Class 3 under the Nice Classification for Trademarks covers cosmetics, personal care preparations, non-medicated toiletries, perfumery, cleaning, polishing, and abrasive preparations intended primarily for personal, household, or hygiene use.
Businesses operating in cosmetics, skincare, haircare, perfumes, soaps, detergents, personal hygiene products, and household cleaning solutions typically fall within Trademark Class 3.
#Scope
Class 3 includes non-medicated preparations used for cleaning, beautifying, perfuming, conditioning, or maintaining the appearance of the body, hair, skin, teeth, or household surfaces.
Goods covered under this class generally include:
- Cosmetics and make-up preparations
- Perfumes, essential oils, and deodorants for personal use
- Haircare products including shampoos, conditioners, and styling preparations
- Skincare preparations such as creams, lotions, and cleansers
- Soaps and non-medicated toiletries
- Dentifrices and oral hygiene preparations
- Cleaning, polishing, scouring, and abrasive preparations
- Non-medicated personal hygiene products
Classification principle: If the primary purpose of the product is personal care, cosmetic enhancement, hygiene, or cleaning, and it is non-medicated, it generally falls within Class 3.
Key Updates – Nice Classification (2026 Update)
As per the Nice Classification updates 2026, the following clarifications are particularly relevant to Class 3:
- Clearer distinction between:
- Cosmetic and personal-care preparations (Class 3), and
- Pharmaceutical or medicated products (Class 5)
- Reinforced exclusion of therapeutic, dermatological, or medicated claims from Class 3
- Refined terminology to reduce overlap with:
- Industrial and chemical cleaning agents (Class 1)
- Laundry and dishwashing machines or devices (Class 7)
Probiotic and vegan cosmetics were earlier sometimes filed under Class 5 due to perceived therapeutic value. Nice 2026 clarifies that non-medicated cosmetics remain in Class 3, while medicated products belong in Class 5. This change reflects the expansion of the clean beauty industry. Cosmetic brands must now clearly specify whether products are medicated or non-medicated to ensure correct classification.
Practical takeaway: Products making medicinal, antiseptic, or therapeutic claims risk misclassification and objections if filed under Class 3.
##Goods NOT Included in Class 3 (But Commonly Confused)
The following goods are excluded from Class 3, despite frequent misclassification:
- Medicated soaps, shampoos, and dermatological preparations (Class 5)
- Pharmaceutical, veterinary, or therapeutic products (Class 5)
- Industrial cleaning chemicals and degreasers (Class 1)
- Disinfectants and sanitising agents with medical claims (Class 5)
- Laundry machines, cleaning appliances, or tools (Class 7)
- Cosmetic devices and applicators (Class 21)
- Chemical preparations for industrial use (Class 1)
Why Correct Nice Class 3 Classification Is Important
- Incorrect trademark classification under Nice Class 3 can lead to:
- Trademark examination objections
- Loss of protection for key cosmetic or personal-care products
- Increased exposure during opposition, rectification, or infringement disputes
A carefully drafted Nice Class 3 trademark specification ensures strong brand protection across cosmetics, toiletries, perfumes, and personal hygiene products while minimising regulatory and enforcement risks.