Practical examples of cosmetic product disclaimers brands actually use

Real-world examples of cosmetic product disclaimers you can model

Let’s start where you actually need help: concrete language. Below are realistic examples of cosmetic product disclaimers that mirror what careful brands use in 2024–2025. These are illustrative only—you still need a lawyer to tailor them to your business and jurisdictions.

1. General cosmetic safety disclaimer (face creams, serums, masks)

A lot of brands now use a general safety disclaimer that covers allergies, patch testing, and medical conditions in one tight block of text. A typical example of this kind of disclaimer might read:

Disclaimer: For external use only. Avoid direct contact with eyes. If contact occurs, rinse thoroughly with water. Discontinue use if irritation, redness, or discomfort develops and consult a licensed healthcare professional. Do not use on broken or compromised skin. Keep out of reach of children. Individuals with known allergies to any listed ingredients should not use this product. We recommend a patch test before first use.

Why this works:

• It clearly limits use to external skin.
• It pushes users to read the ingredient list and consider allergies.
• It encourages patch testing, which is increasingly standard in 2025.

If you’re looking for examples of examples of cosmetic product disclaimers that are broadly reusable, this general format is usually the backbone of your label and website product page.

2. “Not a drug / no disease claims” disclaimer (anti-aging, acne, hair growth)

The FDA draws a hard line between a cosmetic and a drug: cosmetics can change appearance; drugs are intended to treat or prevent disease or affect the structure or function of the body. If your marketing even hints at medical benefits, you’re playing with fire.

A strong example of a cosmetic vs. drug disclaimer looks like this:

Legal Notice: This product is intended for cosmetic use only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or medical condition and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment. Statements about this product have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Brands selling anti-aging serums, cellulite creams, or “hair growth” oils increasingly use similar language in 2024–2025, especially online. It’s one of the best examples of how a short paragraph can reduce the risk that your cosmetic is treated as an unapproved drug.

For background on how the FDA views cosmetics vs. drugs, see the FDA’s own guidance on cosmetics and labeling: https://www.fda.gov/cosmetics/cosmetics-labeling-claims.

3. Allergy and patch-test disclaimer (fragrances, actives, botanicals)

Allergic reactions are still one of the most common consumer complaints about cosmetics. With the rise of potent actives (retinoids, AHAs, BHAs) and complex fragrance blends, you need a specific allergy-focused disclaimer.

Here’s a realistic example of an allergy disclaimer for a serum or fragranced moisturizer:

Allergy Warning: This product contains active ingredients and fragrance components that may cause sensitivity in certain individuals. Before first use, apply a small amount to a discreet area of clean, dry skin and wait 24 hours to check for adverse reactions. Do not use if you experience burning, swelling, or excessive redness. Individuals with a history of sensitive skin, eczema, or allergies should consult a dermatologist before use.

You’ll see similar language in many of the best examples from brands that use strong acids or fragrance blends.

For scientific context on cosmetic allergens and irritants, you can review resources from the American Academy of Dermatology and NIH-funded research on skin reactions: https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/contact-dermatitis.

4. Sunscreen and SPF-related disclaimers (moisturizers, makeup with SPF)

Sunscreens in the U.S. are regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the FDA, but many cosmetic brands sell moisturizers and makeup that include SPF. This is where you need to be very precise.

A realistic example of a disclaimer for a tinted moisturizer with SPF might be:

Sun Protection Information: When used as directed with other sun protection measures, this product helps protect against sunburn. Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. This product is not a substitute for a broad-spectrum sunscreen used as directed. Reapply at least every 2 hours and use protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses. Limit time in the sun, especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

This language mirrors guidance from dermatology authorities and public health agencies. For reference, see the CDC’s sun safety recommendations: https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/sun-safety.htm.

In 2025, with regulators scrutinizing SPF claims and influencers being called out for misleading content, this is one of the best examples of a disclaimer category you cannot skip if you mention sun protection at all.

5. “Results may vary” and marketing claims disclaimers (before/after photos, reviews)

If you show dramatic before/after photos or highlight five-star reviews, you need to temper expectations. The FTC has been actively enforcing rules around advertising claims, including in the beauty space.

Here’s a realistic example of a results disclaimer used on product pages and social media:

Results Disclaimer: Results may vary from person to person and depend on skin type, age, lifestyle, and correct product use. Testimonials, before-and-after photos, and customer reviews reflect individual experiences and are not intended to represent or guarantee that any user will achieve the same or similar results.

This is one of the best examples of a simple sentence that can save you from accusations of misleading advertising, especially when combined with accurate, non-exaggerated claims.

For more context on advertising standards, review the FTC’s guidance on endorsements and testimonials: https://www.ftc.gov/business-guidance/resources/ftcs-endorsement-guides.

6. Eye-area and lash product disclaimers (mascara, lash serums, liners)

Products used around the eyes carry higher risk, and regulators pay attention to them. Lash serums and liners, in particular, have seen more scrutiny.

A practical example of a disclaimer for a lash serum or eyeliner might read:

Eye Safety Warning: For external use only. Use only as directed along the lash line or eyelid. Avoid direct contact with eyes. If product gets into eyes, rinse immediately with plenty of clean water. Discontinue use and consult an eye-care professional if you experience persistent irritation, vision changes, or eye pain. Do not use while wearing contact lenses unless advised by your eye-care provider.

This kind of language is common in real examples from eye product brands trying to limit liability while still giving clear, consumer-friendly guidance.

7. Hair dye, bleach, and chemical treatment disclaimers

Hair color and chemical treatments (relaxers, perms, bleach) are high-risk categories: they can burn skin, damage hair, and trigger allergic reactions. In 2024–2025, brands are expanding their warnings as more consumers experiment with at-home treatments.

Here’s a more detailed example of a hair dye disclaimer:

Safety Information: Hair colorants can cause severe allergic reactions. Read and follow all instructions carefully. This product is not intended for use on persons under 16 years of age. Do not use if you have a rash on your face or sensitive, irritated, or damaged scalp; have ever experienced any reaction after coloring your hair; or have experienced a reaction to temporary “black henna” tattoos in the past. Conduct an allergy test 48 hours before each use, even if you have previously used hair coloring products.

This style of disclaimer mirrors many of the best examples from major hair color brands and reflects long-standing European and U.S. safety messaging.

8. Children, pregnancy, and medical condition disclaimers

Another pattern in 2025: more brands are explicitly addressing vulnerable groups—children, pregnant or breastfeeding people, and those with chronic conditions.

A realistic example of a disclaimer for a retinol night cream or strong active serum might be:

Use by Specific Populations: Not intended for use on children. If you are pregnant, nursing, or under the care of a physician for any skin condition, consult your healthcare provider before using this product. Do not use on broken, inflamed, or recently treated skin (including chemical peels, laser treatments, or micro-needling) unless directed by a licensed professional.

This language acknowledges that some users need extra medical guidance, without you pretending to provide that guidance yourself.

How to adapt these examples of cosmetic product disclaimers to your brand

Seeing examples of examples of cosmetic product disclaimers is helpful, but copying them word-for-word is not a strategy. Here’s how to turn these real examples into something that actually fits your line:

Match the disclaimer to the risk profile of each product

A basic lip balm does not need the same warning stack as a 10% AHA peel. Map your products by risk:

• Low-risk: basic moisturizers, cleansers, body lotions
• Medium-risk: products with fragrance, mild actives, or colorants
• High-risk: strong acids, retinoids, hair dyes, lash serums, peel pads

Then layer your disclaimers accordingly. The best examples from established brands always align disclaimers with actual risk; they don’t just paste the same paragraph onto everything.

Use plain language, not legalese

Consumers skim. Long, dense blocks of text in tiny fonts are functionally invisible. The strongest real examples of cosmetic product disclaimers:

• Use short sentences
• Avoid jargon
• Put the most important warnings first

Regulators like the FDA and FTC also favor clear, understandable language. Confusing disclaimers won’t impress them.

Place your disclaimers where people actually see them

Disclaimers buried in a 20-page terms-of-use document are almost useless. In 2025, the best examples of cosmetic product disclaimers show up in multiple places:

• On the physical product label or outer carton
• On the product detail page, near the “Add to Cart” button
• In digital instruction leaflets or PDFs linked from QR codes
• In email follow-ups for high-risk products (like peels or hair color)

If you’re selling internationally, remember that some jurisdictions require warnings to appear in specific locations or in multiple languages.

Keep disclaimers consistent across platforms

One quiet source of legal risk: inconsistent language. If your website says “not for children under 12” and your packaging says “not for children under 6,” you’ve created a problem.

Use a shared internal document where your team stores the approved versions of each disclaimer. The best examples of compliance-minded brands treat disclaimers like any other core brand asset: version-controlled, reviewed, and updated.

2024–2025 trends shaping cosmetic product disclaimers

Several trends are pushing brands to upgrade their disclaimers:

• Rise of potent actives: Retinoids, high-percentage acids, and exfoliating complexes demand more specific warnings about irritation, sun sensitivity, and correct use.
• Influencer marketing: When influencers exaggerate results, brands need stronger “results may vary” and testimonial disclaimers to show they’re not promising miracles.
• Clean and “free-from” claims: Saying “non-toxic” or “chemical-free” without context can mislead consumers. Some of the best examples of modern disclaimers clarify what those claims actually mean.
• Global sales: Selling into the EU, UK, or Canada brings stricter cosmetic rules. Smart brands harmonize their disclaimers to meet the highest standard they operate under.

Regulators and consumer advocates are also paying more attention to ingredient safety and mislabeling. Resources like the FDA’s cosmetics page and health information from Mayo Clinic (https://www.mayoclinic.org) and WebMD (https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/default.htm) can help you understand the health context behind your product category, which in turn informs the disclaimers you need.

FAQ: examples of common cosmetic disclaimer questions

Q: Can you give an example of a simple disclaimer for a basic moisturizer?
A: One of the simplest real examples of cosmetic product disclaimers for a basic face cream would be: “For external use only. Avoid contact with eyes. If irritation occurs, discontinue use and consult a healthcare professional. Keep out of reach of children.” For many low-risk products, that’s a reasonable starting point—though you may still add allergy or patch-test language.

Q: Are these examples of cosmetic product disclaimers legally sufficient on their own?
A: No. These are educational examples of examples of cosmetic product disclaimers, not legal advice. Your actual wording should be reviewed by an attorney familiar with FDA, FTC, and any international rules that apply to your business.

Q: Do I need different disclaimers for my website and my packaging?
A: The core messages should be consistent, but you can expand online. Many of the best examples include a shorter, space-efficient label disclaimer and a longer, more detailed version on the product page and FAQ.

Q: What are examples of disclaimers needed for products with retinol or acids?
A: Real examples include warnings about sun sensitivity (“Use sunscreen and limit sun exposure while using this product”), not using on broken skin, avoiding use with other strong actives, and recommending consultation with a dermatologist for sensitive or medically treated skin.

Q: Can a disclaimer fix misleading marketing claims?
A: No. A disclaimer can clarify or provide context, but it cannot legalize claims that are outright false or unsupported. If you promise to “erase wrinkles in 3 days,” no disclaimer will save you. The FTC expects your main claims to be truthful and substantiated; disclaimers can’t contradict the headline promise.

Use these real-world examples of cosmetic product disclaimers as templates, not scripts. Your ingredients, your claims, and your markets all shape what you actually need to say. The safest move: combine thoughtful, plain-language disclaimers with conservative, evidence-based marketing—and have a qualified attorney sign off before you print anything.