There are substantial amounts of information to obtain regarding legal guidelines, packaging and labelling of soap and cosmetic products, and thus trying to piece together this information to protect your business can be both difficult and tiring.
This article has been compiled in an effort to make this task a lot simpler and provide as much information as possible to help those that may need it.
Please note that the guidelines provided are in relation to Australian laws and regulations, and the rules set out in other countries may differ.
Definition of a Cosmetic
Before delving any deeper into the details provided, it is recommended to first confirm that your product is considered to be a cosmetic and not a therapeutic good using the information below. Products such as handmade and cold pressed soap are in most cases classed as a cosmetic, provided they do not claim to enhance or alter the body’s function.
A cosmetic good is:
(1) A substance or preparation intended for placement in contact with any external part of the human body, including:
(a) The mucous membranes of the oral cavity; and
(b) The teeth; with a view to:
(c) Altering the odours of the body; or
(d) Changing its appearance; or
(e) Cleansing it; or
(f) Maintaining it in good condition ; or
(g) Perfuming it; or
(h) Protecting it; or
(2) A substance or preparation prescribed by regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph; but does not include:
(3) A therapeutic good within the meaning of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989; or
(4) A substance or preparation prescribed by regulations made for the purposes of this paragraph.
If your product does not meet the above criteria or claims to change or enhance the function of the body or mind, then it may very well be considered to be a therapeutic good which is regulated in a very different way to cosmetics. More information about therapeutic goods can be found
