Conditional: Handmade cosmetics are allowed but must comply with FDA cosmetic regulations, labeling requirements, and safety standards.
Etsy's Policy on Selling Cosmetics
Handmade cosmetics are allowed on Etsy, including lip products, eyeshadow, blush, foundation, skincare, and body products. All cosmetics must comply with FDA regulations, including proper labeling and ingredient disclosure. Products must be safe for their intended use. Making drug claims (e.g., "anti-aging," "cures acne") reclassifies your cosmetic as a drug, triggering much stricter FDA requirements.
FDA Cosmetic Regulations
The FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act. Required labeling includes product identity, net quantity, ingredient list (in descending order of predominance using INCI names), business name and address, and any required warnings. Color additives must be FDA-approved for their intended use (some colors are approved for external use only, not eyes or lips). The Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA) of 2022 introduced additional requirements.
Safety and Testing Requirements
While the FDA does not require pre-market approval for most cosmetics, products must be safe for their intended use. This means using approved color additives, avoiding prohibited ingredients, and testing for common allergens and irritants. Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) are recommended. Consider stability testing and preservative efficacy testing, especially for water-based products that can harbor bacteria.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
The most common mistakes include using non-approved color additives (especially in lip and eye products), making drug claims that reclassify your product, inadequate preservation of water-based products (leading to microbial contamination), and incomplete ingredient labels. Never use the term "FDA approved" for cosmetics, as the FDA does not approve cosmetics (only color additives and active drug ingredients).
Requirements
- ✓ FDA-compliant labeling with INCI ingredient list
- ✓ Only FDA-approved color additives for intended use areas
- ✓ No prohibited or restricted ingredients
- ✓ Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) recommended
- ✓ MoCRA compliance (facility registration, adverse event reporting)
Restrictions
- ✗ No drug claims (anti-aging, acne treatment, skin healing, etc.)
- ✗ Color additives must be FDA-approved for specific use areas (lips, eyes, skin)
- ✗ Some ingredients are prohibited or restricted in cosmetics
- ✗ Products must not be adulterated or misbranded
- ✗ Cannot claim "FDA approved" (FDA does not approve cosmetics)
Seller Tips
- → Use INCI ingredient names on labels and include common names in your Etsy listing for clarity.
- → Verify that all color additives are FDA-approved for your specific product type (lips, eyes, skin).
- → Include preservatives in water-based formulations and consider preservative efficacy testing.
- → Avoid drug claims; say "moisturizing" (cosmetic claim) instead of "anti-aging" (drug claim).
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Scan your listings for policy violations, trademark risks, and compliance issues before they become takedowns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Guides
Can You Sell Soap on Etsy?
Yes, handmade soap is allowed on Etsy and is a popular category in the bath and beauty section.
Can You Sell Perfume on Etsy?
Conditional: Handmade perfumes and fragrances are allowed but must comply with FDA cosmetic labeling regulations and shipping restrictions.
Can You Sell CBD Products on Etsy?
Conditional: Etsy allows topical CBD products but prohibits ingestible CBD items like edibles and tinctures.
Don't wait for Etsy to flag your shop
Scan your listings for policy violations, trademark risks, and compliance issues before they become takedowns.