Cosmetics Information

What We Do

Our role is to regulate the manufacture, sale and supply of cosmetic products in Ireland. We identify and address cosmetic product quality and safety issues, in conjunction with the Health Service Executive (HSE), so that a cosmetic product will not compromise the health and safety of the consumer or the person applying the product.  

• Our role involves a range of activities including:
• Ensuring the operation of an effective and broad reaching market surveillance programme in conjunction with the HSE.
• Investigation of safety concerns arising during cosmetic product use.
• Inspection of manufacturers and distributors of cosmetic products.
• Participation in international activities, including relevant EU working groups.
• Generation of Certificates of Free Sale.

What is a cosmetic product?

They are beauty products generally intended to cleanse or beautify a person. Some examples include deodorants, shampoos and soaps, hair dyes, toothpaste and make-up.

The legal definition is any substance or mixture intended to be placed in contact with the external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, protecting them, keeping them in good condition or correcting body odours.

Products intended to be ingested, inhaled, injected or implanted in the human body, are not considered cosmetics.