Do Home-Based Beauty Brands Need a Cosmetic License in India?
The "clean beauty" movement has motivated numerous people to start their own handmade skincare businesses in their homes. Nevertheless, a significant legal shift is needed to transform a hobby into a brand. Regulatory gaze is stiffer than ever in 2026, so it is necessary to learn whether your startup needs a Cosmetic License in India.
LegalRaasta offers professional advice on how to get cosmetic approvals to guarantee that your home-based beauty brands comply with the law.
Understanding the Cosmetic License in India for Small Businesses
It is the thought among countless founders that small "handmade" batches somehow do not fall under the law. The legal reality is just the opposite:
1. Legal Definition: In the Drugs and Cosmetics Act 1940, any beauty product that is commercially sold is a "cosmetic".
2. Commercial Intent: After selling a product in the market, you are required to have a Cosmetic Selling License in India.
3. Market Access: E-commerce websites such as Amazon will insist on the legitimate license before listing your products.
Can You Legally Manufacture Cosmetics at Home?
Although you can also formulate at home, a Home-Based Beauty Brand License in a residential kitchen is not normally given. The State FDA Cosmetic License India needs:
1. Dedicated Space: The production should be carried out in a separate space and not be mixed with residential premises.
2. Schedule M-II Compliance: The facility has to comply with certain standards of hygiene, ventilation, and drainage.
3. Industrial Zoning: The premises should generally be situated in a recognized commercial or industrial estate.
Pathways to Compliance: Cosmetic License Registration Online
When you do not have a home that can accommodate a factory, there are two major routes available through the cosmetic license registration online portal:
1. Own Manufacturing License (Form COS-8): For setting up a small-scale, dedicated commercial unit.
2. Loan License (Form COS-9): This is a popular option where you call on the infrastructure of a licensed facility of the third party to produce your brand.
3. Digital Filing: Filing has also been handled through the CDSCO Cosmetic License SUGAM portal, which deals with applications fast.
Technical and Labeling Requirements
To obtain your license, you will have to ensure that your brand is subject to strict technical requirements:
1. Technical Staff: You need to have a "capable technical individual" on board (Pharmacy or Chemistry graduate) to supervise production.
2. Compliance Labels: The Maximum Retail Price (MRP), batch number, expiry date, and the license number should be on the labels.
Conclusion
The creativity and strict legal compliance have to be balanced to transition passion into a business. A Cosmetic License in India is not merely a legal hurdle; it is a brand that is a stamp of excellence and one that instills confidence in the consumer. Neglecting these regulations may get your business closed down before you have even started. Get down to business, creating a reliable brand of beauty by opting to collaborate with LegalRaasta to have a flawless and hassle-free experience during the cosmetic license registration process.

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