Are skin care products OTC?
Asked by: Prof. Ernesto Stroman III | Last update: September 11, 2025Score: 4.9/5 (40 votes)
Is skincare OTC?
Only a few types of skincare products fall into the OTC drug category; typically, they are sunscreens and other general skincare products. “There are many great product lines available in retail stores over the counter,” says Barbara Pestana, director, US medical sales and marketing for NeoStrata Company, Inc.
What are OTC healthcare products?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are drugs you can buy without a prescription. Some OTC medicines relieve aches, pains, and itches. Some prevent or cure diseases, like tooth decay and athlete's foot. Others help manage recurring problems, like migraines and allergies.
What is skincare considered?
Skin care or skincare is a range of practices that support skin integrity, enhance its appearance, and relieve skin conditions. They can include nutrition, avoidance of excessive sun exposure, and appropriate use of emollients.
Are cosmetics OTC?
Certain cosmetic products can be considered OTC products when they are characterized by: claims that can lead to think that the product is a drug even though it is marketed as a cosmetic item.
Medical Grade Skincare vs Over the Counter Products
What qualifies as OTC?
Refers to a medicine that can be bought without a prescription (doctor's order). Examples include analgesics (pain relievers), such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Also called nonprescription and OTC.
How do you know if a product is OTC?
Over-the-counter medicine is also known as OTC or nonprescription medicine. All these terms refer to medicine that you can buy without a prescription. They are safe and effective when you follow the directions on the label and as directed by your health care professional.
What are the classification of skincare products?
The main types of skin care products include cleansers, exfoliators, toners, serums, moisturizers, eye creams, sunscreens, lip care products, and face masks. Each product serves a specific purpose in maintaining healthy, radiant skin.
Is skin care a cosmetic product?
Most personal care, skin care, make-up and cosmetic products may be described as 'cosmetics'.
Does skincare fall under wellness?
“All of beauty technically could fall under wellness. Yes, skincare is a big piece of that from a physical product standpoint. But you could also think of fragrance as wellness.
What are examples of OTC cosmetic products?
Other products produced by cosmetic manufacturers that are considered OTC products include anti-acne, antifungal, antimicrobial, antiperspirant, anti-dandruff, external analgesic, sunscreen, skin protectants, and even toothpastes that contain fluoride.
What type of product is OTC?
OTC medicines treat a wide range of symptoms and conditions, including pain, coughs and colds, diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, acne, fungal infections, and weight management. These medications are readily available in pharmacies, grocery stores, convenience stores, and through online retailers.
What are the most common OTC products?
WHAT IS THE MOST COMMONLY USED OTC MEDICATION? The most commonly used over-the-counter medications include: Pain relievers such as acetaminophen, aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen. Medicines for heartburn and indigestion such as omeprazole, lansoprazole, cimetidine, and aluminum hydroxide.
Is CeraVe an OTC product?
Available at most major retail outlets, CeraVe dermatologist-approved skincare products are an accessible option for those who want high-quality products without a prescription.
What is OTC skin?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, creams, and lotions can be used without a doctor's prescription. Based on the problem these are sometimes effective enough to cure several skin disorders. These medicines will be more effective if taken at the early stage of skin problems.
Is skincare a medical grade?
Medical grade skin care products must have clinical research studies to back up any claims about their benefits. On the other hand, over the counter skin care products do not need to have clinical studies or research behind their claims. Medical grade skin care products have FDA oversight.
What does skincare fall under?
A personal care product can be defined as a substance or mixture of substances which is generally recognized by the public for use in daily cleansing or grooming. Depending on the ingredients and the claims of a product, a personal care product can be regulated as a cosmetic or a drug.
Is shampoo an OTC item?
Examples of OTC drug products include, sunscreen, antidandruff shampoo, acne care, and hand sanitizer. These designations are not mutually exclusive as a product can be both cosmetic and OTC when it has two or more intended uses. For example, an anti-dandruff shampoo will claim to both cleanse hair and treat dandruff.
Does the FDA regulate skin care products?
Yes. FDA regulates cosmetics under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act (FD&C Act). Under MoCRA, which expanded FDA's authority under the FD&C Act law, cosmetics must not be adulterated or misbranded.
Are skin care products considered cosmetics?
Among the products included in this definition are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, makeup, cleansing shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, and deodorants, as well as any substance intended for use as a component of a cosmetic product.
What are the 4 classifications of products?
There are four types of products and each is classified based on consumer habits, price, and product characteristics: convenience goods, shopping goods, specialty products, and unsought goods. Let's dive into each one in more detail.
What is the most trusted skin care brand?
1. SkinCeuticals. Known for high-potency and medical-grade ingredients and formulas, SkinCeuticals always ranks high on every skincare pro's best-of-the-best list. Every time this derm-approved brand announces a new product, the skincare world pays attention.
What is considered an OTC?
Refers to a medicine that can be bought without a prescription (doctor's order). Examples include analgesics (pain relievers), such as aspirin and acetaminophen. Also called nonprescription and over-the-counter.
Which are OTC products?
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are those that can be sold directly to people without a prescription. OTC medicines treat a variety of illnesses and their symptoms including pain, coughs and colds, diarrhea, constipation, acne, and others.
Is deodorant OTC approved?
Anti-perspirants/Deodorants
The anti-perspirant component still requires an approved aluminum compound as the active ingredient. Because of this, all anti-perspirant/deodorant products are considered OTC drugs and are regulated by the FDA.