About cosmetic brand name rules

Updated: July 2025, 10

Hello.
I'm Sakamoto, in charge of cosmetics.

This time, we will explain the rules for the brand name of cosmetics.
In order to sell cosmetics, you must first submit a "Cosmetic Manufacturing and Sales Notification" to the relevant government.
Therefore, what becomes necessary isDeciding on the sales name.

There are some rules regarding sales names, so not all names you want will be accepted.
Let's organize the rules for sales names once again!

*Selling name is the name written on the back of the product and notified to the government. Please note that the product name may differ from the product name.

　① Sales names that only contain alphabets, symbols, and numbers are not allowed.

It is necessary to use a sales name that includes Japanese characters.
Some local governments do not accept applications that contain more than half of the letters, symbols, or numbers (Tokyo).
In the case of imported products, the local name must be translated into Japanese or katakana.

　② It is not allowed to include the names of specific ingredients in the brand name.

Cosmetics have a feeling of use and effectiveness based on the ingredients contained in them, so
We do not use specific ingredients as active ingredients.
To prevent consumer misunderstanding, specific ingredient names cannot be included in the brand name (e.g. vitamin C lotion, etc.).

*Excluding those approved by the Cosmetics Fair Competition Code Enforcement Regulations

　③Use of the same name as existing drugs and quasi-drugs is prohibited.

It is very important not to mislead consumers.
It is not possible to use the same name as an existing drug or quasi-drug, as it may lead to a misunderstanding that it has the same efficacy.

　④Use of false or exaggerated names or names that may cause misunderstanding is prohibited.

For cosmetics, the items that can be claimed as effects and efficacy have already been determined.
You cannot use a name that suggests something beyond the intended effect (e.g. whitening, anti-aging, etc.).
In the case of imported products, there may be words with meanings that cannot be used in Japan, so it is important to check before submitting a notification.

　⑤Do not use a name that is different from the dosage form.

As mentioned above, it is important to use expressions that do not mislead consumers.
For example, even though the product is sold under the brand name "〇〇milk," the product itself is a bar of soap.It is not possible to give a name that is different from the dosage form and that would confuse consumers.

　⑥Do not use names that may be confused with drugs or quasi-drugs.

As mentioned above, it is important to use expressions that do not mislead consumers.
Medical ○○ and ○○ ampoule cannot be used because their names may be confused with drugs or quasi-drugs.

　⑦Names that are clearly owned by other companies as trademark rights

It is also necessary to check whether you are infringing on the trademark rights of other companies.
You can easily search for patents, utility models, designs, and trademarks by entering keywords.
https://www.j-platpat.inpit.go.jp/web/all/top/BTmTopPage

In terms of major points, the above 7 points are important to note.
Cosmetics must comply with various regulations, including not only the Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Act, but also the Fair Competition Code and the Cosmetic Industry Association's Guidelines for Appropriate Advertising of Cosmetics, etc.
Please double check to see if the brand name you are planning to submit falls under any of the above.

Regarding the revision of special indication

Leave your cosmetics licensing to Support Administrative Scrivener Corporation!

Our company also confirms the brand name and processes the notification of cosmetic manufacturing and sales notifications.
Please contact us.
The first consultation is free of charge.

Editor of this article