Whether you’re launching a new skincare line or scaling up an existing one, skincare packaging isn’t just about looking good; it’s about meeting legal requirements. In India, the packaging and labelling of cosmetics are strictly governed by regulations to ensure consumer safety, product transparency, and ethical marketing. As a skincare brand using white label services, it’s essential to stay compliant while telling your brand story.
Understanding these laws can help you avoid legal complications, build customer trust, and sell across retail, e-commerce, or export markets with confidence.
Why Skincare Packaging Rules Matter
Every skincare product in India, whether handmade, mass-produced, or white labelled, must comply with the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, governed by the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS).
These rules cover
- Labelling requirements.
- Packaging materials and safety.
- Ingredient declaration.
- Brand identity vs manufacturer identity.
- Claims and regulatory symbols.
For white label brands, this becomes even more important because your products may be manufactured elsewhere, but your brand bears the responsibility on the label.
Mandatory Elements Required on Skincare Packaging in India
Here’s a checklist of what must appear on your packaging according to Indian law:
- Product Name.
- Net Content (weight/volume at the time of packing).
- Name and Address of the Manufacturer.
- Manufacturing Licence Number.
- Batch Number.
- Manufacturing Date (MFD) and Expiry Date.
- List of Ingredients.
- Directions for Use.
- Warnings or Cautions (if applicable).
- MRP (Maximum Retail Price).
- Customer Care Details.
- “For External Use Only” (for most cosmetics).
- Country of Origin (especially important for e-commerce).
Each of these must be clear, legible, and printed in either English or Hindi. Omitting even one can lead to penalties or rejection during inspections.
Indian Skincare Labelling Laws and White Label Products
For brands using white label packaging compliance, the rules are straightforward. While the product is manufactured by a third-party contract manufacturer, the branding and labelling are your responsibility.
Here’s how it works
- The manufacturer’s name and license must still be printed on the label.
- Your brand name can be prominently displayed as the “marketer” or “brand owner.”
- Phrases like “Marketed by” or “Packed for” followed by your company name are acceptable.
- All legal declarations (ingredients, expiry, batch code) must be based on validated data from your manufacturer.
This partnership model allows for complete brand ownership without compromising on compliance.
Packaging Compliance for Contract Manufacturing
If you’re working with a skincare contract packaging partner, ensure they:
- Follow GMP-certified filling and labelling procedures.
- Provide full ingredient lists and INCI names.
- Share valid manufacturing licenses and batch tracking records.
- Offer template support for compliant labels and cartons.
At Clean Beauty Pvt. Ltd., we provide clients with compliant label content, mandatory declarations, and ingredient breakdowns to ensure a seamless approval process, whether for offline sales or e-commerce listings.
Can My Brand Name Appear on White Label Products?
Absolutely. Under white label packaging compliance, your brand name is a key part of the label and must be shown clearly.
You can use
- Your brand name as the “product name”.
- A tagline, logo, or design as long as it doesn’t mislead.
- “Marketed by [Your Brand]” on the bottom or side panel.
- Additional symbols (cruelty-free, vegan, eco-friendly) if you can back up the claims.
However, the manufacturer’s license, batch number, and MFG/EXP details must also be present and cannot be removed or replaced.
Labelling for Sales on Online Platforms
Selling on platforms like Nykaa, Amazon, or your own website? Indian law requires that all skincare packaging details also be made available online.
Mandatory online listings must include
- Net quantity.
- MRP.
- Ingredients.
- Expiry date.
- Manufacturer’s name and address.
- Country of origin.
This means your label should be mirrored in your product descriptions or listings. Clean Beauty provides all these details at the time of dispatch, so your e-commerce setup stays legally sound.
Packaging Materials: What’s Allowed?
While there’s no strict list of banned materials, packaging must:
- Be non-toxic and non-reactive with the product.
- Protect the product from contamination or leakage.
- Maintain product stability (especially for oils, balms, and serums).
You may use
- PET bottles (for liquids and shampoos).
- Amber glass (for oils or sensitive formulations).
- HDPE jars or tubes.
- Aluminium tins for travel-friendly packaging.
Eco-conscious brands can also opt for kraft paper cartons, refill packs, and biodegradable jars, so long as they meet durability and labelling visibility standards.
How Clean Beauty Ensures Packaging Compliance
When you manufacture with Clean Beauty Pvt. Ltd., you receive
- Product-specific label templates.
- Verified ingredient disclosures.
- Barcode generation and MRP guidelines.
- Packaging material suggestions based on stability.
- Support with e-commerce and offline compliance.
We ensure your labels are clear, legal, and reflective of your brand’s story, while keeping you fully aligned with Indian skincare labelling laws.
FAQs
1. What are the mandatory elements required on cosmetic packaging in India?
Skincare packaging in India must follow the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, with required details like product name, MRP, expiry, ingredients, and caution statements. These rules ensure safety and transparency for skincare products.
2. How do Indian skincare labelling laws affect white label cosmetic products?
Indian skincare labelling laws require all private label skincare products to display manufacturer details, license number, and batch info—even under white label packaging compliance. You can brand them as “Marketed by [Your Brand Name].”
3. Are there specific packaging compliance rules for cosmetic contract packaging in India?
Yes, skincare contract packaging must follow CDSCO/BIS labelling rules including MRP, license, expiry, and safety sealing. Even with contract manufacturing, brands remain responsible for packaging compliance.
4. Can my brand name appear on products manufactured under white label packaging compliance?
Yes, your brand name and design can be used with white label packaging compliance, as long as manufacturer details are included. Custom packaging must still meet legal labelling standards.
5. What labelling details must be included when selling skincare products online in India?
Online listings must reflect all physical cosmetic packaging details—MRP, expiry, net quantity, ingredients, and manufacturer info. This applies to skincare products across all major e-commerce platforms.
6. How can a contract manufacturer help ensure compliance with Indian skincare packaging laws?
Contract manufacturing ensures compliance by offering label templates, license numbers, and ingredient lists. It simplifies legal packaging for private label skincare products and custom skincare product formulations.
