FDA Consumer Health Information Bulletin

3 May

The United States Food and Drug Administration through its Center for Devices and Radiological Health regulates electrolysis equipment, lasers and other medical equipment. Amid the growing popularity of laser hair removal and the extravagant claims of manufacturers and clinics, the FDA reiterated its position that only electrolysis can permanently remove hair and warned laser clinics against making such claims.

The FDA Consumer Health Information Bulletin of 27 June 2007 states:

“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recognizes electrology as providing permanent hair removal. The FDA identification in Title 21, CFR, Sec. 878.5350 for needle-type epilators is: “a device intended to remove the hair by destroying the dermal papilla of a hair”. As no other device for hair removal has the unique identification of “destroying the dermal papilla of a hair”, only electrologists are allowed to claim permanent hair removal in their advertising”.

2 Responses to “FDA Consumer Health Information Bulletin”

  1. Cathy Lopez's avatar
    Cathy Lopez July 30, 2023 at 2:39 pm #

    Does excessive tweezing cause feet and leg swelling and inflammation.

    • Barbara Greathouse, CPE's avatar
      Barbara Greathouse, CPE July 29, 2026 at 8:07 pm #

      Excessive tweezing could cause inflammation, but not likely to cause swelling. You should seek medical care if you are experiencing feet and leg swelling and inflammation.

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