Excluded animal cosmetic products – acceptable cosmetic messages

This section provides details on excluded animal cosmetic products and the messages that can be used with each type of product without the need for them to be registered by the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA).

Acceptable messages clearly illustrate that a product is cosmetic in nature. If the claims are not acceptable then the product is not considered to be a cosmetic product and will therefore require registration.

Skin, coat, hair and fur products

Shampoos and conditioners

Acceptable cosmetic messages (for products that do not require registration)

• Cleans, washes or conditions skin, coat, hair or fur
• Removes loose dandruff (flakes)
• Adds body to hair or fur; helps make hair or fur look fuller
• Revitalises coat appearance; adds shine to coat; promotes lustre

Acceptable claims (for products that do require registration as a veterinary product)

• Are medicated, antimicrobial, insecticidal or insect repellent (shampoos or conditioners)
• Treats skin conditions (shampoos or conditioners)
• Controls or eliminates dandruff, anti-dandruff
• Prevents, stops or cures hair loss, hair thinning or baldness, replaces thinning hair, restore hairs cells, stimulates growth of hair follicles
• Treats sensitive skin
• Strengthens skin

Deodorants, colognes and perfumes (such as essential oils)

Acceptable cosmetic messages (for products that do not require registration)

• Fragrant; anti-odorant (deodorant); fights bad odour; makes animal smell fresh or nice
• Absorbent; helps keep animal dry

Acceptable claims (for products that do require registration as a veterinary product)

• Increases hormonal or pheromonal attraction; relieves stress; improves behaviour or wellbeing (or similar messages)
• Antiperspirant; controls moisture, sweat or perspiration
• Prevents or reduces bacteria (or other microbes) that cause body odour

Emollient skin products (moisturisers)

Acceptable cosmetic messages (for products that do not require registration)

• Moisturises, hydrates, lubricates or softens (dry) skin
• Revitalises skin appearance; smooths or retextures skin
• Protects dry skin from exposure to elements or wind; prevents or protects against drying effects of the sun; moisturises sun-damaged skin

Acceptable claims (for products that do require registration as a veterinary product)

• Is antibacterial, antiseptic or disinfectant (or any reference to these words)
• Stops disease-causing organisms from entering cuts, wounds, abrasions, bites, insect bites, nicks, irritated or inflamed skin or rashes (or any reference to these words)
• Creates a numbing or analgesic effect (or any reference to these words); relieves; soothes; relaxes muscles; reduces stress
• Acts as an anti-blemish cream; removes or reduces scarring
• Soothes dry, irritated or itchy skin

Hoof and pad products

Examples of cosmetic products include:

• Hoof-care and foot-care products applied directly to the hooves or pads of animals for the purpose of protecting from drying, softening or colouring the hooves or pads

Examples of veterinary products include:

• Hoof oil claiming to aid in the treatment of sand crack or seedy toe

Acceptable cosmetic messages (for products that do not require registration)

• Softens hooves or pads
• Protects hooves or pads from drying

Acceptable claims (for products that do require registration as a veterinary product)

• Treats chipped, flaky, cracked or broken hooves
• Treats seedy toe
• Promotes horn, hoof or nail growth

Dental products

Examples of cosmetic products excluded from registration include:

• Teeth-cleaning products that work by their physical cleaning action only (not by any biochemical or antimicrobial effect)
• Breath-freshening products that mask odours and freshen the animal's breath

Examples of veterinary products include:

• Dental products with a specific claim for prevention or treatment of dental plaque or gum disease

Acceptable cosmetic messages (for products that do not require registration)

For teeth cleaning products (such as toothpaste):

• Cleans; whitens; brightens; removes stains or polishes teeth
• Helps maintain normal healthy teeth and gums
• Fluoride protects against tooth decay

For deodoriser mouth rinse or spray:

• Helps eliminate or fights bad breath or odour

Acceptable claims (for products that do require registration as a veterinary product)

• Has effect below the gum line (or any such claim or implication)
• Antiseptic; germicidal; antibacterial; antimicrobial; antiviral action; kills pathogens; for treatment of abscess, gumboil, gingivitis, inflammation of the gums, mouth ulcers, periodontitis, pyorrhoea, periodontal disease, sensitivity, stomatitis or thrush (or any such claim or implication)