Health Canada Cosmetics Rules: Claims and Ingredients for Online Sellers
Cosmetics sold in Canada are regulated under the Food and Drugs Act and the Cosmetic Regulations. Therapeutic claims, SPF language, and missing ingredient lists are the most common compliance failures in online listings. Health Canada enforces compliance through stop-sale orders, product seizures, recalls, and criminal prosecution under the Food and Drugs Act.
NPN requirement for natural health products
Natural health products (NHPs) — including vitamins, minerals, herbal remedies, probiotics, and homeopathic medicines — sold in Canada must carry a Natural Product Number (NPN) or DIN-HM issued by Health Canada. Selling an NHP without a product licence is illegal under the Natural Health Products Regulations.
The NPN confirms that the product has been assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality. It must appear on the product label and should be visible in the online listing so buyers can verify the licence before purchase.
Therapeutic claims on cosmetics
In Canada, cosmetics may only make cosmetic claims — cleansing, beautifying, or altering appearance. The moment a claim implies treatment of a medical condition ("treats acne," "heals eczema," "reduces wrinkles"), the product is reclassified as a drug or NHP and requires a DIN or NPN before it can be legally sold.
SPF and UV protection claims also reclassify a cosmetic as a drug. A moisturizer claiming "SPF 30" must be licensed under Health Canada's Sunscreen Monograph and carry an NPN. Use cosmetic-safe language such as "helps improve the appearance of" or "for the temporary relief of dry skin."
Ingredient disclosure
Cosmetics sold in Canada must list all ingredients using INCI nomenclature, in descending order of concentration, under the Cosmetic Regulations. NHPs must disclose both medicinal ingredients (with quantities per dosage unit) and non-medicinal ingredients.
Incomplete or missing ingredient lists are a common compliance failure in online listings. Make the full ingredient list visible in the product description — not only on the physical packaging.
Common mistakes in Canadian cosmetic listings
The most frequent compliance failures are: (1) making therapeutic claims like "treats acne" or "heals eczema" which reclassify the product as a drug, (2) including SPF or UV protection claims without an NPN under the Sunscreen Monograph, (3) using drug-like language such as "antibacterial" or "anti-inflammatory," and (4) omitting the full INCI ingredient list.
Replace therapeutic language with cosmetic-safe alternatives: "helps improve the appearance of" instead of "treats," and "cleansing" instead of "antibacterial." If your product genuinely treats a condition, obtain an NPN or DIN before selling in Canada.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an NPN and do I need one?
A Natural Product Number (NPN) is a licence issued by Health Canada confirming that a natural health product has been assessed for safety, efficacy, and quality. Any NHP sold in Canada — including online — must carry one.
Can I sell a cosmetic with SPF claims in Canada?
Only if it carries an NPN. SPF and UV protection claims reclassify a cosmetic as a drug under Health Canada's rules. The product must be licensed under the Sunscreen Monograph before making those claims.
What happens if Health Canada finds my product non-compliant?
Health Canada can issue stop-sale orders, seize products, issue public recalls, and pursue criminal prosecution under the Food and Drugs Act. Online marketplaces also remove listings flagged by Health Canada.
What language is safe for cosmetic claims in Canada?
Use cosmetic-effect language — cleansing, beautifying, altering appearance. Avoid treatment language like "treats," "heals," "cures," or "anti-[condition]." "Helps improve the appearance of" is generally safe; "treats" is not.
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