On August 22, 2025, the Cosmetic and Hazardous Substance Control Division of the Thailand Food and Drug Administration (FDA) officially released the latest version of the Guidelines on Prohibited Terms in Cosmetic Product Names. These guidelines significantly expand and provide more detailed examples of terms prohibited in cosmetic product names (including brand names, Thai names, English names, marketing names, etc.), making it an essential reference document for companies managing cosmetic product naming for the Thai market.
The core change in this guide is the clear categorization of prohibited terms into 5 major types, with nearly a thousand specific example entries. This greatly improves the efficiency of identifying naming violations and also means companies should exercise greater caution in reviewing product names before entering the Thai market.
I. Which 5 Major Types of Words are Prohibited in Cosmetic Product Names?
According to the guidelines, the Thailand FDA categorizes prohibited terms into the following 5 types:
① Contain “Functional or Therapeutic Meanings” Beyond the Cosmetic Definition
For example, terms implying medical or health effects such as treatment, disease resistance, medicine, or structural changes.
Typical prohibited examples:
- Acne Therapy / Acne Treatment
- Medical / Medicated
- Anti-inflammatory / Anti-itch
- Heal / Healing
- Kill Germ / Sanitizer
- Diabetes / Thyroid
- Varicose / Wound
Such terms often imply treatment, curing diseases, or affecting bodily functions, which fall outside the scope of permissible cosmetic claims and will therefore be directly rejected.
② Terms Implying the Presence of “Prohibited Ingredients”
It is prohibited to reference the names of substances explicitly banned by Thai law, such as human-derived ingredients, narcotics, etc.
Typical prohibited terms:
- Stem Cell
- Exosome (when not an INCI name)
- Growth Factor (EGF, IGF-1)
- Narcotic / Morphine / Hashish
- Plasma
③ Terms Related to Sexual Connotation or Sexual Ability
Any terms involving sexual organs, sexual enhancement, or descriptions of sexual acts are strictly prohibited.
Typical prohibited terms:
- Penis
- Sex (with few exceptions for some color cosmetics)
- Sperm
- Metaphors like “strength,” “enhancing sexual ability” (e.g., Big Dor, energy animals, etc.)
④ Terms Likely to Cause Misunderstanding of the Product’s Nature
Includes religious, witchcraft-related terms, and nouns with strong symbolic or misleading connotations.
Examples:
- Cobra
- Ganesha
- Pheromone
- Toxic
- Thai words related to magic, divine power, etc.
- Descriptions like sorcery, spells, etc.
⑤ Vulgar, Obscene, or Culturally Inappropriate Terms Contrary to Thai Culture
The guidelines list numerous vulgar terms, including slang, terms involving genitalia, profanity, etc.
Several typical examples:
- Jimi
- Tood
- Various Thai slang terms referring to private parts
Such terms not only violate regulations but can also damage brand image.
II. Special Reminder: These Types of Words Are Particularly High-Risk!
In addition to the general prohibition categories, the guidelines specifically highlight the following high-risk word groups. Companies must pay special attention to these when naming products:
- Terms related to medical devices and beauty instruments are strictly prohibited.
e.g.: HIFU, IPL, Laser, Meso, Thermage, etc.
(Even if the product is merely “inspired by” such technologies, they cannot be used in the name.) - Many terms related to whitening, anti-aging, and slimming are also within the prohibited scope, such as:
- Freckle / Anti-freckle
- Pigment clear / Depigment
- Slim / Slimming
- Reshape / V shape
- Anti-aging / Stop Age (only a few exceptions possible in specific “concealer” or “color cosmetic” contexts)
- Terms related to pests, bacteriostasis, and sterilization are similarly prohibited:
e.g.: Anti-mosquito, Disinfectant, Kill, Germ, etc.
III. If a Brand Really Must Use a “Prohibited Term,” Can They Apply for an Exemption?
Yes, but the process is very strict.
The guidelines clearly state: If a company insists on using a prohibited term, the system will initially display “Not accepted.” To proceed, an application can be submitted to the FDA, including:
- A formal application letter
- Justification for the necessity of using the name
- Supporting documents
- Cosmetic notification application materials
Approval depends entirely on individual review by the FDA, and the success rate is not high.
IV. What Does This Mean for Chinese Companies?
For Chinese cosmetic companies planning to enter the Thai market, this guide offers three important implications:
- Name review must be conducted upfront.
Product names, series names, and sub-brand series names can all trigger prohibition risks. Compliance review should be performed before designing packaging. - Many “selling point” terms commonly used in China are not allowed in Thailand.
For example: acne removal, spot removal, anti-inflammatory, itch relief, wound repair; cell repair, stem cells, EGF; body slimming, weight loss, butt lifting, bust enhancement.
These are common in Chinese advertising but are highly sensitive in Thailand. - Avoid using religious, mythical creature, or mystical culture elements.
Especially those involving local Thai religious symbols (e.g., Ganesha, Naga, etc.), as they are more likely to be deemed “improper implications.”
V. Summary: Key Naming Compliance Points for Entering the Thai Market in 2025
- Product names must not imply treatment, medical effects, or structural changes.
- Must not contain terms related to prohibited ingredients.
- Must not imply sexual ability.
- Must not cause religious, superstitious, or fundamental misunderstandings.
- Vulgar or culturally offensive words are not permitted.
- If sensitive terms must be used, an application is possible but has a low success rate.