NEW DELHI: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has clarified that cosmetic products cannot be injected into the body nor promoted as medical treatments, marking a distinction between beauty products and medical interventions. This public notice was issued on May 18 by Drugs Controller General of India, Dr. Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi.
According to the CDSCO, products supplied in injectable form do not qualify as cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act of 1940. The notice explicitly states, “No cosmetic is permitted to be used as injection by consumer/professionals/aesthetic clinics.” This action comes as injectable aesthetic treatments offered by beauty clinics, including products targeted for skin brightening, anti-ageing, and facial enhancement, are gaining popularity.
Dr. Kabir Sardana from the dermatology department at RML Hospital expressed concerns regarding many injectable cosmetic procedures, noting that they often use chemicals with unverified benefits, particularly for conditions that may not warrant injection treatments. He highlighted procedures such as mesotherapy and certain injections marketed for melasma as lacking US FDA approval and being used off-label. Dr. Sardana pointed out that these procedures could lead to side effects, including atypical mycobacterial infections and local reactions, in addition to placing a financial burden on patients.
The CDSCO emphasizes that cosmetics are intended solely for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering appearance and should not be used for therapeutic purposes by professionals or individuals. The organization also addressed misleading advertisements and false claims made by companies regarding these products. The use of prohibited ingredients, treatment claims, and the injectable application of cosmetic products constitute violations of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Cosmetics Rules of 2020.
Consumers, healthcare professionals, and manufacturers are encouraged to report any violations to the CDSCO and state licensing authorities.
