Trademark Class 3: Cosmetics & Personal Care | Complete Filing Guide
Everything you need to file a trademark in Class 3. Covers cosmetics, skincare, haircare, perfumes, soaps, and cleaning products.
Class 3 covers cosmetics, toiletries, perfumes, soaps, and cleaning preparations. Beauty brands, skincare companies, and cleaning product manufacturers file here.
What Class 3 Covers
Class 3 is the primary class for the beauty and personal care industry. It includes non-medicated cosmetics, toiletries, and cleaning products for personal and household use.
The class covers:
- Cosmetics - Makeup, lipstick, mascara, foundation, nail polish
- Skincare - Moisturizers, cleansers, serums, sunscreen (non-medicated)
- Haircare - Shampoo, conditioner, styling products, hair dyes
- Perfumery - Perfumes, eau de toilette, body sprays
- Cleaning products - Soaps, detergents, household cleaners
Included in Class 3
Cosmetics:
- Makeup
- Lipstick
- Mascara
- Foundation
- Eye shadow
- Nail polish
- Blush
Skincare:
- Non-medicated skin creams
- Moisturizers
- Cleansers
- Face masks
- Body lotions
- Sunscreen (non-medicated)
Haircare:
- Shampoo
- Conditioner
- Hair styling products
- Hair dyes
- Hair oils
Perfumery:
- Perfumes
- Eau de toilette
- Body sprays
- Essential oils for personal use
- Scented oils
Cleaning:
- Soaps (toilet and household)
- Laundry detergent
- Dishwashing liquid
- Household cleaners
- Polishing preparations
NOT Included in Class 3
These similar items belong in other classes:
- Medicated skincare - Class 5 (Pharmaceuticals)
- Razors and hair clippers - Class 8 (Hand Tools)
- Hair dryers and curling irons - Class 11 (Environmental Control)
- Makeup bags and cosmetic cases - Class 18 (Leather Goods)
- Medicated shampoos - Class 5 (Pharmaceuticals)
- Dietary supplements for skin - Class 5 (Pharmaceuticals)
Medicated vs. Non-Medicated
This is the critical distinction for skincare companies.
Class 3 (this class): Non-medicated products. Cosmetics that cleanse, beautify, or moisturize without treating a medical condition.
Class 5: Medicated products. Products that treat conditions like acne, eczema, psoriasis, or contain active drug ingredients.
The test: Does your product make drug claims or contain active pharmaceutical ingredients? If yes, file in Class 5. If it only makes cosmetic claims (moisturizes, cleanses, beautifies), file in Class 3.
Common Goods Descriptions
Using pre-approved descriptions from the USPTO Trademark ID Manual avoids the $200 custom description surcharge.
Popular pre-approved descriptions for Class 3:
- Cosmetics
- Non-medicated skin care preparations
- Hair care preparations
- Perfumes
- Soaps
- Cleaning preparations
- Shampoos
- Body lotions
- Nail polish
Important: Specify whether products are medicated or non-medicated. The USPTO will require clarification if unclear.
Well-Known Marks in Class 3
These recognizable brands are registered in Class 3:
- L'Oreal - Cosmetics and haircare
- Estee Lauder - Skincare and makeup
- Tide - Laundry detergent
- Dove - Soaps and personal care
- Chanel - Perfumes and cosmetics
- Olay - Skincare products
Filing Tips for Class 3
Be Specific About Product Type
The USPTO accepts broad categories but specific descriptions strengthen your application:
- Good: "Non-medicated lip balm"
- Good: "Hair styling gel"
- Good: "Perfumes and colognes"
- Bad: "Beauty products"
- Bad: "Personal care items"
Consider Your Full Product Line
Beauty companies often need multiple classes:
| What You Offer | Class |
|---|---|
| Cosmetics and skincare | Class 3 |
| Medicated acne treatments | Class 5 |
| Makeup brushes | Class 21 |
| Cosmetic bags | Class 18 |
| Beauty salon services | Class 44 |
Specimens for Cosmetics
For Class 3 trademarks, acceptable specimens include:
- Product packaging showing the mark
- Product labels
- Website pages where products are sold
- Point-of-sale displays
Related Classes
If you are filing in Class 3, you may also need:
- Class 5: Pharmaceuticals - Medicated skincare, supplements
- Class 21: Housewares - Brushes, sponges, applicators
- Class 44: Medical & Beauty Services - Beauty salon and spa services
- Class 35: Advertising & Business - Retail store services for cosmetics
Filing Fees
Current USPTO fees for Class 3 trademark applications (2025):
| Filing Type | Fee per Class |
|---|---|
| Electronic filing (ID Manual description) | $350 |
| Electronic filing (custom description) | $550 |
| Paper filing | $1,000 |
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