Non-medicated cosmetics and toiletry preparations; non-medicated dentifrices; perfumery, essential oils; bleaching preparations and other substances for laundry use; cleaning, polishing, scouring and abrasive preparations.
Trademark applications and registrations in Class 3 over the past 15 years.
Class 3 is one of the largest trademark classes covering non-medicated cosmetics, toiletry preparations, perfumery, essential oils, bleaching preparations, laundry substances, and cleaning, polishing, scouring, and abrasive preparations. The sheer volume of registrations reflects the massive consumer markets for personal care, beauty, and household cleaning products, where brand differentiation is paramount.
The class's dominant filers — L'Oreal USA Creative, Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, and Procter & Gamble — represent the global beauty and consumer goods conglomerates that drive the majority of Class 3 activity. These entities maintain expansive trademark portfolios covering hundreds of product lines, from mass-market shampoos to prestige fragrances. The class is also among the most popular for direct-to-consumer startups, particularly in skincare and clean beauty, contributing to its consistently high filing volume.
The critical classification boundary in Class 3 is with Class 5. Any cosmetic or toiletry product making medical or therapeutic claims crosses into Class 5 territory. Non-medicated sunscreen is Class 3; sunscreen with FDA drug claims is Class 5. Standard shampoo is Class 3; anti-dandruff shampoo with a drug active ingredient is Class 5. This distinction is not merely academic — the USPTO regularly issues office actions requiring reclassification when applicants describe their goods with language implying therapeutic effect. Cleaning products present a parallel boundary: consumer cleaning products are Class 3, but industrial cleaning chemicals belong in Class 1.
Beauty and personal care brands typically file across Classes 3, 5, 21, and 44 as a coordinated strategy — covering cosmetic products, medicated variants, applicator tools and containers, and salon or spa services. Fragrance brands frequently add Class 4 for scented candles. For large consumer goods companies, Class 3 is nearly always part of a multi-class portfolio anchored by the company's core product lines.
Class 3 includes mainly non-medicated toiletry preparations, as well as cleaning preparations for use in the home and other environments.
| # | Firm | Total |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | L'OREAL USA CREATIVE, INC. | 4,339 |
| 2 | Fross Zelnick Lehrman & Zissu, P.C. | 3,686 |
| 3 | THE PROCTER & GAMBLE COMPANY | 3,038 |
| 4 | Pryor Cashman LLP | 2,984 |
| 5 | LegalForce RAPC Worldwide, P.C. | 2,844 |
| 6 | LZ Legal Services, LLC | 2,821 |
| 7 | The Estee Lauder Companies Inc. | 2,723 |
| 8 | Baker & McKenzie LLP | 1,964 |
| 9 | Ladas & Parry LLP | 1,881 |
| 10 | Greenberg Traurig, LLP | 1,728 |
Editorial deep dives spanning Nice Class 3 and adjacent classes
When the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board cleared its opposition docket in Q4 2025, the people who filed the oppositions mostly walked away winners.
On the last day of the quarter, the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board sustained an opposition brought by the heirs of Diego Armando Maradona against Sattvica S.A.
When the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board decided an opposition on the merits this quarter, the party bringing the challenge usually won.
Explore 192,925 live trademarks in Cosmetics & Cleaning Products. Search by name, owner, or serial number — then filter by Class 3.
Search TrademarksClass 3 covers non-medicated cosmetics and toiletry products. If a product makes medical or therapeutic claims (e.g., anti-fungal shampoo, medicated acne cream), it belongs in Class 5. Standard beauty products without medical claims go in Class 3.
No. Class 3 covers cleaning products (soaps, detergents, polishes). Cleaning services, such as janitorial or maid services, belong in Class 37.
Non-medicated sunscreen for cosmetic purposes is in Class 3. Sunscreen marketed as a medical skin protection product with drug claims belongs in Class 5.
Hair care products (shampoos, styling gels) sold as retail goods belong in Class 3. The salon service itself belongs in Class 44.
Non-medicated CBD skincare products marketed for general cosmetic purposes (moisturizing, anti-aging appearance) belong in Class 3. If the product makes therapeutic or medical claims such as pain relief or inflammation reduction, it crosses into Class 5.
Cosmetic teeth whitening products without drug claims belong in Class 3 alongside other non-medicated dentifrices. Products containing peroxide at concentrations regulated as drugs, or those making therapeutic claims, belong in Class 5.
Yes. Non-medicated pet shampoos and grooming products belong in Class 3. Medicated pet shampoos with veterinary claims (anti-flea, anti-fungal) belong in Class 5 as veterinary preparations.
The most common mistake is including therapeutic language in the goods description, such as "anti-aging cream" or "acne treatment." These phrases imply medical claims and will trigger a USPTO office action requiring reclassification to Class 5. Use cosmetic language like "skin cream" or "facial moisturizer" instead.
Scented candles belong in Class 4, not Class 3. Even though they contain fragrance, candles are classified by their product type (illuminants/wax products), not their scent component. The fragrance oils used in candle-making are Class 3.
Rarely. Most beauty brands should file in Class 3 for their products plus Class 35 for online retail services and Class 44 if they offer salon, spa, or beauty consultation services. Brands with medicated product lines also need Class 5.