What is a Cosmetic?

As defined by AICIS, A cosmetic product is a substance designed to be used on any external part of the body - or inside the mouth - to change its odour or appearance, cleanse it, keep it in good condition or protect it.

Examples of cosmetics

Face and nail

• Lipstick and lip balms with SPF sunscreen that comply with the Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Goods) Determination, 2018
• Nail care products including nail hardeners and products to deter nail biting
• Make-up such as mascara, eyeshadow, primer and bronzer
• Nail polish and varnish
• Tinted bases and foundation without SPF sunscreen, including liquids, pastes and powders
• Make-up removers
• Lipstick and lip balms without SPF sunscreen
• Face masks and scrubs

Hair care and hairdressing products 

• Anti-dandruff hair care products that comply with the Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Goods) Determination, 2018
• Hair tints, hair dyes and bleaches
• Products for waving, straightening and fixing hair
• Hair-setting products such as gels, sprays and lotions
• Shampoo and hair-cleansing products, including lotions and powders
• Hair conditioner
• Hairdressing products such as lotions, lacquers and brilliantines

Oral and dental hygiene

• Toothpaste and gel
• Denture cleansers and adhesives
• Some dental bleaches and whiteners
• Desensitising toothpastes and gels are NOT cosmetics. They are therapeutics and are regulated by the TGA.

Perfumes

• Perfumes and colognes
• Eau de toilette
• Eau de colognes
• Eau de parfum

Personal hygiene

• Feminine hygiene products such as intimate cleaners, deodorants, wash, powder, moisturisers and gels. We do not regulate pads, tampons, and panty liners because they are classified as articles.
• Deodorants
• Cleansers, including soap, deodorant, astringent and skin washes
• Shaving products, such as creams, foams, and lotions
• Bath and shower preparations, such as salts, foams, oils, and gels
• Depilatories
• After-bath powders
• Hygienic powders

Skin care

• Secondary sunscreen products that comply with the Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Goods) Determination, 2018
• Anti-acne skin care products that comply with the Therapeutic Goods (Excluded Goods) Determination, 2018
• Skin moisturisers without SPF sunscreen such as creams, lotions, gels, and foams
• Sunbathing products without SPF sunscreen or with SPF sunscreen
• Emollients such as creams, emulsions, lotions, gels, and oils for the skin
• Products for tanning without sun (without SPF sunscreen)
• Some skin-whitening products (without SPF sunscreen)
• Anti-wrinkle products (without SPF sunscreen)
• Anti-ageing products (without SPF sunscreen)

PLEASE REFER TO OUR SUPPORTED PRODUCTS AND EXCLUDED PRODUCTS LIST FOR WHAT PRODUCTS WE ARE ABLE TO COVER UNDER OUR COSMETIC MANUFACTURERS POLICY.