The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public notice clarifying that cosmetic products cannot be used through injections and are not permitted for treatment purposes under Indian law.
The notice, released by the Directorate General of Health Services under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, comes amid rising use of aesthetic and beauty procedures in clinics and salons across the country.
According to CDSCO, cosmetics are legally defined under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 as products intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, sprayed, or otherwise applied externally on the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance.
The regulator clearly stated that products supplied in injectable form do not fall under the definition of cosmetics. It further emphasized that no cosmetic product is permitted to be administered through injections by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics.
CDSCO also warned that cosmetics cannot be promoted or used for treatment purposes. Any cosmetic product carrying misleading claims related to curing, treating, or medically improving conditions may violate the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The authority highlighted several violations that may attract regulatory action, including:
• Use of prohibited or unsafe ingredients in cosmetic products
• Misleading or false claims on cosmetic labels
• Alteration or removal of manufacturer markings
• Use of cosmetics for treatment procedures
• Injectable administration of cosmetic products
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has already published lists of restricted and generally not recognised as safe (GNRAS) ingredients for cosmetic formulations.
CDSCO has encouraged consumers, healthcare professionals, manufacturers, and importers to report any such violations or suspicious activities to regulatory authorities. The public notice is being viewed as an important step to strengthen consumer safety and regulate the growing cosmetic and aesthetic treatment market in India.
