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What are the legal requirements for cosmetic packaging?

Creating cosmetic products isn’t just about beautiful design and standout branding — it’s also about compliance. Every cosmetic brand selling in the U.S. must follow specific packaging and labeling requirements to meet FDA cosmetic packaging regulations and ensure consumer safety.

Understanding these cosmetic packaging requirements is essential for avoiding costly recalls, legal issues, or consumer mistrust. Below, we’ll outline the key rules and best practices every cosmetic brand should know before going to market.

Why Cosmetic Packaging Regulations Matter

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversees cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). While the FDA doesn’t pre-approve cosmetic packaging, it does require that all packaging and labeling be truthful, not misleading, and safe for consumer use.

Proper labeling and packaging protect both your brand and your customers by:

  • Ensuring ingredient transparency

  • Preventing contamination or tampering

  • Building trust through compliance and consistency

1. Include Required Information on the Principal Display Panel

The Principal Display Panel (PDP) is the part of your packaging most visible to consumers. According to FDA guidelines, it must include:

  • Product identity – what the product is (e.g., “Moisturizing Cream”)

  • Net quantity of contents – the amount of product in the package (in weight, volume, or numerical count)

This information must be clearly visible, easy to read, and in the correct font size relative to your packaging dimensions.

2. Follow Cosmetic Labeling Requirements (U.S. Regulations)

Beyond the PDP, the rest of your cosmetic packaging must include several other key details:

  • Ingredient declaration – listed in descending order of predominance by weight.

  • Manufacturer, packer, or distributor name and address – so consumers can contact the responsible party.

  • Warning statements – required if the product could be unsafe if misused.

  • Directions for safe use, where applicable.

If your brand also sells products with therapeutic claims (e.g., “treats acne” or “heals eczema”), those products may be classified as drugs, not cosmetics, and must follow drug labeling requirements instead.

For more details on labeling rules, see our guide on What Is Cosmetic Packaging Labeling?

3. Use Safe and Suitable Packaging Materials

While there are no specific FDA lists for “approved” cosmetic packaging materials, the packaging must be safe for its intended use and must not contaminate or react with the product inside.

That means avoiding materials that:

  • Leach harmful substances into the formula

  • Interact chemically with active ingredients

  • Fail under normal storage or transportation conditions

Recyclable plastics (like PET and PP), glass, and aluminum are commonly used in compliant packaging because they’re durable, stable, and widely accepted in the industry.

4. Ensure Tamper-Evident and Functional Design

Safety seals and tamper-evident features are critical for cosmetics sold at retail. While not always mandatory, they are strongly recommended for consumer confidence and product integrity.

You should also verify that your packaging:

  • Dispenses product cleanly and consistently

  • Protects the contents from contamination

  • Is durable enough for shipping and handling

5. Maintain Accurate and Truthful Claims

Cosmetic packaging often features claims like “organic,” “natural,” or “dermatologist tested.” These statements must be truthful and substantiated. Misleading or exaggerated claims can result in warning letters or product seizures from the FDA or FTC.

When in doubt, avoid absolute or medical-style claims and stick to descriptive, verifiable language that highlights your product’s benefits without crossing into “drug claim” territory.

6. Keep Records and Stay Updated on Regulations

The FDA periodically updates cosmetic regulations, especially under the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act (MoCRA). Brands should keep records of product formulations, supplier documentation, and labeling proofs in case of inspection.

Staying informed and proactive about compliance helps you adapt quickly to new requirements and maintain your brand’s reputation.

Sustainable and Compliant Packaging Solutions

Meeting legal requirements doesn’t mean compromising on design or sustainability. At CPN, our cosmetic packaging options are made from high-quality, compliant materials like PET, PP, glass, and airless systems that help maintain product safety and shelf life.

We make it easy to choose ready-to-label, FDA-compliant packaging that fits your brand’s style and sustainability goals, no guesswork required.

Explore our full range of compliant cosmetic packaging solutions to get started.