Canadian Tariffs on U.S. Beauty & Skincare Products – What It Means for You
By: Ivonne Sanchez | BLOG.IVONNE.CA BY | IVONNE
Published on: February 2, 2025 at 2:41 p.m.
Current Status (Updated April 2026)
As of September 1, 2025, Canada removed the 25% counter-tariff on most U.S. consumer goods—including cosmetics and skincare—that are compliant with the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This means most U.S.-origin beauty products entering Canada are no longer subject to the retaliatory surtax.
What still carries tariffs: Canadian counter-tariffs remain in effect on U.S. steel, aluminum, and automobiles. For the beauty industry, the direct tariff impact has largely subsided for CUSMA-compliant products, though supply chain costs and pricing set during the tariff period may still linger.
What Happened
In February 2025, the Canadian government imposed a 25% tariff on select luxury beauty, skincare, and personal care products imported from the United States. This was a direct response to newly imposed U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods, part of an escalating trade dispute between the two countries.
For boutique cosmetic clinics like ours—and for clients who invest in premium skincare and aesthetic treatments—this led to higher prices for U.S.-sourced beauty products and supplies during the months the tariffs were active.
Products That Were Affected
The tariffs targeted high-end beauty products imported from the U.S., affecting both consumers and businesses in the cosmetic and aesthetics industry.
Cosmetics & Skincare
- Luxury skincare brands (serums, moisturizers, anti-aging treatments)
- Professional-grade medical skincare products
- High-end makeup (foundations, lipsticks, premium eyeshadows)
- Luxury fragrances and perfumes
Personal Care & Aesthetic Treatment Products
- Medical-grade sunscreens and skincare essentials
- Professional post-treatment recovery products
- Luxury bath and body care (soaps, scrubs, body oils)
- Hair restoration and scalp treatments
How Tariffs Work: Who Pays?
Many consumers wonder who actually bears the cost when tariffs are in effect. The reality is that these additional costs get passed down to the buyer in different ways:
Ordering Directly from a U.S. Supplier
When purchasing beauty or skincare products directly from a U.S. supplier, your shipping carrier—such as UPS, FedEx, or Canada Post—collects the applicable duties and taxes upon delivery. This means you pay extra fees before receiving your package, which can significantly increase the total cost of your order.
Buying from a Canadian Retailer
When purchasing a U.S.-made product from a Canadian retailer, that business has already paid the import tariffs. To cover these additional costs, they raise their prices, meaning the consumer ultimately pays more at checkout.
In both cases, tariffs result in higher prices for Canadian consumers—whether through added delivery fees or increased retail prices. Even after tariffs are lifted, prices don't always come back down immediately.
Timeline of Key Events
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| February 4, 2025 | Canada imposes 25% counter-tariffs on select U.S. consumer goods, including beauty and skincare products, in response to U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods. |
| March 2025 | Tariffs expanded to additional U.S. product categories. Trade tensions escalate. |
| September 1, 2025 | Canada removes 25% counter-tariffs on CUSMA-compliant U.S. goods—including most cosmetics and skincare. Tariffs remain on steel, aluminum, and autos. |
| April 2026 | Counter-tariffs on steel, aluminum, and autos remain. Most beauty products trade tariff-free under CUSMA. 85% of Canada-U.S. trade is now tariff-free. |
How This Affected Our Clinic & Clients
Many of our skincare brands and treatment supplies come from both Canada and the U.S. During the tariff period, this impacted pricing and availability. As a boutique cosmetic clinic, we worked to find solutions that kept our treatments accessible while maintaining the highest quality standards.
With the removal of tariffs on CUSMA-compliant goods, the direct cost pressure has eased. However, the trade dispute reinforced the importance of sourcing diversification and supporting Canadian suppliers where possible.
Looking Ahead
Trade policy between Canada and the U.S. continues to evolve. We monitor developments closely and adjust our sourcing to minimize any impact on our clients. All existing packages and scheduled appointments are always honoured at their original pricing.
Where to Get More Information
For the official list of affected products and current tariff status, visit: Canada's Response to U.S. Tariffs – Department of Finance
The Cosmetics Alliance Canada also provides industry-specific updates on trade policy affecting beauty and personal care products.
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Ivonne and her team are ready to guide you through your cosmetic treatment options. Whether you're exploring permanent makeup, laser treatments, or advanced skincare, you'll receive honest, professional advice personalized to your skin, your goals, and your comfort level. We're currently accepting new clients by application.
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