A Certificate of Free Sale is a document that provides proof that a product is being freely and legally sold without restriction. It is sometimes also called a “Certificate for Export” or “Certificate to Foreign Governments.” When is a Certificate of Free Sale needed? A Certificate of Free Sale is needed if you are exporting from the US to another … Read More
Why is Regulatory Compliance Important?
When looking at the minutiae of labeling a soap or cosmetic product, it’s easy to forget the big picture. Why are all these regulations in place? Why is it important to comply with them? Why are there regulations at all? Regulations are the rules that are put in place to implement the laws that are passed by Congress. When an … Read More
Making Cosmetics in Nevada
Nevada is one of the states that requires cosmetic manufacturers to register, get inspected and pay fees. If you live in Nevada and are (or are planning to) make and sell any type of handcrafted cosmetics (not including soap) — read on! Nevada Division of Public and Behavioral Health The Environmental Health Section of the Nevada Division of Public and … Read More
California Cosmetic Regulations Updated
Two bills concerning cosmetic manufacturing in California have been working their way through the legislative process. California Governor Jerry Brown just signed AB 2775 on Sept 14th, and SB 1249 went to the Governor on September 12th. What does it mean for handcrafted cosmetics? AB 2775 – Professional Cosmetic Labeling California AB-2775 requires that all cosmetics that are “for professional use … Read More
Making Cosmetics in Connecticut
Connecticut is one of the states that has permit, license and inspection requirements for businesses that make cosmetics (officially called “cosmetic manufacturers”). While these laws and regulations have been on the books since at least 2009 (probably earlier), according to one person making handcrafted cosmetics they have only started to be enforced on small and handcrafted businesses within the last few … Read More
If One, Then All?
“If you put one ingredient on your soap label, you have to list them all” is an idea is being bandied around a lot lately. But is it true? As with most questions about legal stuff and regulations … yes … and no. Cosmetics If the product is a cosmetic, then the answer is a resounding YES. Not only do … Read More
Natural Colorants for Soap & Cosmetics
For most people making and selling handcrafted soap and/or cosmetics “natural colorants” means ingredients such as herbs and spices that will change the color of your product. If you do a Google search for “natural colorants” you will find articles, posts, messages, books, webinars and more detailing the many ways you can make beautiful and colorful products without the use of … Read More
Another FDA Warning Letter
The FDA just published a warning letter to a cosmetic manufacturer in St. Louis. Once again, the FDA reviewed the website and cited drug claims: “…the claims on your website establish that the products are drugs under the … Food Drug and Cosmetic Act … because they are intended for use in the cure, mitigation, treatment, or prevention of disease … Read More
