Is shampoo an OTC item?
Asked by: Prof. Khalid Funk | Last update: October 28, 2025Score: 4.4/5 (71 votes)
Is shampoo considered OTC?
These products are then considered both a cosmetic and an OTC drug, and must comply with the regulatory requirements of both categories. A simple example of this is the intended use of shampoo. Shampoo is considered a cosmetic because of its intended use to cleanse hair.
What is OTC shampoo?
Our OTC medicated shampoo for seborrheic dermatitis is an OTC, Over The Counter medicated shampoo that is safe enough to be purchased without a doctors prescription.
What products are considered OTC?
- Pain relievers and fever control medicine (e.g., acetaminophen, ibuprofen)
- Decongestants (e.g., Sudafed*)
- Expectorant (e.g., Mucinex, Robitussin)
- Antihistamines (e.g., Benadryl)
- Saline nasal spray.
- Cough drops.
What is an OTC cosmetic product?
OTC Cosmetic:
“Articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled, or sprayed on, introduced into, or otherwise applied to the human body…for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness, or altering the appearance without affecting the body's structure or function.” [FD&C Act, sec.
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Is shampoo considered a cosmetic?
Some "personal care products" meet the definitions of both cosmetics and drugs. This may happen when a product has two intended uses. For example, a shampoo is a cosmetic because its intended use is to cleanse the hair. An antidandruff treatment is a drug because its intended use is to treat dandruff.
What are examples of OTC cosmetics?
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 are 5 examples of OTC?
- Acetaminophen.
- Ibuprofen.
- Fexofenadine.
- Loratadine.
- Hydrocortisone creams.
- Dextromethorphan.
- Pseudoephedrine.
- Bismuth subsalicylate.
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.
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 is OTC hair treatment?
Medications to treat hair loss
These products are usually topical and come in forms like a cream, lotion or shampoo. Common ingredients in OTC hair loss treatment products include: Biotin. Zinc. Collagen.
What is medical shampoo?
Unlike ordinary shampoos that contain only cleansing agents, medicated shampoos contain drugs that treat skin conditions. Just as you might apply hydrocortisone cream to a skin rash on your arm, you can apply medicated shampoo to your scalp to reduce inflammation and calm itchiness.
Is Selsun an OTC?
Selsun blue® have a range of anti-dandruff shampoos, some of which are medicated, that are available without prescription.
What is classified 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 over-the-counter.
Is body wash covered by OTC card?
Skin moisturizers and cleansing products are ineligible (dual-purpose). Laxatives (non-fiber) Dulcolax, Ex-Lax, Miralax Stimulant, saline, lubricant, etc. (non-fiber) are eligible. Motion Sickness Dramamine, Bonine Acupressure products are eligible.
Is toothpaste OTC?
Toothpastes are pastes, powders, liquids, or other preparations intended for cleaning the teeth. If the product is also intended to prevent the formation of cavities (carries), then it is regulated by the Food and Drug Administration as an Over-The-Counter (OTC) drug.
Does an OTC card cover shampoo?
OTC items are not eligible for reimbursement if they are normally used for general health, are not used to treat a medical condition (e.g. toothpaste, mouthwash, lotion, shampoo) or are cosmetic in nature (e.g. teeth whitening products, wrinkle reducers). See additional examples in the OTC Chart.
What is covered under OTC?
What is covered under your OTC allowance? Eligible products include OTC remedies or medicines to alleviate or treat illness or injury, dental care products, eye and ear care products, and incontinence supplies (adult diapers). These products do not require a prescription from a health care provider.
Is shampoo regulated by the FDA?
Products intended to cleanse or beautify are generally regulated as cosmetics. Some examples are skin moisturizers, perfumes, lipsticks, fingernail polishes, makeup, shampoos, permanent waves, hair colors, toothpastes, and deodorants.
Are bandaids considered OTC?
OTC products that are not medicines or drugs (such as sunscreen, bandages or contact lens solution), and are purchased to alleviate or treat a medical condition are also eligible items for reimbursement.
Which are OTC 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 the most popular OTC?
Patients and methods: A cross-sectional survey-based study was conducted on 442 participants who used OTC drugs from June to November 2021. Results: The most common OTC drugs used by patients involved in the study were paracetamol (13.35%), followed by ibuprofen (2.04%).
Are hair products cosmetics?
The common term makeup refers to cosmetics such as foundation, eye shadow, mascara, and lipstick. Products for hair coloring, straightening, cleansing, or styling are considered cosmetics. Other cosmetics may include nail polish, body wash, moisturizers, and perfumes.
What comes under OTC?
Over-the-counter (OTC) markets are those in which participants trade directly, without a central exchange or other third party. OTC markets do not have physical locations or market-makers. Some of the products most commonly traded OTC include stocks, bonds, derivatives, and currencies.
Is toothpaste a medical device?
However, there are some toothpastes that are medicinal products — for example if they have a very high fluoride content. If you pick up a tube of toothpaste and want to check if it is a medical device, look on the label and see if it is CE marked (or UKCA marked).