Cosmetics and Medicated Cosmetics Are Classified Differently Under the Law | About Categories

Even lotions displayed on the same shelf may fall under different legal categories. Whether it says “medicated” is the dividing line.

Three categories

The PMD Act broadly divides products in this area into “pharmaceuticals,” “quasi-drugs,” and “cosmetics.” Skincare products are related to the latter two.

• Cosmetics -- Products used for purposes such as cleansing and beautifying the body, with mild action on the human body.
• Quasi-drugs -- Products containing ingredients with recognized specific actions (active ingredients) and approved by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare. In the skincare field, they are also called “medicated cosmetics.”

Whether there is approval determines many things

Quasi-drugs require approval by the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare for each product item. General cosmetics, on the other hand, do not require approval for each item except when they contain certain ingredients. This difference also connects to the range of wording that can be displayed. Quasi-drugs can display effects within the scope corresponding to their approved active ingredients. The scope that cosmetics can state is the specified 56 items in total.

Ingredient labeling is handled differently too

Full ingredient labeling is a legal obligation for cosmetics under the PMD Act. For quasi-drugs, ingredients are displayed based on voluntary standards set by industry associations. Even if ingredients are listed in a similar way, the basis is different.

This is not about one being above or below the other. If the legal position is different, the way to check it also changes. That is all.

References: Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Japan Cosmetic Industry Association

—The Value Village Editorial Team