The United States federal government regulates hair removal through
several agencies, primarily FDA. Click on the appropriate link
for details on the full scope of their regulatory activities.
The US Food and
Drug Administration (FDA)
Approves certain drugs for treating unwanted
hair.
Clears certain medical devices
to market for removing unwanted hair.
Regulates certain cosmetic products
used to dissolve and color hair.
Enforces certain labeling and branding
claims.
The US Federal Trade
Commission (FTC)
Stops acts or practices that are
unfair or deceptive in promoting hair removal products and
services.
Stops acts or practices that threaten the opportunity for consumers of hair removal products and
services to exercise informed choice.
The US Postal Service
(USPS)
Regulates certain hair removal products promoted
or shipped through the US Mail.
The US Patent
and Trademark Office (USPTO)
Reviews and grants patents and trademarks
to individuals and companies creating and marketing hair removal
products.
The US Federal Communications
Commission (FCC)
Regulates hair removal devices that emit energy
at certain frequencies.
In addition, each state in the US is responsible for regulating
who can perform certain types of hair removal, as well as the
enforcement of applicable state laws involving hair removal.
hair removal
facts
for consumers
