The central drugs standard control organisation (CDSCO) has clarified that injectable preparations do not qualify as cosmetics under Indian law and warned that cosmetics cannot be used for medical treatment purposes or administered through injections. The notice comes amid growing concerns about the popularity of aesthetic and beauty procedures, including injectable skin treatments promoted through clinics, salons and online platforms.
In
a public notice, issued by the directorate general of health services (DGHS) under the Union health ministry on 18 May 2026, manufacturers, clinics and consumers were cautioned against misleading claims, the use of prohibited ingredients and the misuse of cosmetic products in aesthetic procedures.
According to CDSCO, cosmetics are defined under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, as products intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, sprayed, or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance.
The regulator emphasised that products supplied in injectable form do not fall under the legal definition of cosmetics.
“Products supplied in the form of injectable preparation do not fall under the definition of cosmetics. No cosmetic is permitted to be used as an injection by consumers, professionals or aesthetic clinics,” the notice stated.
CDSCO further clarified that cosmetics are intended only for external application and cannot be used for professional or individual treatment.
“Cosmetics are only for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance of the human body or any part thereof,” the notice says.
The drug regulator also warned against misleading advertisements and false labelling practices. It stated that no cosmetic product can claim or imply anything that is false or misleading to consumers.
The notice added that no person is allowed to alter, remove or deface any inscription or marking placed by the manufacturer on the container, label or packaging of cosmetic products.
CDSCO says the use of prohibited ingredients in cosmetics, misleading claims on labels, the use of cosmetics for treatment purposes, and the administration of cosmetics by injection would constitute violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
The regulator noted that the list of 'generally not recognised as safe' (GNRAS) and restricted ingredients for cosmetics has been published by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
The public has been encouraged to report any such violations to CDSCO through its official email ID (
[email protected]) or to state licensing authorities.
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