Australia regulates cosmetics and skincare under two overlapping frameworks: standard cosmetics fall under the AIIC (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme), while products making therapeutic claims are regulated by the TGA. Getting the classification right determines your registration pathway — and the complexity of your market entry.
The Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme (AIIC), administered by AICIS (Australian Industrial Chemicals Introduction Scheme regulator), governs the import and manufacture of industrial chemicals including cosmetic ingredients. Most standard cosmetic ingredients are already on the Australian Inventory of Industrial Chemicals (AIIC) and don't require separate notification. New ingredients not on the inventory must be assessed under the introduction scheme before use.
If your skincare product makes therapeutic claims — such as 'heals', 'treats', 'prevents', or 'cures' any condition — it is regulated by the TGA as a therapeutic good, not a cosmetic. Sunscreens with SPF 4+ are also regulated by the TGA (as listed medicines). This distinction is critical: TGA-regulated products require ARTG listing or registration, a far more complex and expensive pathway than standard cosmetic notification.
Australian cosmetic labels must comply with the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Information Standards) (Cosmetics) Regulations 1991 (updated). Required: product name, net content by weight or volume, manufacturer or importer's Australian name and address, country of origin, directions for use, ingredient list in INCI order (descending by concentration), and appropriate warnings (particularly for products containing certain allergens, AHAs, or retinoids at higher concentrations).
Australia generally follows EU standards on prohibited cosmetic ingredients but has its own national assessment framework. Key restrictions: hydroquinone (prohibited in leave-on cosmetics above 0.5%), certain azo dyes, PFAS ingredients (under increasing restriction), high-concentration AHAs and retinoids (require warnings), and formaldehyde-releasing preservatives above certain concentrations. Check the AICIS inventory before launching any novel ingredient.
Sunscreens with SPF 4 or above are therapeutic goods in Australia. To sell an SPF sunscreen, it must be listed on the ARTG (typically as a listed medicine, AUST L). The listing process requires: a compliant formulation using TGA-approved UV filters, an Australian sponsor, label compliance with TGA requirements, and manufacturer GMP certification. Expect 3–6 months for a straightforward listing. Sunscreen-SPF combination claims are common — a moisturiser claiming SPF15 protection is a therapeutic good.
Priceline (specialist health and beauty), Chemist Warehouse (largest pharmacy chain), Mecca (premium beauty), Sephora Australia, ASOS AU, Adore Beauty (online), and Woolworths/Coles for mass market. Direct-to-consumer via Shopify with Meta and TikTok ads is strong for skincare brands targeting 25–45 female demographics. Amazon Australia has a growing beauty category.
Ready to go deeper?
Get your Australia skincare market entry plan including AIIC assessment, TGA pathway if needed, and retailer contacts.