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
FDA “Discretionary Enforcement”
Last March, I sent a Freedom of Information Request to the FDA, asking for details on any decisions they had made to use “discretionary enforcement” on some regulations. It seems that are some labeling regulations that the FDA has apparently decided not to enforce … but they haven’t really said anything publicly. That may be why we see so many … Read More
Florida Regulations – Changed 2017
UPDATE (June 24, 2019) — For a concise summary of the most up-to-date details for Florida, see Florida Regs – 2019 Recap. After work by a number of people and groups, the Governor of Florida has just signed new legislation that makes it easier for cosmetic manufacturers in Florida. Prior to the changes Up until now, Florida Cosmetic Manufacturers were … Read More
More About “Natural” Claims
The FDA doesn’t regulate the term “natural” for cosmetics, but the FTC has taken action against deceptive claims of “all natural” cosmetics under their authority over “deceptive practices.” Who Has Authority? When it comes to cosmetic products, their safety and labeling, the FDA has authority. But as an interesting historical note, when the Food Drug and Cosmetic Act was updated … Read More
What about Glitter?
Oooh, pretty! Shiny! Sparkles! Glitter! But can you put it in soap or cosmetics? The FDA regulates color additives that may be used in cosmetics, and “glitter” is not on the list. In fact, the FDA says that glitter is not an approved color additive. BUT, you can see glitter in all sorts of commercial cosmetic products … so what’s … Read More
