The Cosmetic Safety Program’s mission is to provide public health protection and promote the manufacture of safe cosmetics by assuring cosmetics are not adulterated, misbranded, or falsely advertised. We accomplish this through sound investigations and enforcement in accordance with state and federal laws.

Cosmetic manufacturers are not required to be registered with the department but may do so on a voluntary basis. An added benefit of voluntarily registering with the department is that any person who ships to another state or country a cosmetic manufactured or produced in this state may submit a request for the department to issue an export certificate. For additional information, please visit the Export Document Program or email us at the following address: FDBMedDevice@cdph.ca.gov.

Cosmetic and personal care products, although not covered under the National Organic Program (NOP) regulations established for food, can be labeled as “organic” or “made with organic” under California law if the cosmetic contains a minimum organic content of 70% (minus water and salt). If a cosmetic is able to meet the NOP [food] standards, the cosmetic can be certified and labeled in accordance with NOP rules. Cosmetics sold as organic cannot be labeled or advertised in a way that would lead consumers to believe they are certified organic or in compliance with NOP requirements, unless they are certified under the NOP regulations.

Organic Oversight- Laws and Regulations:

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) work cooperatively with the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to enforce the organic regulations within California. CDPH oversees processors and handlers of organic food, pet food, and cosmetics, and CDFA oversees organic agricultural production, milk and dairy food processing, meat and poultry processing, and retail organic production activities.

Organic Registration:

COPA requires every person to obtain an Organic Processed Product Registration (OPPR) from CDPH, if they process or handle processed food or cosmetics that are “sold as organic.” The term “sold as organic” means any use of the terms “organic,” “organically grown,” or like terms on any aspect of the product advertising or labeling, including on the principle display panel, information panel or in the ingredient statement.

Brokers, importers, or firms selling organic product which are produced on their behalf by a contract manufacturer or co-packer, must register under OPPR. Individuals that contract with another company to manufacture an organic product on their behalf must obtain an OPPR as a handler.

Organic Complaints:

If you would like to file a complaint regarding an organic product, please contact our toll free complaint line at (800) 495-3232.