I make skincare/cosmetics at home or with a small manufacturer, do I need a CDSCO license before I can sell?

Yes, manufacturing cosmetics in India needs a manufacturing license from your State Licensing Authority (CDSCO sets the framework nationally but states issue and inspect), and if you're importing finished products or ingredients, that route runs through CDSCO's central registration instead. Expect roughly 45 days for the manufacturing license including a site inspection, and note it stays valid indefinitely as long as you pay a retention fee every five years. Selling online doesn't need a separate registration on top of this, but your labels, MRP, and claims still have to be Legal Metrology and Cosmetics Rules 2020 compliant regardless of the channel.