Marie Gale

Hi, I’m Marie Gale.

For over 15 years I’ve been researching and following the world of laws, regulations, standards and guidelines for the handcrafted soap and cosmetic industry. What started as a personal quest to understand soap and cosmetic labeling for my own products has grown into a deep understanding of the myriad of requirements that are handcrafted soap and cosmetics makers are subject to.

My personal passion to assist others to understand and follow the labeling and other requirements grew out of all that research. If I had my way, no handcrafter would ever experience the stress and heartache of unwittingly running afoul of the the laws and regulations.

There is peace of mind in knowing that your are compliant with the applicable regulations. I’m here to help you achieve that stress-free relationship with your products and your business.

Thank you for answering my question. I really appreciate your straight-forward answer. I have not been able to get one before. Sure made a difference to me. … Thank you again for someone who watches out for us. Depending on your very timely research is so refreshing. Thank YOU! — Liz

LATEST BLOG POSTS

  • More on MoCRA – What Now?

    More on MoCRA – What Now?

    Since MoCRA, the Modernization of Cosmetic Regulations Act of 2022, was signed into law as part of the Omnibus Spending Bill last December I’ve gotten a lot of questions about it and what you have to do now.

    Read More…
  • Cosmetic Ingredient Look-Up

    Cosmetic Ingredient Look-Up

    An excellent new cosmetic ingredient look-up database is online where you can look up specific ingredients, get explanations of various substance types and see typical ingredients by product type.

    Read More…
  • Made in “My State” Claims

    Made in “My State” Claims

    The FTC sets standards for the truthfulness of “Made in the USA” claims. Now it looks like a claim that a product is made in a specific state must meet the Made in the USA standard.

    Read More…
  • FTC is Updating the Green Guides

    The FTC has started the every-10-year review of the Green Guides, which are the regulations covering claims that a product or service has “environmental benefits.”

    Read more
  • Organic Regulations Updated

    The USDA announced final updates to the regulations of the National Organic Program. Some of these changes may affect handcrafters using organic ingredients.

    Read more
  • Why Does the FDA Exist?

    Why Does the FDA Exist?

    The FDA recently uploaded a new video, “Why Does the FDA Exist?” to their YouTube channel. It’s gives some interesting insight into how the FDA came into being and why.

    Read more

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Label Review

If you want another set of (experienced) eyes on your label to make sure it meets all the requirements, I can do that. Label reviews take about a week and you get a report covering all the pertinent points, plus a summary of what you should address (if anything). Label reviews are a flat price per label (discounts available if you have several labels to be reviewed).

Consultation

Brochures, signage, and website copy all play a part in the regulations that apply to your product. I can review your copy and let you know if there is anything that you should address to make sure you are in compliance. Phone consultations also available if you just have questions you want answered. Consultations are on an hourly basis (minimum 1/2 hour).

I want my labels to be as close to compliant as I can get them. I took advantage of your label review service and can’t thank you enough for your expert advice. It was money well spent! — N.M.

BOOKS

The Navigating book just arrived yesterday and I am literally blown away! SOOOOOOO comprehensive! I am thrilled to have this as a VALUABLE resource! I can’t thank you enough! Your friendship, guidance and support is just a literal treasure to me! I have been having to learn on the job every. single. day and knowing you are there and using your tools has been absolutely invaluable! — P.L.