Government says beauty injections cannot be sold as cosmetic products

The central government has clarified that beauty injections and injectable aesthetic products cannot be sold or marketed as cosmetic products under existing laws.

The move comes amid a rapid rise in aesthetic and skin-enhancement procedures across India, with authorities raising concerns over safety, regulation, and misuse of injectable treatments.

The clarification was issued by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), India’s drug regulator.

According to the regulator, cosmetic products supplied in injectable form do not fall within the legal definition of cosmetics and therefore cannot be used by consumers, professionals, or aesthetic clinics as cosmetic products.

The advisory seeks to create a clear distinction between cosmetic products and medical procedures that involve injections.

The decision comes as treatments such as skin-brightening injections, anti-ageing procedures, and aesthetic enhancement therapies have become increasingly popular in wellness and beauty clinics.

Authorities expressed concerns that such procedures may be promoted without proper medical oversight or scientific evidence regarding safety and effectiveness.

The government’s move aims to strengthen consumer protection and ensure that injectable procedures, where legally approved, are performed only under proper medical supervision.

Health experts have also stressed the importance of awareness regarding potential risks associated with unregulated aesthetic procedures.