The short answer
Non-medicated cosmetics and toiletry preparations may concern Class 3, while medicinal preparations may concern Class 5. The correct description depends on the actual product. Swiss trademark registration does not decide whether a product may legally be marketed as a cosmetic or a medicine.
Record purpose and composition before choosing terms
The Nice explanatory notes distinguish ordinary cosmetics from medical products. Non-medicated care products, for example, differ from medicated shampoos, soaps or lotions. A shared brand name or similar packaging does not remove that boundary. Establish which goods you actually intend to supply under the sign.
Write a short description of each product’s use, composition and planned presentation. Expressions such as “beauty”, “care” or “wellness” do not replace this information. For borderline products, clarify the particular classification before adopting a blanket specification that assumes the whole line belongs to a single category.
Sources: WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 3 · WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 5
Trademark classification and permission to sell are separate
Trademark classification organises goods for registration of a sign. Regulatory distinctions between cosmetics, medicines and other products follow their own rules. The FSVO identifies composition, intended purpose and presentation among the relevant considerations. Entering a trademark class cannot replace this separate assessment of the product.
An accepted trademark also does not automatically permit every efficacy claim on packaging or in your online store. Align product descriptions, advertising and regulatory status. Pay particular attention to names that already suggest a medicinal effect before making such claims a permanent part of the brand identity.
Sources: FSVO: Distinguishing cosmetics, medicines and foods
Separate the skincare line from its accessories
A cosmetics line may include creams, cleansing products and accessories. Accessories do not fall in the same goods class merely because they share the brand name; the Nice notes distinguish cosmetic brushes from cosmetics, for example. List the actual objects and have their precise descriptions classified.
Consider already decided extensions before filing. The registered goods specification cannot simply be enlarged later. A class number does not protect every product in that class either. Precise drafting focuses on your actual line and makes clear which products still require a separate boundary assessment before the application is settled.
Sources: IPI: Defining goods and services precisely · WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 3
What you can do now
- List each product’s purpose, composition and presentation.
- Clarify regulatory status independently of the trademark.
- Identify accessories and planned extensions separately.
Frequently asked questions
Does Class 5 confirm that my product is an authorised medicine?
No. Trademark classification is neither pharmaceutical authorisation nor confirmation that efficacy statements are permitted. Product rules must be satisfied independently of the trademark registration.
Sources: FSVO: Distinguishing cosmetics, medicines and foods
Can one skincare line require different classes?
Yes, depending on the products and their exact descriptions. Non-medicated cosmetics, medicinal preparations and accessories should not be classified alike merely because they share a brand identity.
Sources: WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 3 · WIPO: Nice Classification 2026, Class 5