Administration
• Personal Care Products Council

For cosmetics companies, the following Web sites may inform you about business-related issues or information requirements for other Federal Departments:

•   Chemical Substances in Canada
•   Canadian Border Services Agency
•   Existing Substances Evaluation, Environment Canada
• Bioregulations - Regulation of Health Biotechnology
• Canada Revenue Agency
• CEPA Environmental Registry, Environment Canada
• Environmental Impact Initiative
• Industry Canada's Competition Bureau
  •  Competition Bureau - Misleading Advertising and Labelling
• New Substances Program, Environment Canada