Veterinary Cosmetics – Animal Grooming Aids

The term “cosmetic” is not recognized for veterinary products or retail animal products.  The term cosmetic as defined in the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act), is limited to products which are for human cleansing, altering appearance or beautifying appearance.   Products which are labeled solely for animal cleansing and/or beautifying are often termed “grooming aids” instead of animal cosmetics.  So long as products used for animal cleansing and/or beautifying are not misbranded, then these products are not subject to the FD&C Act and fall outside the regulation of the FDA.

Exceptions:

Animal Grooming Aids as Drugs: if an animal grooming aid is intended to cure, mitigate, treat or prevent a disease in animals or affect the structure or function of the body of the animal, the product would likely be considered a veterinary drug.  Companies should ensure their animal grooming aid (animal cosmetic) products make the appropriate statements and do not contain labeling language which could violate the FD&C Act.

Animal Grooming Aids as Pesticides: If an animal grooming aid contains insecticides or ingredients which kill or repel fleas, ticks, and other pests, then the animal grooming aid may be considered a “pesticide” and fall under the regulation of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Examples

animal cosmetics

  • Veterinary shampoos
  • Veterinary conditioners
  • Veterinary lotions