Cosmetic or Biocidal Product? Differences, Definitions and Application Areas

Are hand sanitizers for sale considered cosmetic or biocidal? What is the difference?

Cosmetics or Biocidal?

Cosmetic Products:

- Definition: Products used to beautify, protect or improve the external surface of the human body (skin, hair, nails, lips).
- Objective: Aesthetics, cleanliness and care.
- Examples: Moisturizers, shampoos, make-up products, perfumes.
- Regulations: Cosmetic products are assessed in the European Union under Regulation EC 1223/2009 and are subject to dermatological safety testing.

Biocidal Products:

- Definition: Products used to destroy, control or prevent the harmful effects of microorganisms.
- Objective: Hygiene, disinfection and control of harmful microorganisms.
- Examples: Disinfectants, hand sanitizers, surface cleaners, pest control products.
- Regulations: Biocidal products are assessed under Regulation EU 528/2012 and must pass efficacy tests.

Depending on the active substance content or intended use, hand sanitizers can be considered as biocidal products or cosmetic products.

Differences

Kriter	Cosmetic Product	Biocidal Product
Purpose	Aesthetics and care	Hygiene and microorganism control
Editing	EC 1223/2009 (Cosmetics Regulation)	EU 528/2012 (Biocidal Product Regulation)
Test Process	Dermatological safety	Efficacy and toxicological analysis
Example Usage	Skin care, makeup, hair care	Disinfection, microorganism destroying products

What are the main differences between biocidal and cosmetic product categories?

Cosmetic products are all substances or mixtures prepared for application to the external parts of the human body; epidermis, nails, hair, hair, hair, lips and external genital organs or teeth and oral mucosa, the sole or main purpose of which is to clean, fragrance, change the appearance of these parts, protect them, keep them in good condition or correct body odors.

Therefore, if the product is specified as a hand cleaning product, it falls within the scope of cosmetic legislation.

However, if this product contains active substances and is offered for sale with claims such as “Antibacterial, Disinfectant, Effective Against Coronavirus”, it is classified as a biocidal product.

Products classified as biocidal products must comply with the Biocidal Product Regulation in order to be legally commercialized. After the necessary licensing and inspection procedures, hand cleaning products are classified as biocidal products.

Nano-lab Laboratories Group continues to provide services within the scope of Cosmetic and Biocidal Product Analysis.

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