NEWS & BLOGS

Amazon Policy Pitfalls, Part 1: Prohibited Ingredients & New Rules You Can't Afford to Miss

Provision Consulting Group
Sep 26, 2025
3 min read

Updated: Sep 29, 2025

An Amazon seller, let's call her A, once updated a single line on her cosmetic product label and suddenly her listing was deactivated. It turned out that one of the ingredients in her product was added to Amazon’s new prohibited list, causing her a significant financial loss.

Amazon has been rapidly tightening its regulations over the last few years. The year 2025, in particular, has seen a noticeable increase in the strictness of rules for cosmetics, dietary supplements, and health-related products. Simply listing and selling a product is no longer enough; every detail, from the ingredients and label copy to the required documents, can determine the success or failure of a sale.

Amazon Recent Policy and Ingredient Regulation Changes

Since 2024, Amazon has mandated that dietary supplement sellers submit a Third-Party Certificate of Analysis (COA). A manufacturer's document alone is no longer sufficient; external testing and verification are required. High-risk categories, such as weight-loss aids or male enhancement supplements, are subject to even more rigorous scrutiny.

The same applies to cosmetics. Amazon has a growing list of prohibited ingredients, such as Bithionol, and strictly limits claims of medical efficacy on labels, such as "wrinkle reduction," "acne treatment," or "skin whitening." While these may seem like simple marketing terms, their inclusion can lead to an immediate takedown by Amazon’s automated systems. A recent FDA warning letter sent to Amazon highlighted a case where a topical anesthetic cream was deemed an "unapproved new drug," illustrating how even a single ingredient or a short phrase can put an entire account at risk.

Learn More : Amazon's Prohibited & Restricted Product

What Every Amazon Seller Must Check

Before listing any product, a seller should ask themselves these critical questions:

✔️ Does the product contain any prohibited ingredients?

✔️ Are all ingredients within the allowed limits, and are their names listed accurately without any modification?

✔️ Does the label copy include any therapeutic or preventative claims?

✔️ Do you have all the necessary documents to support claims like "natural," "organic," or "eco-friendly"?

✔️ Does the copy avoid exaggerated claims that could mislead consumers?

✔️ Are your COA (Certificate of Analysis), test reports, and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice) certifications up to date?

✔️ Do the product's dimensions, weight, and information about the brand, manufacturer, and distributor exactly match the physical product?

If you can't confidently answer "yes" to every question, it's safer to re-evaluate before you start selling.

Amazon's regulations are increasingly aligning with FDA standards. Amazon's policies are becoming more sophisticated, and a single ingredient or short phrase can lead to a listing's removal or even account suspension. It's no longer enough to simply list a product you think will sell well. Meticulous preparation, accurate documentation, and a proper understanding of the regulations are now essential for success.

In our next series, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to respond to a warning email from Amazon. While proactive preparation is crucial, knowing how to react quickly and accurately when an issue arises is vital for a seller’s survival.