Making Cosmetics in Nevada

[Updated July 21, 2022] Nevada is one of the few states that requires cosmetic manufacturers to register, pass an inspection, and pay fees. If you live in Nevada and are (or are planning to) make and sell any type of handcrafted cosmetics (not including soap)—read on!

Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health

The Environmental Health Section of the Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health (DPBH) is responsible for the Cosmetic Manufacturing Program.  The definition of a cosmetic on their website is slightly different than the federal definition: [emphasis added]

A cosmetic means articles intended to be rubbed, poured, sprinkled or sprayed on, introduced into or otherwise applied to the human body or any part thereof for cleansing, beautifying, promoting attractiveness or altering the appearance, including wigs, hairpieces and postiches; and articles intended for use as a component of any such articles.  (Soap is not included in this definition.)

They include wigs, hairpieces and postiches (a toupee).  (Maybe they are used more in Nevada than other places?)

As has been covered elsewhere on this blog, cosmetics include shampoo, moisturizers, creams, lotions, bath products (fizzies, bubble bath, bath tea, bath salts), body powder, sugar or salt scrubs, hair products, eye shadow, eye serums, mascara, blush, foundation, perfume, body sprays … and anything else that could be applied to the body to make it look better.

Products that are applied to the home (laundry soap, cleaners, furniture polish, and room spray, for example) are NOT cosmetics.

As noted, soap is not included in the definition of a cosmetic.  I didn’t find any place where the definition of a soap is given, so I assume it is the same as (or similar to) the federal definition.

Permits

Anyone intending to operate a cosmetic manufacturing facility in Nevada must apply obtain a permit from the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, Environmental Health Section.

According to their Permits: Cosmetic Manufacturing page, there is a “Permit to Operate” (which applies to most any kind of business) and then a “Supplemental Permit” which applies to Cosmetic Manufacturers and others.

The application process is done online for most counties. Check the information before you proceed. For a cosmetic manufacturer permit, you will be required to provide:

  • Permit to Operate
  • Supplemental Application
  • Formula of the cosmetic he/she intendes to manufacture, including all components, for review and approval
  • Proof of registration or certification from the FDA
    (NOTE: FDA Cosmetic registration is voluntary; I didn’t find anything that says you must register with the FDA – although they could require it anyway.)
  • Plot plan of the facility, drawn to scale, including:
    • Layout and arrangement
    • Materials used in construction
    • Location, size and type of any fixed equipment and facilities.

A good guide to how to use the online system is here. As you read the document be aware that it explains the process for BOTH drug and cosmetic manufacturers, so there are some things that don’t apply if you are only making cosmetics.

Facility

As can be noted from the required information, the design of the manufacturing facility is important. This is in keeping with good manufacturing practices, which they require for all cosmetics manufacturers (see below).

One person making handcrafted soap and cosmetics has informed me that she was told that cosmetics could not be manufactured in a residence.

Cost

The cost for a cosmetic permit application is $300 (annually). The fee is for the fiscal year (July 1 – June 30) and may be prorated for the first year.

It must be paid when you apply; it is not refunded if you don’t pass the inspection or if you voluntarily withdraw your application.

Inspection

Once the license/permit application has been received, an inspection will be scheduled. They will be looking at your facility and your manufacturing processes to ensure that you are capable of making safe, clean products that are not adulterated or misbranded.

Good Manufacturing Practices

In Nevada, Good Manufacturing Practices (“GMP”) are a part of the regulations that cover cosmetic manufacturers. To get and keep a permit to manufacture cosmetics, you must maintain good manufacturing practices to a level suitable to the products you manufacture.

Unlike “guidelines” that are fairly vague, the actual regulations for cosmetics manufacturing in Nevada are quite specific. As you would expect, they are geared toward large manufacturing operations, with dedicated staff and facility. Most of the Nevada’s regulations covering GMP are similar to (although somewhat more specific than) the FDA cosmetic GMP inspection guidelines and the ISO 22716 Cosmetic GMP standards.

Before submitting an application, you should thoroughly review all these GMP documents and consider reading my book Good Manufacturing Practices so you have a good understanding of what is expected. Make sure your records are up to snuff and that your labeling is correct.

Good Manufacturing Practices cover

Every handcrafter’s situation is different. To work out the good manufacturing practices that will work for you, get my book from Amazon and use it.

The good news is that there IS a clause in the regulations that allows for exemption from a particular provision if the cosmetic is harmless. (NAC 585.835) that states:

A licensee may petition the Commissioner for an exemption from a particular provision [of the cosmetic regulations]. The petition must contain: a) the section for which the licensee requests the exemption; and b) Facts sufficient to show the Commissioner that, because of the harmless nature of the cosmetic the licensee manufactures, the section should not apply.

It is possible, based on this provision (and the fact that the same regulations have been in place since 1982) that the process has already been somewhat modified to take into account handcrafted, safe products made in small batches.

Your Experiences?

If you have interaction with the process of getting a cosmetic manufacturers permit in Nevada, please share your experiences in the comments below.


Comments

9 responses to “Making Cosmetics in Nevada”

  1. Hello,

    I am currently in the process of licensing, however, I am planning to formulate/manufacture cosmetics from “natural Ingredients”. Its very a process let me start with that and a am bout to apply for supplemental permit, then for permit to operate and then for Business License. However, I am planning to manufacture from the local commissary kitchen as you CANT formulate cosmetics from home in Nevada. Currently as of March 27, 2023 FDA is not accepting or processing applications for the VCRP program – ” The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stopped accepting and processing submissions to the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP) as a result of FDA’s plans to develop a program for submission of the facility registrations and product listings mandated by the “Modernization of Cosmetics Regulation Act of 2022” (MoCRA). For further information please see FDA Has Stopped Accepting Submissions to the Voluntary Cosmetic Registration Program (VCRP).” link for further info here: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/voluntary-cosmetic-registration-program/cosmetic-registration-reports

    1. Marie Gale

      I expect that Nevada’s FDA Registration requirement could be petitioned to the commissioner (as discussed above) since MoCRA EXEMPTS any business making less than $1 million per year from registering their facility and products with the FDA. So even when the FDA has their registration system back on line, it will only be required for businesses that make more that $1 million per year (averaged over the previous 3 years).

      1. Latoya hicks

        Do I need to pay for license to sell natural products in nevada ?

      2. The regulations apply to MAKING cosmetics, not selling them. And the key is not whether the product is natural, it is whether the product is a cosmetic.

        If you are MAKING cosmetics (natural or not) in Nevada, and those cosmetics are for sale, then yes, you need to get a permit.

  2. Kyrene Hagerman

    Is this still in effect?

    1. Marie Gale

      As far as I know the regs are still in place. I don’t know how they are being applied, though. If you have any personal experience, please post or email me directly. I’d love to hear about it.

  3. I have been trying to get information from them for a month. I have called the number that is for Las Vegas. You do not get to speak with anyone that give you another number to call I called 5 times before someone answered then when they did he transfer me then all you get is a answering machine. Which says to leave a number if you want to schedule an appointment with your plans. I have found no one to give me information it just says to look at there web site.. So frustrating !! No wonder so many people are doing it illegally here!!

    1. Marie Gale

      It sounds like they don’t really have the people and procedures in place. That’s too bad.

  4. Candace Jefferson

    This is bs they do anything to get money I’m so over Las Vegas and their tactics to get money out of us every chance they get

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