Dosage forms commonly found in cosmetics

The Natural and Non-prescription Health Products Directorate (NNHPD) recognizes the following list of dosage forms as being commonly found in cosmetic products. Applicants must continue to indicate the physical dosage form from the controlled vocabulary that most closely resembles their product on the Product Licence Application form. However, the dosage forms commonly found in cosmetics may be substituted on the product label, without qualification unless otherwise indicated below, in place of the physical dosage form.

Dosage forms commonly found in cosmetics
Name Description
Astringent Product that helps to firm and tone up skin. Commonly referred to as "toners", these product(s) are typically applied after washing to condition skin prior to the application of other products, such as moisturizers.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Lotion, topical liquid
Cleanser Facial care products designed to remove make-up, dead skin cells, oil and dirt from the skin of the face.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Cream, foam, gel, topical liquid
Compact Compressed mixture of dry, finely divided colouring ingredients usually applied to the skin.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Paste, powder
Concealer Flesh-toned product used to cover spots, blemishes, and other skin imperfections designated to make skin appear more uniform in colour.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Powder, topical liquid
Conditioner A preparation applied to the hair or skin with emollient properties.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Cream, gel, topical liquid
Exfoliant A dosage form that is applied to the skin to remove dead cells from the surface.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Cream, gel, topical liquid
Foundation Preparation used as a base to even out facial skin tone usually applied before other cosmetics.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Paste, powder, topical liquid
Lip balm Preparation that provides an occlusive layer on the lip surface to seal moisture in lips and protect them from external exposure.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Paste, stick
Lip gloss Preparation applied to the lips to provide for "shine" or a glossy lustre finish.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Paste, stick, topical liquid
Lip stick Waxy solid, intended to colour lips.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Stick, topical liquid
Make-up Product applied to the face or facial area intended to enhance or alter complexion and appearance.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Foam, paste, powder, topical liquid
Mask Product that is designed either to dry or solidify on face or to stay wet over the course of a designated period; after which product is removed.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Paste, powder
Moisturizer Preparation designed to hydrate and prevent dryness in the skin.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Cream, lotion
Mousse Preparation characterized by a foaming (light and airy) texture intended to enhance product dispersibility and spreadability. Dispensed in pressurized and non-pressurized containers.

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Foam
Serum Preparation of highly concentrated skin, nail or hair products. The use of this dosage form requires the use of a qualifier ex. Hair serum, nail serum or skin serum.  

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Concentrate, gel, topical liquid
Treatment Preparation designed for the surface treatment of a specific area (or aesthetic condition). The use of this dosage form requires the use of a qualifier ex. Hair treatment, nail treatment or skin treatment. 

Commonly associated with the physical dosage forms: Cream, paste, topical liquid

Page details

Date modified: