Cosmetic label requirements checklist (USA, FDA + MoCRA)

Tick what applies to your product and get the US label checklist, with the FDA source linked next to every item. Free, and nothing leaves your browser.

Not legal advice. This is a summary of FDA's Cosmetics Labeling Guide and MoCRA, checked against the linked pages on Nov 1, 2026. It does not cover every case or other countries. Have a regulatory professional review your final label.

About your product Sold in a box or carton Made outside the US Aerosol / spray can Bubble bath Has drug claims (SPF, acne, dandruff, antiperspirant...) Small package (under 12 sq in label area) It is a pet product

FDA says it does not regulate "cosmetic" shampoos for animals (grooming aids). Products for a therapeutic purpose, such as controlling ringworm or itching from allergies, are regulated as drugs. This checklist is written for human cosmetics. Source: FDA: Got a question about your pet's health?

Your checklist

Identity statement (what the product is) on the front panel (principal display panel), in bold type.Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Net quantity of contents on the front panel, within the bottom 30% (waived for front panels of 5 sq in or less). Liquids in fluid measure, solids/semi-solids/viscous in weight. Use the size converter for metric.Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Name and place of business of the manufacturer, packer or distributor. If it is not the manufacturer, use "Manufactured for..." or "Distributed by...". Street address, city, state, ZIP.Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Ingredient declaration in descending order of predominance (ingredients at 1% or less may follow in any order; color additives may go last). Generally at least 1/16 inch letters (1/32 inch if labeling area is under 12 sq in).Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Fragrance and flavor can be declared as "fragrance" or "flavor".Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Required statements in English, prominent and readable, not obscured by designs.Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Warning statements when needed to prevent a health hazard, in bold type at least 1/16 inch. If safety is not substantiated, the front panel must say "Warning--The safety of this product has not been determined."Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

MoCRA: a domestic address, domestic phone number, or electronic contact (a website counts) where the responsible person can receive adverse event reports.Source: 21 U.S.C. 364e (MoCRA labeling)

MoCRA: keep records supporting adequate safety substantiation. Fragrance allergen labeling rules are still to be set by FDA, so check the FDA page.Source: FDA: MoCRA

Sold in a box or carton: the inner container also needs name of product, directions/warnings, name and place of business, and net contents on an information panel.Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Imported: state the country of origin in English (Tariff Act of 1930, cited in FDA's guide).Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Aerosol: required warning "Avoid spraying in eyes. Contents under pressure. Do not puncture or incinerate. Do not store at temperature above 120°F. Keep out of reach of children." Hydrocarbon/halocarbon propellants need a second warning, with exceptions.Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Bubble bath (foaming detergent bath product): required caution statement unless labeled for adult use only, plus directions for safe use.Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Makes drug claims (SPF, acne, dandruff, antiperspirant, etc.): list "Active Ingredient(s)" first, then cosmetic ingredients. OTC drugs need a "Drug Facts" label. Run your claims through the claim checker.Source: FDA: Is it a cosmetic, a drug, or both?

Small package (under 12 sq in of labeling area): ingredient letters may be 1/32 inch. Containers under 1/4 oz or 1/8 fl oz may be exempt from net contents if on a labeled display card or outer container.Source: FDA: Cosmetics Labeling Guide

Cosmetic label requirements checklist (US)

Your checklist