To get ungated in beauty topicals on Amazon, you usually need to submit invoices for the topical products you want to sell, and Amazon may ask for extra product documents. Topicals are products applied to the skin or hair, and Amazon treats them more strictly than other beauty products.
Quick answer: Search the topical product in Seller Central. If approval is required, buy it from a manufacturer or authorized distributor, submit a matching invoice through Apply to Sell, and be ready to provide any additional product documents Amazon requests. Approval is not guaranteed.
What Are Beauty Topicals on Amazon?
“Topicals” is the term sellers use for products applied to the body, such as creams, lotions, serums, sunscreens and treatment shampoos. Amazon has not published one simple definition, and sellers have reported that a wide range of skin care and hair care products fall under it.
Topicals vs General Beauty
| General beauty | Topicals | |
|---|---|---|
| Examples | Makeup brushes, hair tools, some cosmetics | Lotions, creams, serums, sunscreens, treatment products |
| Approval | Often open, or approved with invoices | Usually needs approval and sometimes extra documents |
| Why stricter | Lower safety risk | Applied to skin; some products are regulated as drugs |
The line between cosmetics and drugs matters. In the US, products such as sunscreens and acne treatments are regulated as drugs, not just cosmetics. The FDA’s guide to cosmetics vs drugs explains the difference. Expect stricter checks on products that make drug claims.
Documents You May Be Asked For
Requirements vary by product and change over time. Sellers have reported being asked for:
- Invoices from a manufacturer or distributor covering the topical products you want to sell
- Product safety documents, such as a safety data sheet or certificate of analysis
- Product images showing the packaging and labels
- Compliance information for products regulated as over-the-counter drugs
Ask your supplier which documents it can provide before you buy.
Steps to Apply
- Search the product in Seller Central and click “Apply to sell” if it is gated.
- Read every requirement shown.
- Buy the products from a legitimate wholesale source.
- Check your invoice against Amazon invoice requirements for ungating.
- Submit everything requested, unedited, and answer follow-ups quickly.
Related Guides
See how to get ungated in health & household and how to get ungated in grocery, or the full guide on how to get ungated on Amazon.
Beauty Wholesale From Us
We supply beauty & personal care wholesale, including brands such as NIVEA, Colgate and Gillette, along with other wholesale categories. Every order includes an invoice; see wholesale invoices for ungating. Amazon makes the final decision on approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is makeup a topical on Amazon?
It depends on the product. Some cosmetics are treated as topicals and some are not. Search the specific product in Seller Central.
Why was my topicals request denied with a valid invoice?
Topicals may need more than an invoice. Check whether Amazon also asked for product documents, and see our guide to denied ungating requests.
Can I sell sunscreen without approval?
Sunscreen is regulated as an over-the-counter drug in the US and usually needs approval. Check the product in Seller Central.