The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation has issued a public notice warning that cosmetic products supplied in injectable form are not permitted under Indian law, a clarification that is relevant for consumers, salons, beauty centres and aesthetic clinics in Guwahati.
The notice, issued by Drugs Controller General of India Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi on May 18, states that cosmetics are meant only for external application and cannot be used as injections by consumers, professionals or aesthetic clinics.
CDSCO has clarified that no cosmetic product is permitted to be used as an injection in India. The regulator said injectable preparations do not fall under the legal definition of cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and warned consumers, professionals and aesthetic clinics against such use.
For Guwahati, the notice is important because cosmetic treatments, skin-care services, beauty procedures and aesthetic clinics have grown in visibility across the city. The clarification directly applies to any centre or professional offering products as “cosmetic injections” without proper legal classification.
Under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, cosmetics are defined as products meant to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, sprayed on or otherwise applied to the human body for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance. CDSCO has made it clear that products supplied as injectable preparations do not fall under this definition.
The regulator also stated that cosmetics are not permitted to be used for treatment by professionals or individuals. This means a product labelled as a cosmetic cannot legally be promoted or used as a treatment product, especially when it involves injection-based procedures.
The notice also warns against misleading label claims and the use of prohibited ingredients in cosmetic products. Such practices may violate the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and the Cosmetics Rules, 2020.
CDSCO further said the Bureau of Indian Standards publishes lists of ingredients that are generally not recognised as safe and restricted ingredients for cosmetic products. These lists are meant to guide safety and compliance in the cosmetic industry.
The warning comes at a time when injectable beauty and aesthetic procedures are being discussed more widely across India. National reports have linked the advisory to growing concern around the misuse of injectable products and aesthetic “jabs” in beauty and wellness settings.
In Guwahati, consumers should be careful before choosing any injectable beauty service offered in the name of cosmetic enhancement. People should check whether the product is legally approved for the intended use, whether the procedure is being done by a qualified medical professional, and whether the clinic is making treatment or beauty claims that appear unclear or exaggerated.
The public has also been encouraged to report violations or misleading practices to the regulatory authority or the respective State Licensing Authorities. This applies to suspected cases of injectable products being marketed as cosmetics, products with prohibited ingredients, or labels making misleading claims.
For local consumers, the key takeaway is simple: a cosmetic product is not legally permitted to be used as an injection. Any Guwahati resident considering injectable beauty or aesthetic procedures should verify the product, professional qualification and regulatory status before proceeding.
The next step will depend on enforcement by drug regulators and state licensing authorities. For the public, the notice matters because it gives consumers a clear legal basis to question unsafe or misleading cosmetic practices.
Key Points From CDSCO Notice
| Point | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Injectable cosmetics | Not permitted under the legal definition of cosmetics |
| Cosmetic use | Limited to external application |
| Treatment claims | Cosmetics cannot be used or promoted for treatment |
| Misleading labels | May violate Indian cosmetic rules |
| Prohibited ingredients | Not allowed in cosmetic products |
| Public action | Violations can be reported to regulators or State Licensing Authorities |
Frequently Asked Questions
Are injectable cosmetic products allowed in India?
No. CDSCO has clarified that cosmetic products supplied in injectable form are not permitted under the legal definition of cosmetics in India.
Can aesthetic clinics use cosmetics as injections?
No. CDSCO has stated that no cosmetic is permitted to be used as an injection by consumers, professionals or aesthetic clinics.
Why is this warning important for Guwahati?
The warning is important for Guwahati because beauty clinics, salons and aesthetic services are growing in the city. Consumers should verify products and avoid any injectable product being marketed as a cosmetic.
Where can people report misleading cosmetic practices?
People can report suspected violations or misleading cosmetic practices to the regulatory authority or the respective State Licensing Authorities.