A cosmetic product is defined as any substance or preparation that is intended to be placed in contact with the various external parts of the human body (epidermis, hair system, nails, lips, eyes and external genital organs) or with the teeth and the mucous membranes of the oral cavity with a view exclusively or mainly to cleaning them, perfuming them, changing their appearance, correcting body odours, protecting them or keeping them in good condition. Cosmetic products include skincare products, make-up colours, bath and shower preparations.

Under the Health Products Act, companies or individuals who intend to sell or supply a cosmetic product in Singapore are required to notify the HSA prior to selling or supplying the product in the local market. They are also required to comply with the requirements under the ASEAN Cosmetic Directive. Furthermore, keeping records on the supply of the cosmetic product is also a requirement for them. The record shall contain information on the name and notification number of the product, name and address of person supplied, and the batch number, date and quantity of product supplied. The records should be kept for 2 years after the date of supply.

The companies or individuals shall use the online Pharmaceutical Regulatory Information System (PRISM) system for notification. Acknowledgement of the notification from HSA must be received before the product can be marketed. Subsequent retention of the notification (renotification) is required every year if the cosmetic product continues to be supplied in the market.

Notification is not required if:

• a cosmetic product that is supplied solely as a sample in connection with any advertising, sponsorship or promotional activity; or
• a cosmetic product that is supplied solely for testing or trial use in connection with any research or development of that product; or
• a cosmetic product that is manufactured by or in accordance with the specifications of a medical practitioner, and supplied solely by that medical practitioner for the use of patients under his care.

Nonetheless, compliance with other requirements such as labeling, safety of ingredients and adverse event reporting is still required.