Cosmetic products and our role

What is a cosmetic product?

They are products generally intended to cleanse or beautify a person. Examples include deodorants, shampoos, soaps, hair dyes, toothpaste and make-up. Products intended to be ingested, inhaled, injected or implanted are not cosmetics.

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.

How we regulate cosmetic products

The HPRA regulate the manufacture, sale and supply of cosmetic products in Ireland. We collaborate with the Health Service Executive (HSE) to monitor the market to identify and address cosmetic product quality and safety issues. This ensures the health and safety of product users.

Our role includes the following activities:

• Conducting an effective market surveillance programme with the HSE.
• Investigating cosmetic product safety concerns.
• Inspecting cosmetic product manufacturers and distributors in Ireland.
• Contributing to European working groups on cosmetic products.