Words to avoid in a beauty name
Some words turn a cosmetic into a drug, and others need proof or mean nothing in law. These are US rules from the FDA and FTC; other countries set their own.
Which words can make a cosmetic a drug?
Words that promise to treat the body or change how it works. The FDA judges a product by its intended use, shown by claims on the label, in ads and online.
| Word or promise | What the FDA says |
|---|---|
| Regrow, hair growth | A drug claim |
| Cellulite | A drug claim |
| Varicose veins | A drug claim |
| Melanin, pigment | Changing melanin production is a drug claim |
| Regenerate, cell renewal | A drug claim |
| SPF, sun protection | Makes moisturizer or makeup a drug too |
A product can be a cosmetic and a drug at once, like an antidandruff shampoo. Cosmetics need no FDA approval before sale, but drugs generally need premarket approval or must follow an FDA monograph.[1]
Does a product name count as a claim?
Yes. The FTC judges an ad by its overall impression, including the product name, and gives "Arthricure" as a name that implies treating arthritis.
Health claims need "competent and reliable scientific evidence," in the FTC's words, whichever part of the ad makes them.[6]
Which beauty words have no legal meaning?
Hypoallergenic, cosmeceutical and cruelty free have no legal definition in the US, so they promise shoppers nothing specific.
| Word | What the FDA says |
|---|---|
| Hypoallergenic | No federal standard or definition |
| Cosmeceutical | No meaning under the law |
| Cruelty free, not tested on animals | No legal definition |
The FDA adds that "hypoallergenic" means "whatever a particular company wants it to mean."[2, 4, 5]
Can you call a beauty product organic?
Only if it meets the USDA's organic rules as well as the FDA's labeling rules. The FDA doesn't define "organic"; the USDA's National Organic Program does.[3]
Which green words need proof?
All of them. The FTC says not to make broad, unqualified claims like "green" or "eco-friendly." Brand names for eco & sustainability covers the US and EU rules.
| Word | What the FTC says |
|---|---|
| Green, eco-friendly | Don't use them without a specific benefit |
| Non-toxic | Needs scientific evidence for people and the environment |
| Free of an ingredient | Only trace amounts, never added on purpose |
Once the words are clear, check the name everywhere you'll sell. More in Naming a skincare line, Trademark classes for beauty brands and Brand names for beauty & skincare.[7]
Sources (7)
- PrimaryFDA: Is it a cosmetic, a drug, or both? (Or is it soap?), content current as of
- PrimaryFDA: Hypoallergenic cosmetics, content current as of
- PrimaryFDA: Organic cosmetics, content current as of
- PrimaryFDA: Cosmeceutical, content current as of
- PrimaryFDA: "Cruelty free"/"Not tested on animals", content current as of
- PrimaryFTC: Health products compliance guidance
- PrimaryFTC: Environmental claims, summary of the Green Guides, October 2012