New vegetarian, non-veg labels for soaps, shampoos, toothpaste: What they mean for consumers

Starting from July 2026, soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, cosmetics, and toiletries must display colour-coded labels indicating whether they are vegetarian or non-vegetarian. The green dot signifies vegetarian origin, while a red or brown dot denotes non-vegetarian origin. This legal requirement, under the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Fourth Amendment Rules 2026, applies to personal care products.

However, the classification does not necessarily mean the product contains meat, as it may be due to animal-derived ingredients like tallow, lanolin, beeswax, gelatin, collagen, or keratin. These ingredients serve various functional roles in the products. Dr. Ajay Dodeja, a dermatologist, explained that the classification is merely an additional reference for consumers who wish to avoid animal-derived ingredients, alongside examining the ingredient list.

While the classification can aid consumers in making choices based on personal, cultural, or ethical preferences, it should not be mistaken for an indication of overall health or product quality. Dermatologists emphasized that the vegetarian or non-vegetarian label does not automatically make a cosmetic healthier or safer. For people with sensitive skin, allergies, or specific scalp conditions, the formulation, fragrance, preservatives, and individual tolerance are more crucial factors to consider.

The new labelling system aims to provide consumers with more information to align their choices with their preferences, but the ultimate decision should be based on the product's formulation and individual needs.