The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued updated guidance on packaging technologies and tamper-resistant requirements for cosmetic products.
The aim is to strengthen product safety, reduce contamination risk, and set clearer, more consistent expectations for cosmetic packaging across the industry. The FDA stresses that tamper-evident features are particularly important for products used near the eyes, mouth, or on sensitive skin.
Key Takeaways
- Regulatory action: Updated FDA guidance on tamper-resistant cosmetic packaging
- Requirement: Cosmetics should incorporate tamper-evident features that indicate opening or alteration
- Performance expectation: Packaging should maintain product integrity across shelf life and be durable enough to prevent accidental breaches during shipping, storage, and retail handling
- Compliance and enforcement: Producers and retailers are responsible for compliance; FDA may inspect packaging lines; non-compliance may trigger warnings or product recalls; imported cosmetics must meet the same standards
Strategic Implications for Cosmetics Packaging Industry
The guidance raises the baseline for packaging design and QC in cosmetics, shifting tamper-evidence from a “nice-to-have” to an explicit compliance expectation.
The practical burden will fall on packaging engineering teams and co-packers: auditing current formats, validating seal integrity through distribution, and ensuring that tamper-evident systems align with labelling requirements.
For retailers and importers, the update increases the importance of supplier controls and packaging verification - especially for products where consumer safety perception is most sensitive.
→ Check out more updates on Regulations for Packaging with our 2026 Packaging Risk Heatmap
