Starting a skincare brand in India is exciting but it’s also a responsibility. From product safety to packaging transparency, skincare businesses must comply with several legal frameworks to operate smoothly and ethically. Whether you’re creating your own formulations or working with a white label products manufacturer, understanding the legal requirements is a vital part of building a sustainable and successful skincare brand.
Why Legal Compliance Matters in Skincare
Skincare isn’t just about beauty; it impacts health. That’s why the Indian government has clear rules around cosmetics manufacturing, labelling, marketing, and sales. Adhering to legal guidelines helps build customer trust, reduces the risk of penalties, and allows your brand to scale confidently.
At Clean Beauty Pvt. Ltd., we guide our clients through the entire compliance journey, from formulation to labelling, so your products stay both beautiful and legal.
Key Authorities Regulating Cosmetics in India
Before we dive into licenses and documentation, it’s important to know who’s setting the rules
- CDSCO (Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation) Regulates the manufacturing and import of cosmetics.
- BIS (Bureau of Indian Standards) Sets product quality and safety standards.
- Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940 and Rules, 1945 Governs everything from production and sale to labelling and storage of cosmetics in India.
1. Cosmetic Manufacturing License (Form 32)
This is the core license required for any unit that manufactures skincare products in India.
Who needs it?
- Contract manufacturers.
- Private label manufacturers.
- Entrepreneurs with their own production facility.
If you’re partnering with a white label products manufacturer like Clean Beauty, they already hold this license, saving you the hassle and cost of infrastructure setup.
2. Cosmetic Marketing License (Form 42)
If you plan to sell skincare products under your own brand name, but without owning a manufacturing unit, you need this license.
Why it matters
It allows you to legally market cosmetics manufactured by a third party. This is the go-to option for most white label skincare brands in India.
3. GST Registration
All businesses in India that sell goods or services must register for GST (Goods & Services Tax).
Your skincare brand will require
- A valid GSTIN (GST Identification Number).
- Monthly and annual GST filings.
This applies whether you sell online or offline.
4. Trademark Registration
Your brand name, logo, product names, and even packaging design can be protected under trademark law.
While not mandatory, registering a trademark
- Prevents copycats.
- Strengthens your brand identity.
- Helps in disputes or infringements.
At Clean Beauty, we always advise skincare founders to register their brand IP early, especially if they’re building a digital-first label.
5. Labelling Compliance
Labelling is often overlooked, but it’s one of the most common areas for legal oversight.
Mandatory elements on your product label
- Product name and category (e.g., face wash, night cream).
- Ingredient list (in descending order of concentration).
- Net weight/volume.
- Mfg date, expiry date, batch number.
- MRP.
- Manufacturer and marketer details.
- “For external use only” (if applicable).
- Country of origin (for imported products).
Failure to include these can lead to product recalls or penalties under the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules.
Clean Beauty provides ready-to-use ingredient documentation and helps partners create legally compliant labels from day one.
6. BIS Standards for Specific Products
Some skincare products fall under specific Indian Standards (IS) codes issued by BIS.
For example
- IS 6608 Shampoo.
- IS 7123 Cold creams.
- IS 14318 Skin toners.
Your manufacturer should be familiar with these standards, especially when scaling into modern trade or retail spaces.
7. FSSAI License (for Cosmeceuticals or Edible Skincare)
If your brand includes edible skincare (like lip scrubs or ingestible beauty supplements), an FSSAI license is mandatory. These products straddle the line between cosmetic and food and are regulated separately under food safety laws.
8. E-Commerce Guidelines and Barcodes
Selling online? You’ll need
- Legal metrology registration for weights and measures.
- Barcodes (EAN/UPC) for each SKU.
- Compliance with marketplace rules (Amazon, Nykaa, etc.).
Platforms often ask for MRP compliance, shelf-life proof, and brand authorisation certificates before onboarding.
9. Environment & Packaging Compliance
India’s EPR (Extended Producer Responsibility) rules require brands to take accountability for plastic waste.
If you’re using plastic packaging
- You may need to register under CPCB (Central Pollution Control Board).
- Work with certified recyclers for post-consumer waste.
Clean Beauty offers sustainable packaging options to help brands meet EPR targets without compromising aesthetics.
10. Import & Export Compliance
Planning to import skincare ingredients or export finished products?
You’ll need
- Import-Export Code (IEC) from DGFT.
- Customs documentation.
- Certificate of free sale.
- Ingredient declarations for different geographies.
Experienced manufacturers like Clean Beauty often support export-ready documentation for brands looking to scale internationally.
Skincare Brand Legal Checklist
Here’s a simplified legal checklist for launching a compliant skincare brand in India
- Form 42 (Marketing License).
- Trademark Registration.
- GST Registration.
- Legal product labels.
- E-commerce compliance.
- FSSAI license (if edible).
- Environmental packaging compliance.
- BIS standards (as applicable).
- Manufacturer’s Form 32.
- Import/export licenses (if applicable).
Save this checklist, it’s your blueprint for building a brand that’s beautiful, reliable, and lawful.
Working with a White Label Manufacturer Makes Compliance Easier
Partnering with a reputable white label products manufacturer not only saves time but also simplifies the entire compliance process.
At Clean Beauty, we
- Already hold key manufacturing licenses.
- Offer clear ingredient documentation.
- Help with compliant packaging and labelling.
- Guide founders through regulatory best practices.
This lets you focus on building your brand, while we ensure your products stay regulation-ready.
Final Thoughts
Legal requirements can seem intimidating, but they’re simply guardrails to keep your brand authentic, transparent, and trusted. If you’re planning to launch a skincare label in India in 2025, don’t ignore the fine print.
Get support early, ask questions often, and choose manufacturing partners who care about your long-term growth, not just short-term orders.
Need help getting started? Clean Beauty is here to support you with every step of your compliance journey, casually, clearly, and with zero jargon.
FAQs
1. What are the basic legal requirements to start a skincare brand in India?
You’ll need a Form 42 cosmetic marketing license, GST registration, legally compliant labels, and packaging that meets Indian regulations. If using a third-party manufacturer, ensure they hold a Form 32 license.
2. Do I need a license to sell white label skincare products in India?
Yes. You’ll need a Form 42 marketing license to legally sell products under your own brand name, even if they’re manufactured by a licensed third-party like Clean Beauty.
3. What is included in a skincare brand’s legal checklist for Indian businesses?
Key items include Form 42 license, GST registration, trademark registration, legal labelling, BIS standards (where applicable), and packaging compliance under Indian cosmetic law.
4. Are there specific compliance rules for manufacturing skincare products in India?
Yes. All manufacturing units must hold a Form 32 license and follow BIS and CDSCO standards. Ingredient safety, testing, and batch traceability are also required.
5. How can I ensure my skincare business meets all legal and regulatory requirements?
Work with a knowledgeable white label manufacturer, use compliance checklists, get expert help for licensing, and stay updated with CDSCO and BIS notifications.
6. Can a white label products manufacturer help with skincare business compliance in India?
Absolutely. Trusted manufacturers like Clean Beauty guide you through the compliance process, offering licensed formulations, compliant packaging, and ingredient documentation to help your brand stay regulation-ready.
