India’s drug regulator cracks down on cosmetic injections, may hit aesthetic clinic ecosystem

India’s drug regulator has warned that cosmetic products cannot be administered through injections and said such practices would violate the law, amid growing concerns over the use of aesthetic and beauty products in clinics and by professionals.

In a public notice issued on May 18, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said cosmetics supplied in injectable form do not fall under the definition of cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.

“No cosmetic is permitted to be used as injection by consumer/professionals/aesthetic clinics,” the regulator said in the notice issued by Drugs Controller General of India.

The CDSCO said cosmetics are only intended to be “rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed” on the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance.

The regulator also clarified that cosmetics cannot be used for treatment purposes by professionals or individuals.

“Cosmetics are permitted to be supplied for its intended use as defined in the definition; no cosmetic is permitted to be used in treatment by professionals/individuals,” it said.

The notice added that the use of prohibited ingredients in cosmetic products, misleading claims on labels, use of cosmetics for treatment and application of cosmetics through injection would amount to violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Cosmetics Rules, 2020.

The CDSCO further said that no cosmetic label should carry false or misleading claims and warned against altering or defacing inscriptions or marks made by manufacturers on containers or packaging.

The regulator noted that the list of generally not recognised as safe (GNRAS) and restricted ingredients for cosmetics is published by the Bureau of Indian Standards.

The CDSCO has urged consumers, professionals, importers and manufacturers to report any such violations to the regulator or state licensing authorities.

The crackdown on cosmetic injectables may raise scrutiny for aesthetic-focussed pharma and clinic ecosystem.