. NEW DELHI: Amid the booming market for skin-enhancing and anti-ageing procedures, the Centre has said cosmetic products cannot be injected into the body or promoted as treatment, drawing a clear line between beauty products and medical interventions.In a public notice issued on May 18, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said products supplied in injectable form do not qualify as cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. “No cosmetic is permitted to be used as injection by consumer/professionals/aesthetic clinics,” the notice, issued by Drugs Controller General of India Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, stated. The move comes amid the growing popularity of injectable aesthetic procedures offered by beauty clinics and cosmetic centres, including products marketed for skin brightening, anti-ageing and facial enhancement.Dr Kabir Sardana from the dermatology department of RMl hospital said many injectable cosmetic procedures use chemicals whose benefits are not scientifically proven, especially for conditions that often do not require injections. Referring to mesotherapy and injections promoted for melasma, he said most are not approved by the US FDA and are being used off-label. He said such procedures can cause side effects, including atypical mycobacterial infections, local reactions, while adding to patients’ financial burden.The regulator said cosmetics are legally intended only for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance, and cannot be used for treatment by professionals or individuals.CDSCO also flagged misleading advertisements and false claims by companies. It said use of prohibited ingredients, treatment claims and injectable application of cosmetic products would amount to violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Cosmetics Rules, 2020.The regulator has asked consumers, healthcare professionals and manufacturers to report violations to CDSCO and state licensing authorities.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosTMC Faces Double Setback As MLAs Skip Protest And Councillors Resign In Two MunicipalitiesSTORY FALTA REPOLL BEGINSTMC Alleges Post-Poll Violence, Harassment Of Workers During Kolkata ProtestModi-Meloni Talks Boost India-Italy Defence, IMEC And Technology CooperationModi-Meloni Talks Boost India-Italy Defence, IMEC And Technology Cooperation’India Won’t Tolerate Any Form Of Nuclear Blackmail’: Rajnath Singh In South KoreaWho Is Ryan Williams? Footballer Who Gave Up Australian Citizenship To Play For IndiaCongress To Join Tamil Nadu Cabinet After 59 Years As Vijay Expands TVK GovernmentIndia, Italy Elevate Ties; PM Modi’s ‘Melody’ Gift To Meloni Goes Viral | Headlines@9Parle Industries Shares Jump 5% After Modi-Meloni’s ‘Melody’ Moment, But There’s A Catch123Photostories7 foods to always keep in the freezer and why7 shower design mistakes you must avoid before building your bathroomGiorgia Meloni’s power-dressing era is just impossible to ignoreThe hidden health risks of sitting on the toilet too long and why doctors want you to stop scrolling thereMost inspiring Mother Teresa quotes about humanity and compassionIndian gardeners are using old buckets, paint cans, and rice bags to grow foodArt quote of the day by Oscar Wilde: “God and other artists are always a little obscure”The body check: What dry, cracked heels can say about diabetes, thyroid, and healthThought of the day inspired by the Bhagavad Gita: “Sometimes surrender is greater than control.”From turmeric to aloe vera: 5 most Googled Indian beauty ingredients of 2026123Hot PicksBandra demolition driveUS Iran warIndian rupeeGold rate todayDelhi-NCR Taxi-Auto StrikeElon MuskGhaziabad Pacific Mall fireTop TrendingVande MataramTwisha SharmaIPL Playoff RaceTN Results 2026Odisha 12th ResultsIPL 2026IPL Orange Cap 2026India VS Afghanistan Squad AnnouncementMHT CET Result DateJahangir Khan
NEW DELHI: Amid the booming market for skin-enhancing and anti-ageing procedures, the Centre has said cosmetic products cannot be injected into the body or promoted as treatment, drawing a clear line between beauty products and medical interventions.In a public notice issued on May 18, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said products supplied in injectable form do not qualify as cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. “No cosmetic is permitted to be used as injection by consumer/professionals/aesthetic clinics,” the notice, issued by Drugs Controller General of India Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, stated. The move comes amid the growing popularity of injectable aesthetic procedures offered by beauty clinics and cosmetic centres, including products marketed for skin brightening, anti-ageing and facial enhancement.Dr Kabir Sardana from the dermatology department of RMl hospital said many injectable cosmetic procedures use chemicals whose benefits are not scientifically proven, especially for conditions that often do not require injections. Referring to mesotherapy and injections promoted for melasma, he said most are not approved by the US FDA and are being used off-label. He said such procedures can cause side effects, including atypical mycobacterial infections, local reactions, while adding to patients’ financial burden.The regulator said cosmetics are legally intended only for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance, and cannot be used for treatment by professionals or individuals.CDSCO also flagged misleading advertisements and false claims by companies. It said use of prohibited ingredients, treatment claims and injectable application of cosmetic products would amount to violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Cosmetics Rules, 2020.The regulator has asked consumers, healthcare professionals and manufacturers to report violations to CDSCO and state licensing authorities.