What are examples of OTC cosmetic products?
Asked by: Miss Joelle Corkery MD | Last update: June 5, 2025Score: 4.7/5 (7 votes)
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.
What are OTC products with examples?
- Acetaminophen.
- Ibuprofen.
- Fexofenadine.
- Loratadine.
- Hydrocortisone creams.
- Dextromethorphan.
- Pseudoephedrine.
- Bismuth subsalicylate.
What are OTC skincare products?
OTC stands for "over-the-counter," which refers to products that are available without a prescription. These products are regulated by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the U.S. and contain active ingredients that are recognized for their effectiveness in treating specific skin conditions.
What are the 3 examples of cosmetic products?
Cosmetics include beauty preparations (make-up, perfume, skin cream, nail polish) and grooming aids (soap, shampoo, shaving cream, deodorant).
When Will FDA Likely Regulate Your Product as an OTC Drug and Not a Cosmetic?
Is soap considered cosmetic?
How it's intended to be used: To be regulated as soap, it must be labeled and marketed only for use as soap. If it is intended for purposes such as moisturizing the skin, making the user smell nice, or deodorizing the user's body, it's a cosmetic.
Is deodorant a cosmetic?
In the United States, deodorants are classified and regulated as cosmetics by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are designed to eliminate odor. Deodorants are often alcohol-based. Alcohol initially stimulates sweating but may also temporarily kill bacteria.
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 difference between OTC and cosmetic products?
The primary difference between the designations of cosmetics and OTC (over-the-counter drugs) is the intended use of the product, based on the brand's claims, consumer perception and ingredients.
What are US OTC brands?
- Advil.
- Claritin.
- Differin.
- Excedrin Migraine.
- Gaviscon.
- Imodium.
- MiraLAX.
- Motrin IB.
What is an OTC example?
Examples of over-the-counter stocks and securities include derivatives (especially non-standardized), foreign currency, ADRs, and new issues.
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 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 the most common OTC products?
- Fever reducers. ...
- Antacids and acid reducers. ...
- Cough and sore throat pills, syrups, and lozenges. ...
- Motion sickness pills. ...
- OTC sleep aids. ...
- Urinary pain relief pills. ...
- Bladder control patches. ...
- OTC water pills.
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.
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.
Are skin care products OTC?
Prescription skincare products are FDA approved, are backed by rigorous science, and must be prescribed by a licensed physician. Medical-grade skincare is a marketing term used to promote certain OTC products, and many are backed by clinical studies and adhere to FDA standards, but they don't require a prescription.
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.
What falls under 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 OTC cream?
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.
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.
Is lotion considered a cosmetic?
While true soap does not require labeling (as long as no health or beauty claims are made), lotions and lip balms are considered by the FDA to be cosmetics and proper labeling is required.
Is toothpaste considered a cosmetic?
Intended Use
Toothpaste are drugs if they contain fluoride, are intended to prevent or lessen diseases like tooth decay or affect the structure of the body or how it functions. Toothpaste that does not contain fluoride and that claims only to cleanse teeth are considered cosmetics.
Is chapstick a cosmetic?
Chapstick (lip balm) is not makeup because it's not intended to change a person's appearance or even be noticeable. It's a personal care product in the same catagory as skin lotion. Lip gloss would be considered makeup (cosmetics) because its purpose is to enhance the wearer's appearance.