Grooming and Hygiene Products – Minnesota Department of Revenue
This fact sheet defines and summarizes how Minnesota Sales and Use Tax applies to grooming and hygiene products.
Definition
Grooming and hygiene products, including for babies, are taxable. Grooming and hygiene products are defined to include only:
- Antiperspirants
- Cleaning solutions (face wash, exfoliates, scrubs, douches, etc.)
- Mouthwash
- Shampoo
- Soaps (bar, liquid, body wash, powder, etc.)
- Suntan lotions and sunscreens
- Toothpaste
The seven product categories listed above are taxable even if prescribed by a licensed health care professional or if they meet the definition of over-the-counter drug. However, if a product included in these seven categories can only be obtained with a prescription from a licensed health care professional, the product is exempt as the sale of a drug.
Products not listed above, are exempt as over-the-counter drugs if their packaging includes a “drug facts” panel or a statement of the active ingredients.
Many products that are thought of as grooming and hygiene products are not included in the definition above. An item that does not meet the grooming and hygiene product definition is taxable unless it meets the criteria for an over-thecounter drug. Many product categories include both taxable and exempt items. For example, some brands of body powders are exempt because they have a list of active ingredients on the packaging. Other brands of body-powders are taxable because they have no list of active ingredients. Remember to check the label to determine if an item is exempt or not. For more information, see the Drugs Fact Sheet.
Other taxable items:
- Adhesive bandages (unless medicated)
- Baby oil, powder, and creams
- Condoms
- Bath oils, salt, sprays, beads, etc.
- Colognes and perfumes
- Cosmetics
- Cotton balls and swabs
- Denture cleaners and adhesives
- Deodorants
- Feminine hygiene products (douches, wipes, sprays)
- First aid kits
- Hair care products (gel, mousse, spray, color, permanent wave, volumizing, conditioners,
treatments, brushes, combs) - Hand and body lotions
- Moisturizers
- Shaving products
- Vitamins and minerals (See the Dietary Supplements Fact Sheet)
For more detailed and specific information on Grooming and Hygiene Products, you can visit at Grooming and Hygiene Products – Minnesota Department of Revenue