NEW DELHI, May 21: India’s central drug regulator, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, has clarified that injectable cosmetic products are not permitted under existing law and cannot be used by consumers, medical professionals or aesthetic clinics for cosmetic procedures.
The advisory comes amid the rising popularity of non-surgical beauty treatments being promoted by wellness centres, skin clinics and social media influencers across urban India.
In a public notice issued on May 18, the CDSCO stated that products supplied in injectable form do not fall within the legal definition of cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and related rules.
According to the regulator, cosmetic products are intended only for external application and are meant to be “rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed” on the human body for cleansing, beautifying or enhancing appearance.
“Products supplied in form of injectable preparation do not fall under the definition of cosmetics. No cosmetic is permitted to be used as injection by consumer/professionals/aesthetic clinics,” the notice stated.
The clarification is aimed at preventing the misuse of beauty and skincare products for treatment purposes and ensuring consumer safety as aesthetic procedures become increasingly common in private clinics and wellness chains.
Officials said the advisory also seeks to curb misleading advertisements and unauthorised cosmetic practices that may expose individuals to health risks.
The CDSCO further warned that the use of prohibited ingredients or false promotional claims in cosmetic products could invite legal action under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The regulator noted that the list of restricted and generally not recognised as safe ingredients is issued by the Bureau of Indian Standards and must be followed by manufacturers and sellers.
Authorities have also encouraged members of the public to report violations, misleading promotions or unauthorised cosmetic procedures to state licensing authorities or directly to the CDSCO through official communication channels.
The latest advisory highlights increasing regulatory scrutiny over India’s rapidly expanding cosmetic and aesthetic treatment industry, particularly the growing use of injectable cosmetic products in private beauty clinics.