Australia legally classifies beauty products into two categories: cosmetics and therapeutic goods. The regulations governing each category differ greatly.

A 'cosmetic' is a substance or preparation that is for use on any external part of the human body—or inside the mouth—to change its appearance, cleanse it, keep it in good condition, perfume it or protect it.

Examples of cosmetics:

1. These examples are not exhaustive. Omission from the list does not necessarily mean that a product is not classified as a cosmetic.
2. Click the official link to determine if your product is a cosmetic.

The difference between therapeutic goods and cosmetics is not always clear. The main factors in determining whether a product is a cosmetic or a therapeutic good are:

• its ingredients
• the route of administration
• if therapeutic claims are made on its label, or in advertising

Cosmetics in Australia are classified as industrial chemicals. “National Industrial Chemicals Notification and Assessment Scheme (NICNAS)” is responsible for managing industrial chemicals (cosmetics) and Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) regulates the product safety and cosmetic labelling standards.

Therapeutic goods are managed by Therapeutic Goods Administration. TGA is responsible for formulating and implementing the regulations concerning registration of sponsors, advertising, labelling and manufacturing of therapeutic goods.