Saudi Arabia has announced new restrictions on certain cosmetic products packaged in forms that resemble pharmaceutical products, as authorities move to strengthen consumer safety and prevent confusion over the nature and intended use of beauty products.
The Saudi Food and Drug Authority (SFDA) said it had observed cosmetic products intended for external use being sold in packaging resembling pharmaceutical containers, including syringes, ampoules and vials.
The new restriction is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2027. The measure is intended to clearly distinguish cosmetic products from medicines and reduce the possibility of consumers misunderstanding a product’s purpose or method of use.
According to the SFDA, pharmaceutical-style packaging can create the impression that a cosmetic product has medicinal properties or is designed for medical administration. The authority is therefore taking steps to ensure cosmetics are presented and marketed in a way that clearly identifies them as non-medical products.
The decision forms part of Saudi Arabia’s wider efforts to strengthen regulation of the cosmetics sector and improve consumer protection. Manufacturers, importers and retailers will need to review affected products and ensure their packaging complies with the new requirements before the deadline.
Consumers are also encouraged to purchase cosmetic products through authorized channels and check that products meet Saudi regulatory requirements.
The latest move highlights Saudi Arabia’s continued focus on regulating cosmetic products, their ingredients, labeling and packaging. Companies operating in the Kingdom’s beauty market are expected to prepare for the new rules ahead of their implementation in 2027.