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NEW DELHI: Amid the booming market for skin-enhancing and anti-ageing procedures, the Centre has said cosmetic products cannot be injected into the body or promoted as treatment, drawing a clear line between beauty products and medical interventions.In a public notice issued on May 18, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) said products supplied in injectable form do not qualify as cosmetics under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. “No cosmetic is permitted to be used as injection by consumer/professionals/aesthetic clinics,” the notice, issued by Drugs Controller General of India Dr Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi, stated. The move comes amid the growing popularity of injectable aesthetic procedures offered by beauty clinics and cosmetic centres, including products marketed for skin brightening, anti-ageing and facial enhancement.Dr Kabir Sardana from the dermatology department of RMl hospital said many injectable cosmetic procedures use chemicals whose benefits are not scientifically proven, especially for conditions that often do not require injections. Referring to mesotherapy and injections promoted for melasma, he said most are not approved by the US FDA and are being used off-label. He said such procedures can cause side effects, including atypical mycobacterial infections, local reactions, while adding to patients’ financial burden. The regulator said cosmetics are legally intended only for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering appearance, and cannot be used for treatment by professionals or individuals.CDSCO also flagged misleading advertisements and false claims by companies. It said use of prohibited ingredients, treatment claims and injectable application of cosmetic products would amount to violations under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Cosmetics Rules, 2020.The regulator has asked consumers, healthcare professionals and manufacturers to report violations to CDSCO and state licensing authorities.
