Person verifying skincare products on computer using FDA portal

Paano I-Verify ang Skincare sa FDA Philippines?

Before you buy that rejuv set or peeling cream, check if it's properly notified with the FDA. This guide shows you exactly how to verify using the official FDA portal.

3 min read

Quick Answer (TL;DR)

In the Philippines, cosmetic products (like skincare, rejuv sets, whitening creams) are regulated differently from drugs:

  • NN (Cosmetic Product Notification) = the product has been notified to the FDA per SKU
  • LTO (License to Operate) = the establishment/manufacturer has a license to operate

Why verify?

  • Unnotified cosmetics may contain undeclared ingredients (including banned substances)
  • The FDA has issued multiple advisories against unauthorized cosmetic products [5][6]
  • Verification protects you from fake, adulterated, or unsafe products

Portal: verification.fda.gov.ph [1]

Simplified mockup of FDA verification portal interface
The FDA Verification Portal: your tool for checking product legitimacy.

Ano ang NN at LTO?

NN (Cosmetic Product Notification)

  • Format: NN-xxxxxxxx
  • Issued per product/SKU
  • Means the product appears in the FDA portal as a notified cosmetic product (for accountability)
  • Does NOT guarantee efficacy or that it will work for you
  • Has an expiry date — check if current

LTO (License to Operate)

  • Format: LTO-xxxxxxxx
  • Issued to the establishment/manufacturer
  • Means the facility is licensed to manufacture or distribute cosmetics
  • Also has an expiry date — check if current

Important distinction

Cosmetics (skincare, makeup) use NN (notification), not CPR. Drugs require CPR (Certificate of Product Registration). Skincare products that are positioned as cosmetics should have NN, not CPR.

Step-by-Step: Paano Mag-Verify sa FDA Portal

  1. 1

    Find the NN number on the product

    Check the product packaging or label for the NN-xxxxxxxx number. It should be printed on the container.

  2. 2

    Go to the FDA Verification Portal

    Open https://verification.fda.gov.ph/ in your browser [1].

  3. 3

    Select "Cosmetic Product Notification"

    On the portal homepage, click on the cosmetics verification section.

  4. 4

    Enter the NN number

    Input the full NN-xxxxxxxx code and click search.

  5. 5

    Review the results

    Check that: (a) the product name matches, (b) the status is current (not expired), (c) the manufacturer matches.

  6. 6

    Verify LTO if available

    You can also search for the establishment's LTO to confirm they're licensed.

  7. 7

    Check FDA Advisories

    Visit the FDA Cosmetic Advisories page [5] to see if any warnings have been issued against the product or brand.

  8. 8

    Record the result

    Take a screenshot for your records. If something doesn't match, proceed with caution.

Flowchart for verifying skincare products on FDA portal
Follow this process to verify any skincare product.

What if the Product Isn't Found?

If the product doesn't appear in the FDA portal:

Possible reasons

  • The product was never notified to FDA
  • The NN/LTO has expired and wasn't renewed
  • You may have the wrong code (double-check the number)
  • The product is fake/counterfeit

What to do

  1. Don't use the product until you can verify
  2. Contact the seller and ask for proof of FDA notification
  3. Check FDA Advisories [5][6] to see if the product has been flagged
  4. Report to FDA if you suspect an unauthorized product

Unauthorized/unnotified cosmetics can carry higher risk because ingredients and quality controls are harder to verify. In PH, some ingredients (e.g., hydroquinone in certain contexts) are regulated [4], and FDA advisories warn against unauthorized cosmetics [5][6].

Red Flags: Mga Warning Signs

Be cautious if you see:

  • ❌ No NN number on the label — legitimate cosmetics should have this
  • ❌ Claims that are too good to be true — "whiten in 3 days", "cure acne overnight"
  • ❌ No manufacturer info — no company name, address, or contact
  • ❌ Seller refuses to provide NN/LTO
  • ❌ Product appears in FDA advisories [5][6]
  • ❌ Sudden dramatic results — can be a red flag for very strong/undeclared ingredients; prioritize verification and patch testing
  • ❌ Skin gets dependent — flares when you stop using

Bottom line: Missing or expired FDA notification doesn't automatically mean the product is dangerous, but it does mean you're taking on more risk. Verified products offer more accountability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Paano malaman kung FDA registered ang skincare?
Check for the NN (cosmetic notification) number on the label, then verify it on verification.fda.gov.ph. Cosmetics use NN, not CPR.
Ano ang difference ng NN at CPR?
NN (Notification Number) is for cosmetics. CPR (Certificate of Product Registration) is for drugs/supplements. Skincare is typically cosmetic, so look for NN.
Ano ibig sabihin kung wala sa FDA portal?
It may mean the product was never notified, the notification expired, or the product is unauthorized. Don't use until you can verify.
May expiry ba ang NN?
Yes. Cosmetic notifications have expiry dates. Manufacturers must renew them. Check that the status shows current when you verify.
Saan makikita ang NN number?
On the product packaging or label. It usually appears as NN-xxxxxxxx.
Ano ang gagawin kung fake ang product?
Stop using it, report to the FDA, and keep the product as evidence. Check FDA advisories for guidance.

This article is for educational purposes. FDA notification does not guarantee product efficacy or that it will work for you. Always patch test and consult a dermatologist for skin concerns.

References

  1. [1] PH FDA Verification Portal. ` Source (Accessed: 2026-02-06)
  2. [2] Brightening Soap cosmetic notification example. ` Source (Accessed: 2026-02-06)
  3. [3] Skin Rx LTO PDF. ` Source (Accessed: 2026-02-06)
  4. [4] DOH AO No. 13 s. 1999 (hydroquinone/tretinoin regulation). ` Source (Accessed: 2026-02-06)
  5. [5] PH FDA Cosmetic Advisories. ` Source (Accessed: 2026-02-06)
  6. [6] FDA advisory on unnotified cosmetics. ` -- Source (Accessed: 2026-02-06)
Read Skin21 Review