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Last reviewed: September 2026 · Copy link

Kids’ makeup and play cosmetics

Children’s makeup sits under two regimes at once: cosmetics are regulated by the FDA (MoCRA registration, safety substantiation, labeling), and if the product is marketed to children 12 and under it is also a children’s product under CPSC rules (testing, CPC, tracking labels). Play cosmetics sold on marketplaces get flagged in both directions, which is why sellers need both files ready.

The FDA side (MoCRA era)

  • Facility registration and product listing with the FDA under MoCRA (the Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act, live since 2024).
  • Safety substantiation: formulas need evidence of safety, and adverse event records must be kept.
  • Labeling: ingredients list, responsible person name and contact.

The CPSC side and the certificate

Where the product is also a children’s product (play makeup kits, dress-up cosmetics), the packaging and kit components face CPSIA rules: lead in paints and glitters, small parts for under-3 kits, and the CPC citing applicable rules. The generator produces the certificate for the physical kit; the FDA file covers the cosmetic formulation.

Questions people ask

Does kids’ makeup need FDA registration?

MoCRA requires the responsible facility to register and list products. Small-batch exemptions exist for very small sellers, but registration is the safest default. This is FDA territory, not CPSC: different agency, different filing.

Are glitter and shimmer safe in kids’ makeup?

Glitters are a known laceration and irritation risk near eyes: many brands avoid loose glitter near the eye area entirely, and cosmetic-grade only is the standard.

Does the CPC cover the formula?

No: the CPC certifies the physical product’s mechanical and chemical-surface compliance. Formula safety substantiation is the FDA file’s job.

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