Cosmetics

Cosmetics are items that are designed to alter the appearance or enhance the attractiveness of a person. These items are governed under the federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act of 1938 and the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Law (LSA R.S. 40: 601 et seq.). Soap is specifically excluded from the regulatory definition of human cosmetic products. Wholesale manufacturers or distributors of cosmetic products in the state of Louisiana are required to be permitted by the Food and Drug Unit.

As of FY 2026, the Food and Drug Unit is no longer registering cosmetic products for humans, in accordance with the relevant provisions of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022. The latter has pre-empted Louisiana's statutory and regulatory requirement to register cosmetic products. 

Resources

• FDA Guide to Cosmetic Labelling
• SPECIAL NOTE:
  With the passage of the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022, FDA has ceased accepting submissions to its Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program. In the near future, cosmetics manufacturers will be required to register their facilities with the federal Food and Drug Administration and provide specific information regarding products and ingredients to that agency. This page will be updated as FDA provides additional guidance to regulators and industry.

For more info, contact the Food & Drug Program at 225-342-7533.