The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a public notice stating that cosmetic products cannot be injected into the body or promoted as medical treatments. The notice, released on May 18 by Drugs Controller General of India Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, clarifies that injectable products do not qualify as cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
Regulatory Clarification on Injectable Cosmetics
According to the CDSCO, cosmetics are legally intended only for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance. They cannot be used for treatment by professionals or individuals. The notice explicitly states: “No cosmetic is permitted to be used as injection by consumer/professionals/aesthetic clinics.”
Growing Popularity of Injectable Procedures
The move comes amid a booming market for skin-enhancing and anti-ageing procedures. Many beauty clinics and cosmetic centres offer injectable treatments marketed for skin brightening, anti-ageing, and facial enhancement. However, Dr Kabir Sardana from the dermatology department of RML Hospital warned that many such procedures use chemicals whose benefits are not scientifically proven. He noted that mesotherapy and injections promoted for melasma are often not approved by the US FDA and are used off-label, potentially causing side effects like atypical mycobacterial infections and local reactions, while adding to patients’ financial burden.
Action Against Misleading Advertisements
The CDSCO also flagged misleading advertisements and false claims by companies. It stated that use of prohibited ingredients, treatment claims, and injectable application of cosmetic products would amount to violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Cosmetics Rules, 2020. The regulator has urged consumers, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers to report any violations to CDSCO or state licensing authorities.
About the Author
Anuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.
