Government regulation

The United States federal government regulates hair removal through several agencies, primarily FDA. Click on the appropriate link for details on the full scope of their regulatory activities.

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  Approves certain drugs for treating unwanted hair.
  Clears certain medical devices to market for removing unwanted hair.
  Regulates certain cosmetic products used to dissolve and color hair.
  Enforces certain labeling and branding claims.

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC)

Stops acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive in promoting hair removal products and services.
Stops acts or practices that threaten the opportunity for consumers of hair removal products and services to exercise informed choice.

The US Postal Service (USPS)

  Regulates certain hair removal products promoted or shipped through the US Mail.

The US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO)

  Reviews and grants patents and trademarks to individuals and companies creating and marketing hair removal products.

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

  Regulates hair removal devices that emit energy at certain frequencies.

In addition, each state in the US is responsible for regulating who can perform certain types of hair removal, as well as the enforcement of applicable state laws involving hair removal.

Laser regulations by state
Electrolysis regulations by state