Definition of Cosmetics
Substances or preparations intended to be applied to the external parts of the human body (such as the skin, hair, nails, lips, and external genital organs), or to the teeth and oral mucosa, for the primary purpose of cleansing, protecting, beautifying, altering the appearance, imparting fragrance, correcting body odor, or maintaining these areas in good condition.
Classification of Cosmetics
Cosmetics are categorized into 20 major categories (aligned with the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive). Except for the categories listed below, products that meet the definition of cosmetics may be recorded under “Others (please specify)” during product notification or registration.
1. Creams, emulsions, lotions, gels and oils (for the skin of hands, face, feet, etc.) |
2. Face masks (excluding chemical exfoliation products) |
3. Make-up base and foundation (liquid, cream, powder) |
4. Make-up powders, body powders, hygiene powders, etc. |
5. Soaps, deodorant soaps, etc. |
6. Perfumes, toilet waters, and colognes |
7. Products for bath and shower (bath salts, foams, bath oils, gels, etc.) |
8. Depilatories |
9. Deodorants and antiperspirants |
10. Hair care products (hair dyes and bleaches; hair waving, straightening and fixing products; setting products; shampoo products including shampoo liquids, powders and bars; conditioning products including conditioners, creams, oils; hair styling products including hair lotions, waxes, pomades, etc.) |
11. Shaving products, including shaving creams, foams, lotions, etc. |
12. Facial and eye make-up and make-up removal products |
13. Products for the lips |
14. Dental and oral care products |
15. Nail care and make-up products |
16. External personal hygiene products |
17. Sun protection products |
18. Self-tanning products (without sun exposure) |
19. Skin whitening products |
20. Anti-wrinkle products |
Competent Authority
Food and Drug Administration (FDA); responsible for the regulation of cosmetics, including supervision, implementation of cosmetic notification, and preparation of the Product Information File (PIF). The main responsibilities include:
- Regulating pre-market and post-market processes of cosmetics
- Approving and supervising market access, sales, and compliance of cosmetic products
- Implementing the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive (ACD)
- Managing cosmetic ingredients
- Issuing the Certificate of Product Notification (CPN)
Compliance Requirements
Before any cosmetic product can be legally sold or distributed, it must first be notified to the Center for Cosmetics Regulation and Research (CCRR) under the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and successfully obtain a Certificate of Product Notification (CPN).
Validity Period of Notification Number
1 to 3 years from the date of issuance.
Note: A new notification number must be applied for on or before the expiration date of the CPN.
Cosmetic Product Notification Process
Note: The Notification Holder is granted authorization to engage in trade or commercial activities, such as the manufacture, importation, exportation, sale, offering for sale, distribution, or transfer of cosmetic products. The company name must be registered with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) or the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). When applying for the License to Operate (LTO), the specific business activity must be indicated, as the documentary requirements vary depending on the type of business.
Documents Required for Cosmetic Product Notification
- Product Name;
- Product Type;
- Product Intended Use;
- Product Description;
- LTO Holder Information;
- Country of Origin / Manufacturer Information; and
- Full Ingredients List
Cosmetic Labeling Requirements
Cosmetic labels should be written in either Filipino or English. All label claims must be truthful and not misleading, based on the intended use and scope of the cosmetic product. The following information must be clearly indicated on the label:
- Product Name and Function;
- Directions for Use;
- Full Ingredient List;
- Country of Origin;
- Name and Address of the Notification Holder;
- Net Content;
- Batch Number / Manufacturing Date / Expiry Date; and
- Warnings / Precautions
Note: If the packaging is too small to accommodate all required information, supplementary materials such as leaflets or brochures may be used.
Product Information File (PIF) Requirements
The Product Information File (PIF) should be maintained in the form of a physical archive (i.e., a collection of paper records stored in a designated location) or in electronic format (i.e., soft copy). It must be readily accessible and made available upon request in accordance with FDA requirements. The PIF must be prepared in either Filipino or English. The PIF should be kept up to date to reflect any changes to the product, such as the inclusion of new ingredients, changes in manufacturers, raw material suppliers, or manufacturing processes. Where applicable, the date of document revision should be clearly indicated for verification purposes.
The PIF shall consist of the following four main sections:
- Administrative Documents and Product Description Summary
- Quality and Safety Data of Cosmetic Ingredients
- Product Quality and Safety Data
- Safety and Efficacy Data of the Product
Recommended (Non-Mandatory) Cosmetic Testing Requirements
- Microbiological Testing
- Heavy Metal Testing
- Stability Testing
- Preservative Efficacy Testing
- Packaging Compatibility Testing
- Other Efficacy and Toxicological Tests
About Us
The CIRS cosmetic team provides expert support to ensure that cosmetic products meet stringent global cosmetic regulations and safety standards.
We offer comprehensive, lifecycle-based solutions for personal care products, from early-stage cosmetic ingredient development, through to final product registration. Our services include:
- Cosmetic ingredient development and regulatory strategy,
- Physical/chemical and analytical tests,
- Toxicological tests (in vivo & in vitro),
- Efficacy and claim substantiation studies (in vivo & in vitro), and
- Ingredient and product registration across global markets.
With deep expertise in cosmetic regulatory compliance and safety evaluations, our team enables brands to bring products to market efficiently and with confidence.
Our Services
- Philippine Cosmetics Notification
- Philippine Company License Holding Service
- Preparation and compilation of Product Information File (PIF)
- Electronic Account Registration
- Formula and Packaging Review
- Product Testing Services
- Logistics and Customs Clearance
